Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Header install, possible problems?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 06:02 PM
  #1  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default Header install, possible problems?

Okay so I finally got the time to put my new stainless headers in my car. It took me about 6-7 hrs worth of work. Passenger side was a PITA, but anyways I just wanted some feedback on others who have put headers in.
When you first start the car open headers, does the car seem to vibrate? or rattle some? My thinking is that the collector is vibrating since it doesnt have the rest of the exhaust hooked up, but i'm not real sure. Just wondering if this is normal or if something is rubbing/touching?
Thanks fellas!
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 06:33 PM
  #2  
PheonixLS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

Did you change your MM or are they the originals??
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 07:09 PM
  #3  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

They are the originals...They aren't worn out. Car's got 80k on it
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:20 PM
  #4  
PheonixLS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Redf02rmula
They are the originals...They aren't worn out. Car's got 80k on it
Bro, my car had 90xxx miles on it and mine where SQUASHED! Replace your MM with Poly's and you will eleminate your problem. Also will help you avoid your collectrs smacking the floor pan when you get on it and setting off your knock sensor.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:23 PM
  #5  
TransWS6Am's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 2
From: Battlecreek, MI / Mansfield, OH
Default

my stock motor mounts only had 65,000 on them when i switched them out to poly's last summer. They were in pretty bad shape.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:23 PM
  #6  
senicalj4579's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 24
Default

Those mounts can go pretty quick. get some poly ones. I just did mine.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:31 PM
  #7  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

My longtubes aren't even close to hitting the floor pan...
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:32 PM
  #8  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

How hard is it to replace MM anyways...?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:36 PM
  #9  
01transampower's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 3
From: CO
Default

Motor mounts aren't bad. As long as you got good Drill bits and a drill press. other wise they can be kinda a pain. plus the process of getting them out. Pulling the alternator as well as moving the a/c pump forward and removing its mounting bracket. All together my poly mm's and long tube, ory instulation took about 35-40 hours.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 09:42 PM
  #10  
TransWS6Am's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 2
From: Battlecreek, MI / Mansfield, OH
Default

Originally Posted by 01transampower
Motor mounts aren't bad. As long as you got good Drill bits and a drill press. other wise they can be kinda a pain. plus the process of getting them out. Pulling the alternator as well as moving the a/c pump forward and removing its mounting bracket. All together my poly mm's and long tube, ory instulation took about 35-40 hours.
damnnn, I could drop the engine/tranny/k-member out of the car, install the poly motor mounts, install the headers, slide the engine back under the car and re-install in less than 35-40 hours.

I've always installed headers with the engine out of the car untill a few weeks ago when I swapped out my TSP 1 7/8's for Kooks 1 7/8's the whole process took 4 hours TOPS. The key to installing long tubes with the engine in the car is having a lift, or atleast LARGE jackstands to get the car atleast 2' - 2 1/2' off the ground.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 10:08 PM
  #11  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

Ya see I didn't have a lift..the bottom of my tires were maybe a foot off the ground, or foot and half. It was tough. I wish I had a lift.
I honestly don't think it's the MM, it doesn't vibrate when it's idling.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 10:12 PM
  #12  
TransWS6Am's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (41)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 2
From: Battlecreek, MI / Mansfield, OH
Default

So these are "ebay" headers? are you sure the headers aren't contacting the k-member/ steering linkage etc..... the ebay stuff is notorious for that.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 10:17 PM
  #13  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

Yep Prouud of my $180 headers lol... ya i'm sure i grinded some of the K member off on both sides, no problem. It's got a good 1inch to 1.5 inches from the steering arm.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 06:16 AM
  #14  
PheonixLS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 01transampower
Motor mounts aren't bad. As long as you got good Drill bits and a drill press. other wise they can be kinda a pain. plus the process of getting them out. Pulling the alternator as well as moving the a/c pump forward and removing its mounting bracket. All together my poly mm's and long tube, ory instulation took about 35-40 hours.
Really?!?! I did my LT's, Poly MM, and had to redo the front end of my TD's for the hiflow cats and I was done in 16-20 hours and I have never done this before....
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 06:41 AM
  #15  
omarrakeen's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 1
From: UAE, Dubai.
Default

depends on how bad it shakes. id say hook up the full exhaust then see. its too late to install the mounts unless you want to go thru the header install again? massaging the K member or floor might help, you need to check where exactly its touching. good luck.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 07:53 AM
  #16  
01transampower's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 3
From: CO
Default

Well I didn't have enough hight out of my jackstands even as high I could get them. Then I just kept having problems and more problems. Plus no help at all. I did them by myself. So it took a little longer crawling out from under the car then out then back under and so on.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 10:10 AM
  #17  
PheonixLS1's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

O, yeah that makes way more sense. I had help and a lift, air tools and everything else. Props to you, I don't think I would have been able to do it by myself, let alone on jack stands dor that matter...
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 12:12 PM
  #18  
Redf02rmula's Avatar
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for all the help fellas...I'm just gonna hook up the rest of the exhaust and go from there.
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 03:26 PM
  #19  
JrodCamaro's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Kansas
Default

Not meaning to thread jack, just wanted to ask a question and don't feel there's need to start a new thread for it. Will be going to LT's and a true dual next week, wanting to change the motor mounts while I'm at it. Everyone says poly mounts, but I can't find them anywhere. All I can find are prothane and solid mounts. Help? Would be interested in a kit for trans and motor mounts if a good one is recommended.
Thanks
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2011 | 04:08 PM
  #20  
johnLs1camaro's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (28)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 4
From: NA,Indiana/louisville, ky
Default

on my lift, it take a couple hours to swap out headers. to me though the motor mounts were a pita. I agree with the guys though, you might need new mounts.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:23 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE