how hard is it to install long tubes on a 02 trans am? I know i have to put them in from under the car but what all do i have to do to put them in.
thanks

 

Pretty easy, check out installuniversity.com or ls1howto.com. You can also search on here and I'm sure there are threads on how to do it.

Do the Passenger side first since it is the hardest and have a buddy help. It's not too bad as long as you have the right tools...good luck

 

A lift makes it an easy job. Get yourself some tall jack stands otherwise. They make it a hell of a lot easier. Overall it's pretty easy. INSTALL POLY MOTOR MOUNTS WHILE YOU HAVE THE MANIFOLDS OFF! It'll take under an hour to do and you won't have to worry about the Y pipe hitting the floor when you hammer on the car. It's $50 well spent. But installing the headers isn't that bad if you have the car up high and the proper tools. I used air tools and it made the job way easier. Expect some bloody knuckles and cut up forearms. To install them from underneath you may have to jack up on the engine to slide them in.

 

headers are a joke on these cars. really easy. everyone says that you need the car insanley high but you dont. both times i did mine it was on jackstands. i actually just did my motor mounts on jackstands with my friend. make sure you do poly motor mounts. i didnt and i just did them yesterday cuz the y pipe will bang.

 

The brand will determine the ease of the install. I had QTP's and it was a complete nightmare took me 3 days to get them in. Passenger side flew in almost could have litterally thrown them up there. I had the car really high on a jack could stand the header on end without hitting anything but the driver side sucked something fierce. Ended up having to grind the tab on the block, dent the floor pan, and notch the K member. It probably would have been faster for me to drop the k-member and put them on LOL. I've heard all kinds of different stories for different headers. Pacesetters seem to go in easier and my QTP's were supposed to be easier but keep in mind not every part is exactly the same so there could be issues. I didn't do motor mounts but I have no issues with any banging it was just getting them in there. Don't count on anything going perfect and give yourself extra time just in case. You may be lucky and have a simple install or you could have some like mine, just see both sides and be prepared. Keep a grinder around, breaker bar, and a hammer.