LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Longtube headers and engine noise

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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 05:49 PM
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Default Longtube headers and engine noise

Ever since I installed lpp knockoffs headers from ebay, I've noticed I can hear more valvetrain noise. Is this something that is normal when installing stainless headers? I have a friend that has a 4v cobra and asked him since he installed kooks longtubes on his and he said he could also hear more valvtrain noise. I wonder if this holds true for lt1's as well. Let me what you guys think.
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 06:15 PM
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Don't overthink things. If you really want to, you can pull a valve cover and make sure everything is good and well. Probably nothing to worry about.
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 06:17 PM
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+1 ^ as long as everything is adjusted well just go with it, noise is noise...if you don't want that noise, throw a loudmouth on, haha
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Jaxem
+1 ^ as long as everything is adjusted well just go with it, noise is noise...if you don't want that noise, throw a loudmouth on, haha
lol i can vouch for that
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Old Jan 20, 2015 | 09:13 AM
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More thank likely you just have a header leak. Bolts will back out if loctite wasn't used after a few heat cycles.
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Old Jan 20, 2015 | 09:32 AM
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Could be a header leak, however the sound will get louder when the car is under load. It could also be nothing more than exhaust pulse which sounds like a ping since primaries are thinner than manifolds.
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Old Jan 21, 2015 | 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by myltwon
Bolts will back out if loctite wasn't used after a few heat cycles.
I've never used loctite on my headers bolts and have not had any problems.

I have ARP 1" stainless header bolts with Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets(for LT1/LT4). The ARP's allow for a 7" 5/16" boxed end wrench to be used to tighten them. They were still tight after the first few heat cycles and I have not touched them in 4 years.

When tightening a header flange to the heads, start from the center and work your way out to both ends. This will pull the center of the flange to the head first and help to seal the flange if it is slightly warped(both of mine were...).

My Pro mag rockers did get louder with the addition of the long tube headers. Here is a decent video of them and the noise.

Last edited by ACE1252; Jan 21, 2015 at 11:14 PM.
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Old Jan 21, 2015 | 11:35 PM
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If we are talking about heat cycles and bolts.
Definitely get arp stainless 1" bolts as shown. Then cut the header flanges between 1-3, 5-7, 2-4, 6-8. This lets the gasket get compressed for each individual port. No one ever talks about doing this. Just letting you in on a nice trick.
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Old Jan 22, 2015 | 08:23 AM
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From: Jackstandican
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Only thing necessary to avoid header leaks is to tighten the bolts after at least one heat cycle with new gaskets. If you use ARP 5/16" bolts they make access easy for an even clamping force. No loctite necessary.
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Old Jan 22, 2015 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
Only thing necessary to avoid header leaks is to tighten the bolts after at least one heat cycle with new gaskets. If you use ARP 5/16" bolts they make access easy for an even clamping force. No loctite necessary.
Agreed
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Old Jan 22, 2015 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
... It could also be nothing more than exhaust pulse which sounds like a ping since primaries are thinner than manifolds.
^^^ Most likely, this. Headers naturally make a "ticky" noise.
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Old Jan 22, 2015 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by shbox
^^^ Most likely, this. Headers naturally make a "ticky" noise.
Right^^, I have headers and stock catback on my 5.3 Silverado and you can hear the extra noise.. But I'm pretty sure with a louder catback it would all even out..
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