What changes will I need for just headers?
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Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
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What changes will I need for just headers? Hey all,
The search function isn't working at the moment, hopefully someone will have an easy answer so I don't get flamed for what's probably answered somewhere in the old threads
I've installed a stock 01 LS1 in my RX7, and the only non-stock component I'm using is long tube headers. I've got HPTuners, so when I am ready to fire it up I can take out VATS and the rear O2's, and change tire size/gearing, etc. I plan on staying stock for awhile, so I don't really want to spend big $ on a full-blown dyno tune yet.
My question is this: with the headers, is there anything I need to change to avoid running rich or lean and causing problems/damage? I'm not worried about the maximum power I can get right now; I actually only used headers so I wouldn't have to do the exhaust twice. Anyone out there that's changed headers only and compensated for it with quick tuning changes?
The search function isn't working at the moment, hopefully someone will have an easy answer so I don't get flamed for what's probably answered somewhere in the old threads
I've installed a stock 01 LS1 in my RX7, and the only non-stock component I'm using is long tube headers. I've got HPTuners, so when I am ready to fire it up I can take out VATS and the rear O2's, and change tire size/gearing, etc. I plan on staying stock for awhile, so I don't really want to spend big $ on a full-blown dyno tune yet.
My question is this: with the headers, is there anything I need to change to avoid running rich or lean and causing problems/damage? I'm not worried about the maximum power I can get right now; I actually only used headers so I wouldn't have to do the exhaust twice. Anyone out there that's changed headers only and compensated for it with quick tuning changes?
If you're not worried about getting the most out of the motor, you don't need to change anything. Tons of LS1 f-bodies are running around with headers and a stock tune. The only thing that is common is deleting the rear O2's so we don't get an SES light, but that can be done by using software or O2 sims ($80). Other nice to haves are rear C5 O2's to replace the stock O2's. There's a bunch of threads about the Bosch 13111's (I think that's the right #) and how they read better and have a longer wire that doesn't require f-body owners to get O2 extensions. Other than that, there are some minor effects headers have on the tune like O2 mV's reading slightly higher causing the car to run a little richer. But, like I said, it's minor. G/L with getting it dialed in and post some videos when you do! 
Originally Posted by 99blackbirdls1
i want to know how the hell you put an ls1 in an rx7
Most stock ls1's with headers run rich, not lean so that is not a huge concern You could tune it, but no damage should result. My car stock tuning and longtubes has a 12.5 airfuel ratio.
Ryan
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
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Thanks for the responses guys. HPTuners will take care of the rear O2's and I have one Vette O2 for the driver's side - the passenger side stock O2 plug is long enough. Using different O2's won't matter I don't think.
If it's going to just run a little bit rich I can deal with that for now. Just wanted to make sure nothing would be harmed. I'll get it tuned on the dyno once I install a cam, heads or both.
As far as fitting in the car, there's actually a good amount of room. Here's a few pics, I can post more if anyone is interested.
If it's going to just run a little bit rich I can deal with that for now. Just wanted to make sure nothing would be harmed. I'll get it tuned on the dyno once I install a cam, heads or both.
As far as fitting in the car, there's actually a good amount of room. Here's a few pics, I can post more if anyone is interested.
Mmmm nice car, clean swap! Yeah people have been putting SBC's in RX7's for years, and they are slightly larger.
FWIW, when I installed headers on my LS1, my wideband read the same AFR as before.
FWIW, when I installed headers on my LS1, my wideband read the same AFR as before.
Teching In
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It sounds scarryto me running one 02 sensor. That will not allow the enjine to going into open loop mode. You can buy wiring extenions from just about header mfr..
HP Tuners will allow you to get your car dialed in. You will be too lean w/headers.
Yea, it looks like one hell of ride.!
HP Tuners will allow you to get your car dialed in. You will be too lean w/headers.
Yea, it looks like one hell of ride.!
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Thread Starter
Teching In
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Originally Posted by warp 10
It sounds scarryto me running one 02 sensor. That will not allow the enjine to going into open loop mode. You can buy wiring extenions from just about header mfr..
HP Tuners will allow you to get your car dialed in. You will be too lean w/headers.
Yea, it looks like one hell of ride.!
HP Tuners will allow you to get your car dialed in. You will be too lean w/headers.
Yea, it looks like one hell of ride.!
I guess I wasn't clear enough when I said I have one Vette O2 to reach the driver's side - I do have the other O2 for the passenger side, I just didn't need the longer wiring harness of the Vette part for that side. So I'll have the front 2 intact, and the rears will be deleted with HPTuners.
The other guys said I'd be a little rich with just headers - are you referring to it running lean if I only ran one O2? Or are you contradicting what they said? I'd much rather run rich than lean. If you know something I don't please fill me in. Thanks!
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Originally Posted by Crash Test Joey
Hopefully I'll get this damn thing wired up and running before I get too old to do the work. It should be a pretty nice ride, they weigh a little over 2800 lbs with this conversion - significantly lighter than an F-body, and still lighter than any stock weight Vette by a couple hundred lbs I think.
I guess I wasn't clear enough when I said I have one Vette O2 to reach the driver's side - I do have the other O2 for the passenger side, I just didn't need the longer wiring harness of the Vette part for that side. So I'll have the front 2 intact, and the rears will be deleted with HPTuners.
The other guys said I'd be a little rich with just headers - are you referring to it running lean if I only ran one O2? Or are you contradicting what they said? I'd much rather run rich than lean. If you know something I don't please fill me in. Thanks!
I guess I wasn't clear enough when I said I have one Vette O2 to reach the driver's side - I do have the other O2 for the passenger side, I just didn't need the longer wiring harness of the Vette part for that side. So I'll have the front 2 intact, and the rears will be deleted with HPTuners.
The other guys said I'd be a little rich with just headers - are you referring to it running lean if I only ran one O2? Or are you contradicting what they said? I'd much rather run rich than lean. If you know something I don't please fill me in. Thanks!
