Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Has anyone installed a set of Stainlessworks headers from this first batch? If so, please email me privately.

Thanks
jvd

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Jim,

ZZZZZR1 (Dave Johnson) just installed a set on his 94, I've had a chance to see them and they look great. Dave will have to chime in on the install.

I can tell you one thing, they must flow pretty good because they spit out the guts of one of his brand new Random Cats!

Tell em Dave!

Jeff G

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Good talking to you Jim.

Dave didn't install a set. Stainless works installed them.

And it wasn't the flow that spit the guts out of the cat. The cat was either damaged, or the motor was dumping fuel and killed the cat.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

:mrgreen: Nice one Frank. Nobody likes a dead cat !! :worship:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Love the headers and yes Jeff, I didn't install them(thanks SW). Unsure how the cat got blown out, but SW has offered to replace it. :thumbsup:

JVD mentioned he had issues with a dipstick, but has anyone else had issues? If so, speak up! Only issue I have heard of thus far was an installer had issues with the EGR, but SW walked it thru on the phone (first time install for the installer).

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

re: dipstick

I put SW headers on my 90 a little over a year ago. The dipstick would not line up properly without a slight mod.

Remove (unweld) the mounting bracket midway up the dipstick tube. After you get the headers installed, put the dipstick tube in, then align it to the best bolt on the headers. Mark where you need to reweld the mounting bracket, touch up with some black paint, and reinstall. Be sure to use a new grommet on the bottom.

Forgive the poor instructions above. I'm not the most mechanically able but once you look at it and how it works, it should be fairly obvious on how to do it. I had a friend with a welder help me and I think it took him all of 5 minutes to made the mod.

Good luck,

George

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I put a set of SW headers on just before Carlisle and all went smooth. Even got all 28 bolts in to. Used Jeffvette's tip on how to bolt down the dipstick.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I just had a set installed last week on a 90, along with a Heiback Performance Chip. The only problem the installer had was w/ the EGR which he worked through w/ a call to SW as Dave mentioned in a previous post. The car runs and sounds awesome.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I don't understand about the dipstick:icon_scra

I have Jeal headers and the dipstick is mounted between cylinder #4 and #2 header tubes to the top second screw(front to back cylinder #2 tube)
I just have to use one of the facory spacers.

What is the dipstick problem with the SW's?

Pete

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

The factory bolt will not fit in the space allocated.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

yes i agree with jeff the pipe is in the way the only way i got around it was to grind down the spacer and do the same to the integrated washer on the factory bolt. i had to grind it to the size of the bolt head. one other thing would have been to include an extention for the passenger side o2 sensor . i made my own but could understand the frustrating thoughts some could go through have the install all done ,but then have to have someone make an o2 sensor ext. i remember when i bought my jeals 4 years ago i had everything to do the job. jmho

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Yeap,bought my Jeals almost 10 years ago,they came with O2 wires
and pipes to fit bother early and late model ZR-1's.

Jeff,thanks now i understand.

Pete

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Pete I remember when you ordered your Jeals.. wow time flies

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Well, yep, we had several issues. Our install vehicle was a 1995 and we had an issue with the dipstick. Namely, it had to be bent and relocated before it would fit on the headers. I should also point out that the header set we installed were the "short" type, or, the type you would buy to fit your factory cats and exhaust. There are/were other problems.

The RH extension piece supplied by SW was too long and did not fit. This creates a major problem as the piece also has a unique compound bend to each end. No one locally had the equipment to modify this piece so we elected to cut the 1 1/2 in too long piece out of the middle, then tig the piece back together. It worked perfectly, though I do not like having a cross cut in this extension piece.

When we were installing, I questioned the use of the blue "rubber" type hose extension which is supposed to be for the EGR. The SW headers have an EGR provision, but the factory tubing is some 8 inches too short to reach it. So, they include the hose, which they said was some special type of hi heat silicon. It isn't. It's heater hose. Our customer drove home, (500 miles) and the hose was in pieces and burned into powder. :mad:

I called SW and asked for some tech suport, and was assured I would hear back within the hour. Four hours later I called again and this time Jim answered. He was not aware of the problem but said he would look into the solution and get back to me. I'm waiting to hear back.

It doesn't have to be said but tech support from a manufacturer is a very important part of the business and that hasn't been stellar to say the least at this point. I have also heard from others that there have been problems in this area. I will let you know how this issue is resolved.

So the bottom line is if you are thinking about the SW short OEM type replacment headers, you might wait until we get the bugs out before going too much further. [-X

jvd in bg

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Jim,
What do you use to seal the bottom of the dipstick in the pan?

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

We use the OEM seal, little rubber thingymobobber. Are they discontinued? I remember back in '95 when a guy at the plant told me they were and sent me a whole bag full.....they're 'round here somewhere....
jvd in bg

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Just so everyone knows we have over 30 of these systems installed on ZR-1's.

First the EGR hose is the same one that GM uses. There is only one reason this hose would melt. If the LT5 is not tuned right, for example an after market chip was added and excess fuel was being injected the headers will run super hot. This happen on one other ZR-1 and that was the problem found.

If the owner from Mich contacts me we will replace any part he needs or even make a custom piece if need be.

As far as the O2 sensors the wires are long enough. If yours doesn't fit it's either because the wire is not being fully stretch or has been modify in the past.

For the dipstick issue if anyone can send me pictures I would love to see them. Also let me know which headers you installed and year of ZR-1.

SW will do whatever it takes to make it right.

Thanks!
zr1net@zr1.net

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

i dont mean to differ with the above , but there was no way my o2 sensor wire was modified in any way not the harness it was connected to or the brand new o2 sensor i bought for the install . mine was 8 inches to short .i even cked the wiring on both cars . unless they made it longer on the years after 92? i am just stating what i found and sharing in the hopes future sets can be improved upon . if we dont share it cant be made better and thats all i would like to see .

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Hey there Dave, yes there are some conditions that can cause a "hotter" exhaust, but this isn't the case on this particular vehicle. That type of mis-calibration will also cause a meltdown of the cats and 02's themselves but you've really got to be pretty far off cal for this to occur. After all, the ECM will also have a say in the mixture control etc.

I'm not one to argue with good 'ol Mom :), but I've been around just as long and in fact, this is what we do (since 1990). Contrary to the statement above, this is NOT the same hose that GM uses. GM has uses a somewhat flexible METAL line and this is a RUBBER hose that SW said was actually a Napa heater hose. To say there is "only one reason this hose would melt" is a pretty strong statement to make, and not true in this case. Only "one" reasons are pretty rare in today's world anyway.:) Besides, what happens to one vehicle isn't necessarily the "norm" for all vehicles.

I'm not sure if a different type of provision is used on their different styles, but in the case of the short type system, the factory EGR tube isn't long enough. This hose will not hold up to exhaust gas and this was recognized by Jim at SW. He suggested a longer metal extension and I agreed. We are trying to figure out how to get a mockup.

In any case, the purpose of my post was to gather information and share our first experience with the SW product. As with any new venture, there are certainly some growing pains which must be gone through. My goal is by working together, we can benefit many here on the list, like we have since the beginning.

Thanks for all your input, we'll keep you posted.

jvd in bg

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

glad to see that you are working with them to make this a better deal.and thankyou for asking for our input .once again i did not mean to come off like i was bitching , just sharing to make things better . its nice that this company supports our cars as they do , for that i am very thankfull:thumbsup:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Understand and didn't mean to imply that these could be the only reasons for a short wire. We just haven't seen it on a regular basis so if others have had this issue we want to know. Maybe it is a particular year? :icon_scra

We will be doing an install on a '90 soon at SW so we'll see if any of these issues come up.

Thanks!

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I agree the goal here is to make the best product possible so we need to recognize and correct any real issues.

Any issues found need to be well documented and pictures help a great deal in quickly resolving these problems.

I will work closely with SW to resolve any problems we have with installations and will report them here.

Thanks!

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Dave were they all fitted with EGR?


GM on the right, SW on the left.

http://www.pnwzr1.com/images/SSW_Headers/tubes.JPG

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

The passenger side O2 harness on 90-92 comes from the front side of the motor. In 93, GM routed it coming down from the back side of the block.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Mom this being the case they will need a pair of O2 extender harnesses. As stated by several posters the 90-92s are differnet as a part of the solid cat movement vs the 93-95 crowd.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

no wonder they didnt have a problem with the first install on the o2 , so its just the 90-92 that need an extention . sure is fun getting to the passenger side connector on both my 90-92:redface:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Look you guys are knit picking at least on the O2 wires,simple fix.
JVD on the pipes, you should try fitting the other brand of headers made for our cars, Oh wait there isn't anyone else.

Just be glad somebody makes headers for our cars.

JVD just help fix the pipe problems with SW for future ZR-1 installers.

I don't know how the EGR stuff is, can you weld stainless AN ends with a stainless flex pipe
Sometimes we have to think outside the box.

Pete

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Hi Jim.
Sorry to pester you with such a little thing... If/When you find the dipstick tube seal can I purchase one? My SW headers are still boxed but DO need to be installed. If you run across them and are willing to part with one (I suspect others are interested also), I would be grateful for an email with paypal or other payment info. It would be nice to go in with a new seal. Not in a hurry just hoping to connect, so to speak, at some point. Thanks. John R.Sullivan john.sullivan@protective.com 847-275-4841 ;)

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

So a further update, I spoke with the man himself Marc Haibeck who has installed many of these. Also spoke with SW.

1. O2 Sensors:

For '90 -92 ZR-1's the DRIVERS side wire will reach however you have to do the following. There is a black plastic sheath that has extra wire inside of it. If you cut open this sheath you can pull out enough wire to reach.

For '93 - '95 ZR-1's the DRIVERS side cable is long enough.

For '90 - '92 ZR-1's the PASSENGER side cable is too short and you need an 18" extension. For those that need it SW will supply you one for free.

For '93 - '95 ZR-1's the PASSENGER side cable is long enough.


So what it all comes down to is for the 405hp ZR-1's you're all set. For the 375hp ZR-1's you need an O2 extension for the right side.

Also important you tie wrap the cables as to not touch the headers.

One other note for "93 - "95 owners if you want longer cables you can buy the '90-'92 O2 sensors which will work and they have longer cables then the '93-'95 O2 sensors.

2. EGR extension hose:

First only the '93 to '95 ZR-1's even need this for emissions. If you don't need to pass emissions in your state you don't need it and can program the memcal to turn it off.

On the hose itself SW has been using this hose for years on many other models, like mustangs, camaros, etc with no issues.

3. Oil drip stick:

Still looking into this. I need more info, pictures etc. Once SW does the install for the '90 we'll know more as well.

Thanks!

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

ahhh.. No Pete :dontknow:we are not nit picking we were ALL asked about specific issues as ZZZZZr1 asked to post those issues up in post #6 and the responses so far ARE valid. With the end goal of making a better product as discussed by ZR1MOM. Yes it is good to have a another header option for those of us that are not running Jeals. However the issues brought up are not invalidated because a single product is available. Hopefully SSW is taking notes and continues to push a better product in the near term. The oil dipstick problem and the EGR tubing are issues that could be easily resolved. The wire harness extension is more of just an annoyance factor from GM in the early years which bothered them enough to reroute the wires. The attempt here is to not slam anybody, but post up what we have all seen, know or at least heard. GC

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

very nice update ,it seems like the issues are getting fixed very quickly . shows how much stainless works cares :thumbsup:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I installed my SW headers on my 90 Z two weeks ago.

Issues:
1. Oil dip stick bracket could not be bolted up. Factory spacer & bolt would not work. #4 exhaust tube interfered w/long bolt & spacer. Tried shortening bolt & spacer, could not get it to work. Ended up cutting the bracket off the dip stick tube, welded it back on to the oppisite side of tube & it fits w/SW bolt & no spacer.

2. Headers had EGR tube in passenger side header. Cut tube off flush & welded patch over hole.

3. Passenger side O2 sensor wiring was too short, made extension & installed.

4. Passenger side extension tube behind cat was too long, cut approximately an inch off both ends of extension.

5. I live in CA & the AIR injection system is required to pass smog. I removed the AIR tubes from my factory exhaust & installed (welded) them to the SW's.

System sounds great, seat of the pants it pulls much stronger in upper rpm range (5-7,000).

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Thanks Don, helpful and productive comments :handshak:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

They really do care and want to make sure you're happy. Is it perfect yet no but with everyones help we will make it perfect.

Thanks!

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Thanks ZR1DON this is the kind of info we need. :thumbsup:

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Just curious, what is different with this latest run of them? Haven't people been installing these for a few years successfully?

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Was just wondering if there was any word regarding my original problem, the EGR fix? I haven't heard a word from their customer service.
thanks

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

I bought my SW's just before the GP in Bowling Green at the Gathering in May. The install went well, but I needed the extensions on both sides. If you want to route the wires and have them out of the way with a professional install in mind, the extensions are needed. Not doubting Marc Haibeck..... you can get the driver side to plug in, but its still too tight in my opinion.

Re: Anyone with StainlessWorks headers
 

Just a followup note regarding Stainless Works. Though they promised to get back to me regarding the EGR pipe extension, I haven't heard a word from their customer service or tech dept. Not good...