Header install tips and tricks?? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

-=Jeff=- · 04-17-2009

Okay, my powder coated parts are suppose to be here today but UPS dropped the ball and I doubt I will see them until Monday

So, I might have time either tomorrow or sunday.. I am thinking of tackling the headers.. Brake booster it removed on the drivers side which may help.

I am looking for any/all tips and tricks to help..

the Z is sitting on a Kwiklift right now. if I dont have to remove the tires it might be better, but I will manage if that needs to be done

so open for any help

thanks

tomtom72 · 04-17-2009

I know I shouldn't speak to this because my headers are still in my living room, in the box!

....but when I was doing my shocks & had the wheel well liner panels out I was marveling at how I could actually see the exhaust manifold flange and how many bolts the factory couldn't get in!

The dipstick tube bracket may not work in the OE configuration.
Watch the steering shaft clearance.
Extensions for the O2 sensors.
Wrap the clutch hyd line from heat, and wrap any electricial lines from the heat, my thinking is the heat shields are now gone??

yea, pretty feeble! That's all I've come up with except for fitting the rest of the exhaust system to the collectors but I think that has to be done one a case by case deal.

Jagdpanzer · 04-17-2009

Here are a couple of web sites I found useful when installing my headers last summer:

http://www.bcvettes.org/

http://www.pnwzr1.net/PNWZR1.htm

I can't imagin removing the stock exhaust or installing headers without taking wheel well liner panels out.

jonszr1 · 04-17-2009

done 3 sets ,the hardest part is trying not to cut your hands on the heatshields when taking off the stk system . these are some of the easiest headers i have ever installed .just have some bengay for sore muscles from contorting

Jagdpanzer · 04-17-2009

Be sure to clean the head bolt holes out very well so the new header bolts turn in as easy as possible. I used Stage 8 header bolts:

http://www.stage8.com/products_lhb.html

However, I did not feel it was necessary to install the locking tabs that came with the bolts. Summit has listing for a set of 32 bolts specifically for ZR-1:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...8&autoview=sku

The small 12 point 8 mm head provided a little extra clearance in the harder to get at holes.

-=Jeff=- · 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

Be sure to clean the head bolt holes out very well so the new header bolts turn in as easy as possible. I used Stage 8 header bolts:

http://www.stage8.com/products_lhb.html

However, I did not feel it was necessary to install the locking tabs that came with the bolts. Summit has listing for a set of 32 bolts specifically for ZR-1:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...8&autoview=sku

The small 12 point 8 mm head provided a little extra clearance in the harder to get at holes.

I have gaskets, bolts and oil Dipstick bracket from Jeff vette..

Which side is more of a PITA?

XfireZ51 · 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagdpanzer

...

I can't imagine removing the stock exhaust or installing headers without taking wheel well liner panels out.

Agreed.

Jagdpanzer · 04-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

Which side is more of a PITA?

If this your first go at it like me, it will be the first side you tackle regardless if its port or starboard. Second side will be a lot easier due to what you learned on the first side. With that said, in my case I would have to say the driver's side is a bit more difficult all factors being equal because of the steering shaft.

GOLDCYLON · 04-17-2009

The inner wheel panels need to come out of the way without a doubt. And the dipstick tube issue has been covered unless your running JEALS

. Not sure on Watsons buts Dom may have some input on that since hes running them. Can we assume these are stainless works headers Jeff? I only ask as you did not say.

Without a doubt you will need O2 extenders for at least one side maybe both. And the drivers side is the bear due to the steering shaft as the turn.

Ccmano · 04-17-2009

I had Al do it... worth every penny

H

04-17-2009	#1
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,169	Header install tips and tricks?? Okay, my powder coated parts are suppose to be here today but UPS dropped the ball and I doubt I will see them until Monday So, I might have time either tomorrow or sunday.. I am thinking of tackling the headers.. Brake booster it removed on the drivers side which may help. I am looking for any/all tips and tricks to help.. the Z is sitting on a Kwiklift right now. if I dont have to remove the tires it might be better, but I will manage if that needs to be done so open for any help thanks __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Flowmaster Cats - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

04-17-2009	#2
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,645	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? I know I shouldn't speak to this because my headers are still in my living room, in the box! ....but when I was doing my shocks & had the wheel well liner panels out I was marveling at how I could actually see the exhaust manifold flange and how many bolts the factory couldn't get in! The dipstick tube bracket may not work in the OE configuration. Watch the steering shaft clearance. Extensions for the O2 sensors. Wrap the clutch hyd line from heat, and wrap any electricial lines from the heat, my thinking is the heat shields are now gone?? yea, pretty feeble! That's all I've come up with except for fitting the rest of the exhaust system to the collectors but I think that has to be done one a case by case deal. __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member

04-17-2009	#3
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? Here are a couple of web sites I found useful when installing my headers last summer: http://www.bcvettes.org/ http://www.pnwzr1.net/PNWZR1.htm I can't imagin removing the stock exhaust or installing headers without taking wheel well liner panels out. Last edited by Jagdpanzer; 04-17-2009 at 04:10 PM.

04-17-2009	#4
jonszr1 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: lone pine and mammoth lakes Posts: 1,407	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? done 3 sets ,the hardest part is trying not to cut your hands on the heatshields when taking off the stk system . these are some of the easiest headers i have ever installed .just have some bengay for sore muscles from contorting

04-17-2009	#5
Jagdpanzer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,661	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? Be sure to clean the head bolt holes out very well so the new header bolts turn in as easy as possible. I used Stage 8 header bolts: http://www.stage8.com/products_lhb.html However, I did not feel it was necessary to install the locking tabs that came with the bolts. Summit has listing for a set of 32 bolts specifically for ZR-1: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...8&autoview=sku The small 12 point 8 mm head provided a little extra clearance in the harder to get at holes.

04-17-2009	#9
GOLDCYLON Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 9,155	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? The inner wheel panels need to come out of the way without a doubt. And the dipstick tube issue has been covered unless your running JEALS . Not sure on Watsons buts Dom may have some input on that since hes running them. Can we assume these are stainless works headers Jeff? I only ask as you did not say. Without a doubt you will need O2 extenders for at least one side maybe both. And the drivers side is the bear due to the steering shaft as the turn. __________________ GOLDCYLON - 91 ZR-1 #2014 GOLDCYLON - 90 ZR-1 #2794, 4L60e (Formerly Schrade's) GOLDCYLON - 11 CTS-V Arizona State Director 91 WHITE/BLACK #2014. 380 P&P&PCed,Ported Heads, Jeal Long tubes, Corsa Exhaust/FIKSE FM-5s /LED TLs, LED Headlights, Front Wilwood 6 piston narrowlite calipers and rear Wilwood caliper street shop mod,CNCed Coolant Pipes,TPI Cvr,Filter cover,Stainless Bolts, DRM/DOM PROM /ZFDOC mod build #102,DRLs,BMAD with stainless Debris Screen,Coplan Air Blaster, Pioneer APP Radio 4,Brey-Krause HB,Sub Bar,Fire extinguisher seat mount,DRM Coilovers,LEDs everywhere,Compass mirror (orange),V1 DIC hidden display, Homelink sun visor, Carbon Fiber top x3 and APSIS Carbon Fiber interior, APSIS CF Steering Wheel/NAPA Leather, Banski trailing arms, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension) ZFDoc drive shaft safety loop, raptor shift light (orange),AO engineering louver front plate, Console seat cushion, 96CE seats with black custom Sheepskins, ss billet catch can,Viper remote entry/alarm,Cragar Rear Louvers,LED side louver lights, Dewitts Radiator with SPAL fans and a Woods 160 T-Stat 90 RED/BLACK #2794. 4L60e Automatic Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless Headers, Corsa Exhaust, SAN Secondaries and Haibeck PROM, Exotic Muscle Coil overs, LED Interior Lights, LED Tail Lights, LED Headlights, 94 Sport seats with black custom Sheepskins , Cragar rear louvers, GS Front calipers, Banski Trailing arms, APSIS Carbon Fiber steering wheel, Front and Rear Baer Eradispeeds, DRLs, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension), Dewitt's Raditor with Dual SPAL fans and a Haibeck 170 T-Stat 11 RED/GREY CTS-V Last edited by GOLDCYLON; 04-17-2009 at 06:31 PM.

04-17-2009	#10
Ccmano Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 2,852	Re: Header install tips and tricks?? I had Al do it... worth every penny H __________________ 90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold.