(LT1) Header install tips

Im considering installing a set of BBK mid length headers on my 97 Z28 with a M6 this weekend. Wondering if anyone has any install tricks or tips or maybe a walkthrough? Ive installed shorty headers on a third get before and had to remove a valve cover and alternator to get them to slide in. Also, any tips to get the manifolds off a little easier? Any help is much appreciated,
Thanks,
Danny :D

take your time

make sure you have penetrating oil and anti-sieze ready

Be careful to take the dipstick out, you dont want to break it off,
mine went into the pan about 6 inches, so its a lot of pulling
I put some pliars on the bracket and twisted while pulling and it came out quick
Put it in the freezer to put it back in, it works wonders

for the steering linkage, use a screwdriver to pry it out, and possibly a hammer to help it go back in

Gap your spark plugs the night before, you dont want to be doing precision work when your all tired and greasy

Good luck

I took the alternator, the dipstick, and the starter off to install my mid's. They will go in from underneath, not up top. Just make sure you soak the stock manifold bolts down with penetrating oil real good the night before. It should go smooth, mine did, not nearly as bad as everybody made it out to be.

patience, the most important of all. When things feel like they are getting bad and the attitude starts to go south, just walk away and take a little break. These cars can be very frustrating to work on till you get the "order" of how things are done. It is worth the hassle, trust me.

extend and relocate the wires that run down the pass. side inner fender well. They will burn if you dont causing your car to not start. Two of the wires go to the starter.
Steve

anyone done this to a automatic z? if so what kind of time frame am i looking at?

It depends on your skill level and how smoothly the job goes... you can be done in a day or it can take a few days.

theyre on their way now, but i found a shop here locally thats doin it for me for 300 bucks, a performance shop that has done these time and time again,what kind of wires would be recommended? any help would be appreciated.

new to this site,...but old to my share of experiences with my z., gone through it all!!!

theyre on their way now, but i found a shop here locally thats doin it for me for 300 bucks, a performance shop that has done these time and time again,what kind of wires would be recommended? any help would be appreciated.

300 bucks is a good deal for a header install. What kind of headers do you have? If you have long tubes, then I would suggest going with an over-the-valve cover wire setup. If doing shorties or mids, then I would stick with the stock routing and go with an MSD or Taylor replacement wire set.

Buy a good set of gaskets and bolts instead of using the paper gaskets that come with the headers. :)

Here's a header install article that will give you a few tips/tricks. I wrote it about 6 yrs ago. http://lt1howto.com/articles/flpinstall.htm

use copper gaskets!!!!!! summit sells them for 25 bucks IT IS WORTH IT!

Mechanix gloves!

Hey what part of Texas you in? if you are around DFW please tell me who is doing your Header install.

Prepare to bust your knuckles up and use air tools. :lol:

Can you run the stock size wires over the value cover or do you need longer wires to do this?

I think you need longer one's here is a link take a look
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog/?action=vshop&vid=4&pcid=104

I actually bought the Taylor Over the valve cover kit and it ended up being back ordered so when I did the install I just used the stock wires with stock routing and believe it or not have not had a problem none of the wires even come close to the headers.

I still do plan on putting the new wires in at some point just haven't had the time since school restarted

Can you run the stock size wires over the value cover or do you need longer wires to do this?

Either will work, however, if you are going to use the stock routing setup, you may have to use come cable ties to secure some of the wires away from the header primaries.

Would those be plastic cable ties?

Would those be plastic cable ties?

Yes.

Hey what part of Texas you in? if you are around DFW please tell me who is doing your Header install.

where you live?

here in san antonio texas, a place called alamo performance, talk to roy in installation,does them all the time i hear, real good at it! hope it helps.