Gentlemen, My first post, so be kind, or at least helpful. I've won a set of the long tube Finish Line Performance headers, y-pipe, cats, & straights and am trying to anticipate my installation needs. I should get them this comming week or next. So far I'm guessing: poly engine mounts; possibly o2 extenders (obd1-94model); ss 1" bolts with lock washers; I have the GM factory sand- wish exhaust gaskets; Bosch 4+ plugs (while I'm there). If anyone has done this install and has any hints, they would be greatly appreciated. Hope I can return the favor. On that not, I've seen tons of questions about LT1 misses over 5100 rpm or so. It seems may folks, after many miles, throw money at the opti, wires, plugs, or fuel pump without having their injectors cleaned. Just a thought guys. While I'm at it, I'll probably replace the manifold gaskets and install 1.6 ss roller rockers. Later comes the S/C.
Thanks, JayP

 

Try a set of copper gaskets.... e.g. Mr. Gasket UltaSeal Copper. Make sure they are the LT1 D-port gaskets, and not a set of conventional SBC (Gen 1) gaskets.

By '1" bolts with lock washers', do you mean the Stage 8 locking bolts? ARP bolts seem to work well also.

Do not use "gimmick" spark plugs. The Bosch +4 offer no advantage and the 4 ground straps may actually shroud the spark to the detriment of performance. A set of NGK's will work as well or better.

Consider a pair of new O2 sensors, but do not install them until the headers have been driven a week or so... there's some indication the cera-metallic coating initial burnoff may contaminate the sensors.

 

Thanks for your suggestions. I don't like gimmicks either. Myron Cottrell of TPIS and Cottrell Racing Engines claims they last 3 times as long as conventional with 6.4 extra hp and 6.2 more lbs. ft. torque. (TPIS catalog, p.6) If you have some different personal experience, please let me know. Thanks again, Jay

 

Injuneer made good points and recommendations. One thing I thought would be worth mentioning would be to buy a couple of cans of PB Blaster and really spray all of the old bolts and let them sit. I let mine sit for a couple of days. When dissassembly time came, every bolt came undone without a problem. I have heard of too many horror stories of people snapping exhaust manifold bolts into the head. As for gaskets, there are alot of aftermarket options. I personally went with the Fel-Pro 1406s and haven't had any issues with leaks. As for the extensions, I went with a pair of 12" extensions. A set of locking header bolts would be a good investment considering the likelihood of the header bolts loosening up and creating an exhaust leak. And finally, while you have the old manifolds and y-pipe out, it would be the best time to upgrade to those poly motor mounts.

 

Thanks for the input. JayP