i was thinking about buyin a set of BBK shorty headers for my 96 z28. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me how hard they are to install. From what i know the kit i would be buying comes with gaskets and all hardware. I currently have a magnaflow exaust on there the cats i believe are stock though. I just would like to know if it is a tough job to install them or what. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Are you getting the "dual-cat" setup, that uses your stock Y-pipe/cats? OR would you be doing a single-cat conversion?

The gaskets and bolts that come with most headers are poor quality. Get a set of Felpro header gaskets or Mr. Gasket Ultra-seal copper gaskets (LT1 D-port). Get a set of ARP header bolts, or consider the Stage 8 locking header bolts. When you receive the headers, first thing you do is put a straight edge on the main flange, to insure it is flat. If its warped, you'll never stop them from leaking.

 

I have these headers on my 96z28. They are not that difficult to install and I like them better than the pacesetter shorties. Only problem I have is the driver side flange is not in the correct spot. If you are ordering the 1997-1997 headers, and using the stock cats you may have a problem with the driver side cat hitting the frame of the car. Also you will have to cut the y-pipe so you can install the pice of pipe that connects to the passanger side header flange. Felpro gaskets and stage 8 locking bolts are a good idea also.

 

ok.. well what exactly would i need in order to have it all fit and work properly. I was looking to maybe buy that BBK kit and hi flow cats from magnaflow. Will that work? do i need anything else?

 

I just put in a magnaflow cat on the driver side a couple of days ago. It works great; it is a lot smaller than the stock cat and clears the frame. You should be good with the magnaflow cats. Only problem I had with the magnaflow cat was there is no hole in it for the o2 sensor. I drilled a hole in the magnaflow pipe after the cat, so the o2 sensor would just fit into it. Then I went to the bolt shop and got a size 18 stainless steel nut, then I welded it over the hole in the magnafloe pipe. Wth my new nut welded to the pipe and the hole drilled under it ,I was able to install my o2 sensor into the magnaflow pipe.

 

Are the BBks 1 3/4 or 1 5/8? I'd go with a 1 3/4 if they aren't. JMHO

 

You have to do the same on Edelbrock TES Shortys.

The flange on the passenger side header isn't very good, so they made an adapter to change the flange. I forget the names of the flanges though lol.