Hey, I've been searching google and asking mechanics everywhere in North Carolina (i work at an autoparts store) and everyone makes it seem like installing headers for a camaro of my year just isn't worth the trouble and i'll winde up having to pay 1200++ to install them with parts included...

is it really all that difficult? I mean i've been thinking of just doing it myself, i have my eyes set on some pacesetter quick trip long tubes and have been contemplating getting them cuz its so 'horrible.'

I know how to remove the exhaust manifold and how to lift the engine to where i need it to be to slide the headers through.. but i keep getting quoted for 11-12 hours of labor which i think is a complete load of BS. I'd rather spend my weekend doing it then putting the 800 bucks in labor towards a supercharger lol.

I have a tiny lift in my garage which gives me about 2-3 feet of leverage underneath the car, all the tools i would potentially need to get them off and on. My brother said he'd come into town and help me out and another of my fbody buds said he'd be willing to help, think I can do it? and if you think I can what else am I going to need to get after i get the headers?

thanks in advance
-Tom

--something i forgot to mention, the main reason these mechanics tell me i cant do it is because there isnt much room underneath the car for headers. I know 2 people who live in the area who have longtubes on their '94s and they said it was trouble getting them on but nothing much else about setting up the exhaust system afterwards

if its so troublesome how does everyone but myself have longtubes on their '94 lol

 

It was a pain in the butt and took 1/2 a day for me. If you have the right tools its not that bad. There can be problems but this site has seen them all and will help whenever needed. Just do it and don't look back.

 

well what really got me into it is one of my friends had a '94 z28 with an auto (mines straight drive) and he worked at an exhaust shop and put some longtubes on his and took it and got it dyno'd with his CAI on it as well and was pushing near 330 at the wheels (and his has twice+ the mileage of mine).

i've already installed some POS flowmaster system with an 80 series that makes it sound like my engine is knocking when it's cold outside (nearly lost a good pair of underwear.. although it sounds damn mean when it is warm outside), so i was thinkin about just throwing a 40 series to replace the 80... but for 200 bucks more why not just get LTs... ALOT more power i'd feel like i wouldnt be completely throwing away my money

yea im probably gonna get the headers and fool around with them on a weekend just wondering if any wrenches are gonna be thrown in along the way since no mechanic will accept my money for installation-- unless it involves my savings account and a few limbs lol

im not in it so much for the power, i just want the sound.. LTs sound so nice on our cars (although the extra 20+ hp is pretty damn good too)

 

Not bad, Jack up the car and go to work. The flange bolts between the headers and the Y-pipe is a chore. i busted 5 out of 6 bolts, but as long as they bust or come loose you will get them apart. The passenger side was the most difficult. Spray all the bolts with WD-40/Jb-80 The night before.

 

well i dont thinki have much rust issues to worry about, the car was garage kept by a guy in the coast gaurd who recently bought a 67 stingray, im pretty sure he killed somebody for the car cuz i stole it for 5k @ 60,000 miles lol, aboslutely nothing wrong with it either, title in hand and everything

i have heard that the bolts are the hardest part from those that have their headers. the guy with the '94 said it took him roughly 10-11 hours but damn i remember when he got those beasts on there i dont think that grin left his face for months

another thing that worries me are exhaust leaks. a few people have told me that headers just mean trouble either they crack or the gaskets fail.. it seems from lookin online though that these problems mainly find the unfortunate.

 

Go for it!

 

are there any guides to putting them on? i know im gonna need to get some exhaust piping, some wire to extend the o2 sensors (do i even need to do that?), the mufflers and cats (or should i y pipe with just 1 cat?) whats the best way to go into this?

 

Go search in the exhaust section of this forum. You'll find everything you need there

It's mostly straightforward...Just make sure you find someting to soak the bolts for 3-4 days (PB blaster etc.) You don't want to break a bolt in either of the heads, or you're looking for a real pain in the a$$.

I'd recommend the following: *= will help a lot, but not really needed

OTVC spark plug wire kit (piece of mind, haven't fried a plug wire yet)
*spark plugs
O2 extensions (keep in mind emissions, unless you're tuning out)
*EGR block off plates (if removing emissions)
*Percy's header gaskets (best choice imo)
*SLP spark plug socket (or make your own)
LT headers
*poly engine mounts
PB Blaster
ARP 1" header bolts (different choices out there Stage 8 etc.) ARP is king tho
basic tools

Can't think of what else I did...oh make sure you're having a good day. Cuz you'll probably being cussing a lot, and be prepared for bleeding knuckles.

I got mine in and out in 4 1/2 hours by myself. didn't even have anyone handing me tools

 

i would do the work, just save your money and get coated headers. they will last alot longer and look nicer!

 

I would do it yourself, by the time it is all said and done, you can easily spend a thousand or more on the parts alone, that is not including the labor. Take your time, make a project out of it.