Hey there,

Doing the install in my garage on the 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" stepped Kook Race headers on a '95Z28. Anyways, to inform everyone, the instructions are incomplete and miss a few very important steps required to do this install yourself, and there may be more things I'm missing here as I'm still buttoning things up.

The biggest factor being I had to completely remove my oil cooler, mount up a much shorter filter, and re-route the coolant line from radiator directlyl to the water pump just to clear the primary tubes on the driver's side header.

Additionally, plan on utilizing a ton of heat shielding, as virtually everything needs to be covered due to clearance, aside from that, it is also looking like to remove the oil filter, I will likely need to loosen the bolts on the driver's side header just to do an oil change.

Another thing that looks odd to me is the crosspipe to intermediate pipe connection, as I was not intending for true duals for the moment. Has anyone been able to route this setup through an SLP or similar-styled driveshaft safety loop? Just curious, I'm sure I could fabricate something if it doesn't work out, but as of yet, haven't got that far.

Anyone done this install already w/some advice? I begin the passenger side install tonight. Thanks, sorry for the book.

 

Once you get to this point in modding your car.. instructions shouldn't be necessary Just figure out how to get it done... and get it done (or post here )

 

Dude I agree, which is why I posted the info regarding the oil cooler (it's the larger aluminum piece). Wanted to keep it, but would only work w/a remote mount filter. Now where to mount that would be anyone's guess, lol, but was just curious if there was any other major or minor oddities before I tear into the passenger side.

I will let the board know how it goes either way, shouldn't be too bad at all, just like posting steps or shortfalls in what would normally be a breeze as far as install on something like this, especially w/no smog & basically a smaller to larger header swap. Thanks.

 

I had to go to the short stock filter when I installed my FLP's. Still had a hell of a time getting the strap type oil filter tool on without removing the O2 sensor. Then I discovered the K&N filters with a 1" nut on the bottom. Still had to use the short filter, but the nut made filter changes a breeze. Maybe a K&N can help you out.

 

Or instead of buying K&N filters you can buy a oil filter socket..I use my alot...extremely handy.

 

I am considering getting Kooks for my '95, but I really don't want to have to mess with the oil filter and/or its cooler. However, LTs are LTs. They look like the best ones.

Any pacesetter guys, easier install?

 

I've been thinking about Pacesetters for this summer.. seem to remember people saying they fit well with good plug access... hopefully someone can confirm that if it's true.

 

The Kooks look good, but the fitment issues and price scare me.

I hate buying a crappier product when a better one is available, but for the price, I can buy a set of headers AND a clutch, and still stay longtube. However, I really want 1 3/4".

 

Well, driver's side is in, another flaw in the instructions though, it seems nearly impossible to raise the passenger side of the block high enough with the driver's side motor mount bolt still in the mount. We are in the process of grinding down just a bit on the a/arm due to this clearance issue. This is on an M6 car, also, to re-install the steering knuckle, you need to crank the wheel to the right almost half rotation in order to clearance the header primaries. Not a lot of fun, but it's in, plug access is better than SLP's, and they of course are much bigger.

Will be happy when the passenger side is finished, it's been ages since my car was on the road, lol.

 

Kook's are incredible headers. I don't have an oil cooler so I can't speak to that, but aside from jacking the engine up a little on the passenger's side to get them in, and switching to a stock AC Delco filter, I have no complaints. Clearance is great all around. Plug access is excellent. Filter changes are not too bad. Just unscrew, pull down, and pull the filter out the side. You do not have to loosen the header. I didn't find heat shielding absolutely necessary, but I did put one piece where the y-pipe passes under the fuel lines just to make sure. I'm surprised you're having such trouble. My install was pretty painless. I don't remember any instructions being included so they must have added them since I bought mine. One thing I'd suggest: Use some Fel-pro gaskets. One of the paper gaskets they included blew out. No problem once I replaced it.

 

They're in, and so far, the only problem I have is a misfire, I believe due to either arcing plug wires, or maybe even bad gas (car sat for 6 months). Aside from that, they went in, sealed up just fine, and that's that. I appreciate everyone's comments & tech help, should have went in easier, perhaps because the car's an M6, but we did have a couple clearance issues just getting the passenger side up in there, but no biggie. Thanks again.

 

I have an M6 car and had zero issues putting them in.FWIW.

 

Pacesetters fit great for me. The plug acess is bettter than stock manifolds but far from being easy. They are 1 3/4" primarys and slip fit 3" collectors. Ground clearance is great also. The advantage of the Kooks is that they are stainless steel and won't rust out thus more $$$

 

Great to know... I may be ordering them very soon. "Better than stock" plug access sounds great to me. Stock is bad, but doable for me.