I bought the install kit too. But here is what I didn't know (even with a lot of searching here):

- O2 sensor extensions are a must ( I thought it was a long tube thing) but if you don't, it will be burnt wire city on passenger side and cutting a hard to reach wire loom to free up space on the driver side. Solution-making my own jumpers (more on that, later date)

- Fire boot from SLP kit- done -used - gone- just for the temp sensor (per SLP instruction) and ABS sensor wire D-side(less than 3/4" from header) What will I put on my wires now? Solution Taylor Fire boot kit 2522, another $50 gone

- EGR extension from kit is "warped", not flat on mating side. Looks like it bent from heat when it was welded. Looks like an exhaust leak in the making to me. Solution: still working this one.

- No matter how I line up the header to Y-pipe joint on the D-side, one bolt is either inaccessable (and I have lots of crazy tools for access), or hitting something. Solution: only 90% tightened

- I bailed out on my toughest descision, and will be replacing gaskets soon I am sure. Yes, I used the SLP gaskets and bolts from the kit SH!!, my original problem is ex-leak, hope this doesn't haunt me.

- SLP Y-pipe that came with headers is the EXACT same dia as my new Random Cat, thus there is no slip fit. Solution: very friendly with muffler shop - Cat inlet enlarged FREEBIE nadda Nothing.

- Tip of 2 or 3 plugs is only 3/4-1" form header. That should cook my new stock wire boots well. Solution: above Taylor fire sleeves. Accel short header plugs after sleeves are cooked prob.

Just a rant. That other may find in a search and be warned. Better solutions and suggestions welcome.

Back to it!

Sean

 

Man that sucks, hope you get it all figured out. When i did my SLP dual cat headers i didnt have any problems, wires are still in stock locations and no fire sleeves were used. Good Luck.

 

This is not good news. I'll be helping my friend put SLP shorties on his '97 SS. Do you think dual cat cars will have similar problems with install?

 

sorry to hear your having such bad luck with your headers, I put on a set of slp shorties and haven't had a problem yet.
the headers have been on for almost 3 months now..................
crossing my fingers.
zoso

 

Man, I'm still trying to get these bolts off the stock exhaust manifold. One last bolt on the driver side I can't even see or spray with Liquid Wrench. The passenger side towards the rear, oh man the stupid plugs are frozen on. My hand slipped yesterday and I lodged my thumb into the oil pan edge. It was a sharp corner and the peice dug into my thumb cuticle and cut through the back of my nail and up under. Ouch! Then I had to put it under the sink and get a q-tip and dig into the wound and get the dirt out. This Header install is a evil bastard. Especially when I'm doing a opti change and header install ot once. Looks like I'll be on jacks for another week...

 

The dual cat headers are ALOT easier to install but net like 1/2 the hp gains from what ive read.
The single cat headers give alot more hp but are a PITA to install... it took me like 12 hrs to install mine not fun

 

93Z286Speed - Yeah, I have the dual cats and my solution to that is Off-Road Pipe. My SLP's are ganna hook up to Off-Road Pipe and then to my E Cut-Out. That should solve the restrictive problem I'd say.

F Carline 94 - Also, should I rest the headers in place and trial fit the y-pipe and headers in without bolting, to make sure everything fits in. Also, which bolt needs to be placed in before putting the header in? I was told to put in a few bolts on the header and then slip it in cuz of the length of the bolt to one of the primaries. I'm still waiting to receive my headers so I havent had a chance to look at them yet. So I need 02 extensions? I did'nt know I needed extensions for shorties...hmm

Thanks

 

Tires_Smokin, You need to get some mechanix gloves, those things are the most used tools in my garage. (I'm at my 3rd set now) I can't begin to count the times they have prevented burns/busted knuckles/etc.

 

Dude, I hear you on that.

Tried to do some plugs on my buddy's 95 with SLP headers... I was cursing for hours.

You'd think that a "factory" authorized company would make the install a bit more user friendly.

 

Cursing for hours...dude..I'm not kidding you..I'm having nightmares of waking up in the middle of the night...Hallucinating of car parts, bolts and stuff. lol! As you can tell..it's my first haeder install.

 

Sean, nice post. Sorry to hear about your problems.

FWIIW, I have had 94-95 design SLP headers on my 97 for 5 years. They have been hassle free for a long time. I like them.

I had to use one O2 extension on the driver side but not on the pass side. Plug access is really bad on #5 and #4 & #6. I made a plug socket like SLP sells. I definitely recommend one of those to reach the hard to reach plugs with no space to use other tools.

I have been pleased with my Magnecor header length plug wires. I just was very careful about routing and I also used generous amounts of insulating wrap and tubes to protect them.

I used Fel-Pro gaskets and ARP bolts.

I never used the SLP install kit. On the EGR I simply (well, o.k. not so simply) stretched the EGR tube to enable a direct connection with no adapter or extension. I do have to remove the EGR valve and tube when I remove the valve cover, but that has been the only drawback. Like I said it has worked for 5+ years for me. I do like the idea of an EGR extension though, but I don't think SLP sold that thing back then.

 

I feel your pain.

Was on my back doing Mac headers for 20 hrs. in a garage with 1" worth of clearance at times. Ugh...

to memories and experiences mind you!