Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers
12-26-2003, 05:16 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers
I'm working on my LG installation today. So far I have all the pipes out from underneath and I'm now working on the stock headers. LG's instructions say to remove the driver side spark plugs and install the driver side LG's from underneath. So, here are my questions - How do I get the plug out that's closest to the firewall? I can't get a wrench on it. And, how did you guys get the two header bolts closest to the firewall out? Again, I can't get on those with my tools. Do I need to get some kind of different wrenches? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
12-26-2003, 05:31 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
remove the coil packs and disconnect the vacuum lines. with that junk out of the way you should have plenty of room
[Modified by Wt99C5, 10:40 AM 12/27/2003]
[Modified by Wt99C5, 10:40 AM 12/27/2003]
12-26-2003, 06:12 PM
#4
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
I use a Snap On spark plug socket socket (S-9721) to get the rear plug out.
12-26-2003, 07:59 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
I installed a set of SLP headers. If you will disconnect your battery, then pull the plastic bell cover down (cut the tire wraps holding it) on the steering column rod, disconnect the the shaft (secure the steering wheel so it lines up correctly) and pull the shaft to the side you can install your header from the top - a lot easier.
Passenger side is going to be a bear compared to the driver side. The starter will be a PITA but otherwise should be an easy install. Will need to work the starter and header together for final fitup.
Good luck.
Passenger side is going to be a bear compared to the driver side. The starter will be a PITA but otherwise should be an easy install. Will need to work the starter and header together for final fitup.
Good luck.
12-26-2003, 08:19 PM
#6
Drifting
Thread Starter
Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (Wt99C5)
Took WT99c5's advice and got the last plug and the stock header out. I'm not sure why I didn't think myself to take the coil packs off! DOH! Tomorrow I go after the passenger side! Thanks for the responses!
12-26-2003, 08:53 PM
#7
Pro
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
I use a swival(sp) socket and two long extensions. I can change the plugs out in about 20 minutes. I have done it so many damn times trying to tune the nitrous it isnt even funny.
12-27-2003, 10:33 AM
#8
Drifting
Thread Starter
Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (Wt99C5)
The LG instructions say to buy an LS-1 set of header gaskets. The phone at LG must be down because I can't get through to them. I have everything ready to go in and it's a nice warm day here (won't last here in NY!), so I'm wondering if I'll be okay if I use the gaskets that come with the LG's. Any advice?
12-27-2003, 10:39 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
My LGM's didn't come with gaskets. I went to NAPA and picked up the factory stock replacements. Pretty inexpensive and they were in stock. :D
12-27-2003, 10:43 AM
#10
Safety Car
Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (wallstAL)
I use a Snap On spark plug socket socket (S-9721) to get the rear plug out.
:flag
12-27-2003, 10:50 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
Few more notes,,, torque the headers to the heads first. I know this is wrong, but if you install the bolts that support the collector end of the headers first there is a chance you could create an exhaust leak between the head and the header flange. These headers are very strong and don't flex much. Mine leaked on the rear 2 cylinders, both sides and I refuse to use 2 gaskets.
Do you have the torque spec. ?
Do you have the torque spec. ?
12-27-2003, 10:53 AM
#12
Drifting
Thread Starter
Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (Wt99C5)
No, I don't have the torque spec. I called around to all the local auto shops and nobody has gaskets in stock. I have a set of LS1 gasets on order with the local Chevy garage, but it's so nice out today I'd like to finish the install and I won't have the LS1 gaskets until Wednesday. I can't get ahold of anyone at LG. I'm just wondering if I'd have trouble if I use the provided gaskets. The ones that were on the car are metal and the provided are a fiber-type gasket. Hmmmm
12-27-2003, 11:09 AM
#13
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
If the new gaskets are good quality, put them in. You can always swap them out later it you don't like them.
Getting torqe spec.s BRB
[Modified by Wt99C5, 11:10 AM 12/27/2003]
Getting torqe spec.s BRB
[Modified by Wt99C5, 11:10 AM 12/27/2003]
12-27-2003, 11:19 AM
#15
Burning Brakes
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
Hey, thanks for all your help! It is much appreciated!
Header to head bolts are 2 pass. USE ANTI-SIEZE
First pass is 11 lb. Ft.
Second pass is 18 lb. Ft.
AIR pipe to exhaust manifold 15 lb. Ft.
OH, and start with the center bolts..
[Modified by Wt99C5, 11:21 AM 12/27/2003]
12-28-2003, 11:16 AM
#17
Instructor
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
If you unblolt the motor mount and jack up that side of the motor it goes in MUCH easier :party: :party:
12-29-2003, 12:20 AM
#18
Advanced
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Re: Questions for those who have installed their own LT headers (C5LOU)
I installed my set without removing the steering rod or motor mounts, put all bolts in place before any tightening and bend the bell housing tabs so that you get some alignment movement while installing the header bolts. A really big help to me, was to use a small strap come along around the two collectors so that I could install the x pipe, just tighten till they come together and align with the xpipe then release once it is connected. Did the whole thing myself and I do not have extra special tools or skills - mostly what is important is to take your time and take some breaks. :yesnod:
