Headers - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

mpr3369 · 11-06-2021, 07:39 PM

Newbie so excuse the ignorance. What do I need to install headers? I know I need a tune. But what else do I need? O2 sensor extensions? I have a catback borla exhaust I am going to install. But if I am adding that I might as well go all out. So what do I need? LT headers hi flow cats and catback exhaust. You'll have to excuse the ignorance, I come from the diesel truck world. This hot rod gas vehicles are completely out of my wheelhouse. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.
Mike

morepowerjoe · 11-07-2021, 01:28 AM

Yeah you'll need o2 extensions. And depending on what headers you get the easiest ones I believe are the slip on fit design like the Texas Speed and Performance one because they don't require any welding. Just make sure you have the correct reducers to go from the 3" long tube joints to the diameter pipe you have. You could reuse your old gaskets but I would pick up some new ones. You can reuse your old manifold bolts too. And depending on how many miles you have it would be a good time to put in a fresh set of plugs since you have to remove them any ways, and lastly you might want to consider getting some angled wires but not necessary if your old wires come off without any problems.

AlanRubin · 11-07-2021, 01:33 AM

Assuming you mean LONG TUBE headers, then all the stuff ^HE said...

Shorties, nothing.

pyroguy · 11-07-2021, 07:00 AM

You'll need your headers of course, either high flow cats that match your headers or a catless midpipe (be sure the exit matches your catback size), O2 extensions, might as well replace your OEM exhaust gasket with another new OEM gasket, BP blaster for loosening your O2 sensors (spray the night before install and again at the beginning of your install for maximum effectiveness), jack stands and a jack or lift, beer for your buddy helping, and your buddy. Also, if you're doing the install on jack stands, a good set of wheel chocks never hurt anybody.

mpr3369 · 11-07-2021, 08:58 AM

Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.

Glassman66 · 11-07-2021, 07:51 PM

I reused my gaskets, zero issues. I did high temp plug wire covers to keep them from melting if they got too close to the header.

mpr3369 · 11-08-2021, 05:57 AM

Thanks definitely something to keep in mind. I know LT headers will produce some extra heat. Probably wrap the headers & get a starter blanket to try and stay ahead of the hoat soak issue.

pyroguy · 11-08-2021, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpr3369

Thanks definitely something to keep in mind. I know LT headers will produce some extra heat. Probably wrap the headers & get a starter blanket to try and stay ahead of the hoat soak issue.

Get them ceramic coated and never worry about the heat issue again. It looks better, lasts longer, and is maintenance free. I'm yet to have any issue with heat with mine ceramic coated.

hrpiii · 11-08-2021, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Get them ceramic coated and never worry about the heat issue again. It looks better, lasts longer, and is maintenance free. I'm yet to have any issue with heat with mine ceramic coated.

THIS!!

Nate2SS · 11-08-2021, 09:22 AM

What's stated above is what you'll need. You don't need a catback, I ran headers into stock exhaust piping, and it's been fine. I would recommend replacing the plugs and wires if needed, specifically with some angled spark plug wires so that they're out of the way of the headers. If you choose to not go with a catback and the mufflers have been cut off, I would recommend throwing a set on there.

sscamaro · 11-08-2021, 03:25 PM

I've installed 5 sets of Kook's headers in my garage using a KWIL-LIFT. I never took out the spark plugs, I was very careful. I ordered the LT headers and high flow cats, which mated to my mid pipe. Kook's also supplied the 02 extensions.

mpr3369 · 11-08-2021, 05:46 PM

I already have a borla catback exhaust I picked up off of facebook marketplace for cheap. I was waiting to put it on till I made the decision whether to jump on the headers all at the same time. Thanks for the idea of geting them ceramic coated. Sounds like the best way to go. The car only has 9700 miles on it. It was my dad's car that I inherited when he passed away. I want it to sound throaty. However, I've decided to leave it mostly the way he had it. That's why exhaust, CAI, & a small tune is about as deep into the modifications I really want to go. If it was just a car that I purchased I would be down to go all out with every bolt on available to dig as much horsepower out of it as possible. In the future I'll probably buy a 6th gen and go all out. But this car will stay "almost" how he left it.

1JEWLDSSRS · 11-08-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpr3369

I already have a borla catback exhaust I picked up off of facebook marketplace for cheap. I was waiting to put it on till I made the decision whether to jump on the headers all at the same time. Thanks for the idea of geting them ceramic coated. Sounds like the best way to go. The car only has 9700 miles on it. It was my dad's car that I inherited when he passed away. I want it to sound throaty. However, I've decided to leave it mostly the way he had it. That's why exhaust, CAI, & a small tune is about as deep into the modifications I really want to go. If it was just a car that I purchased I would be down to go all out with every bolt on available to dig as much horsepower out of it as possible. In the future I'll probably buy a 6th gen and go all out. But this car will stay "almost" how he left it.

Nice thought sir!! Rememberance of dad...

Nate2SS · 11-08-2021, 09:07 PM

Does ceramic coating the headers not keep heat in making headers deteriorate prematurely? Spoke with someone at an exhaust shop recently who mentioned me wrapping mine but warned me the headers become very sacrificial at that point.

11-06-2021, 07:39 PM	#1
mpr3369 Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Central Florida Posts: 19	Headers Newbie so excuse the ignorance. What do I need to install headers? I know I need a tune. But what else do I need? O2 sensor extensions? I have a catback borla exhaust I am going to install. But if I am adding that I might as well go all out. So what do I need? LT headers hi flow cats and catback exhaust. You'll have to excuse the ignorance, I come from the diesel truck world. This hot rod gas vehicles are completely out of my wheelhouse. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. Mike

11-07-2021, 01:28 AM	#2
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,105	Yeah you'll need o2 extensions. And depending on what headers you get the easiest ones I believe are the slip on fit design like the Texas Speed and Performance one because they don't require any welding. Just make sure you have the correct reducers to go from the 3" long tube joints to the diameter pipe you have. You could reuse your old gaskets but I would pick up some new ones. You can reuse your old manifold bolts too. And depending on how many miles you have it would be a good time to put in a fresh set of plugs since you have to remove them any ways, and lastly you might want to consider getting some angled wires but not necessary if your old wires come off without any problems. __________________ DSS FX Forged Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Forged Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC 260 CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Performance Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions , Molly Pushrods, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP 1 7/8" Longtubes with 3" TSP Exhaust, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator, Mishimoto Oil Cooler, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Fluid Dynamics Balancer Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817

11-07-2021, 07:00 AM	#4
pyroguy Started#gottalovethatblue Drives: ABM #831 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: TN Posts: 6,919 View My Garage	You'll need your headers of course, either high flow cats that match your headers or a catless midpipe (be sure the exit matches your catback size), O2 extensions, might as well replace your OEM exhaust gasket with another new OEM gasket, BP blaster for loosening your O2 sensors (spray the night before install and again at the beginning of your install for maximum effectiveness), jack stands and a jack or lift, beer for your buddy helping, and your buddy. Also, if you're doing the install on jack stands, a good set of wheel chocks never hurt anybody. __________________ '10 Camaro 2SS/RS \| Aqua Blue #831 of 3,903 \| Silver Stripes Check out my build thread

11-07-2021, 07:51 PM	#6
Glassman66 Drives: 2014 Camaro 2SS/RS 1le Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Denver Co Posts: 260	I reused my gaskets, zero issues. I did high temp plug wire covers to keep them from melting if they got too close to the header. __________________ 2014 Camaro 1LE SS/RS THE MISTRESS

11-08-2021, 09:22 AM	#10
Nate2SS Drives: 2011 Camaro SS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 68	What's stated above is what you'll need. You don't need a catback, I ran headers into stock exhaust piping, and it's been fine. I would recommend replacing the plugs and wires if needed, specifically with some angled spark plug wires so that they're out of the way of the headers. If you choose to not go with a catback and the mufflers have been cut off, I would recommend throwing a set on there. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS 6M: Hurst Short Throw Equipment, Speed Engineering Headers, Spectre CAI, BTR Stage 3 Camshaft 229/244 .630"/.615" 113+4, Chromoly Pushrods, .660" Springs with steel retainers.

11-07-2021, 01:33 AM	#3
AlanRubin Banned Drives: 2010 LS Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pgh Posts: 411	Assuming you mean LONG TUBE headers, then all the stuff ^HE said... Shorties, nothing.

11-07-2021, 08:58 AM	#5
mpr3369 Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Central Florida Posts: 19	Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it.

11-08-2021, 05:57 AM	#7
mpr3369 Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Central Florida Posts: 19	Thanks definitely something to keep in mind. I know LT headers will produce some extra heat. Probably wrap the headers & get a starter blanket to try and stay ahead of the hoat soak issue.

11-08-2021, 03:25 PM	#11
sscamaro Drives: 2010 2SS, 2017 Silverado LTZ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denver,PA Posts: 3,195 View My Garage	I've installed 5 sets of Kook's headers in my garage using a KWIL-LIFT. I never took out the spark plugs, I was very careful. I ordered the LT headers and high flow cats, which mated to my mid pipe. Kook's also supplied the 02 extensions. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS Victory Red, MN6, 1-7/8 Kooks LT Headers, SLP Axle Back, Edelbrock E-Force S/C, ZL1 Fuel Pump, 72# Injectors, JRE fuel rail upgrade, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite Catch Can, Billet Hurst Shifter, DSS 1000HP axles, Spohn Trailing Arms, Toe Links, Lower Control Arms. Chrome American Racing Torq-Thrust wheels. 546/rwhp & 522/rwtq & 10.9# boost Tune by Jeremy Formato.

11-08-2021, 05:46 PM	#12
mpr3369 Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Central Florida Posts: 19	I already have a borla catback exhaust I picked up off of facebook marketplace for cheap. I was waiting to put it on till I made the decision whether to jump on the headers all at the same time. Thanks for the idea of geting them ceramic coated. Sounds like the best way to go. The car only has 9700 miles on it. It was my dad's car that I inherited when he passed away. I want it to sound throaty. However, I've decided to leave it mostly the way he had it. That's why exhaust, CAI, & a small tune is about as deep into the modifications I really want to go. If it was just a car that I purchased I would be down to go all out with every bolt on available to dig as much horsepower out of it as possible. In the future I'll probably buy a 6th gen and go all out. But this car will stay "almost" how he left it.

11-08-2021, 09:07 PM	#14
Nate2SS Drives: 2011 Camaro SS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Clemson, SC Posts: 68	Does ceramic coating the headers not keep heat in making headers deteriorate prematurely? Spoke with someone at an exhaust shop recently who mentioned me wrapping mine but warned me the headers become very sacrificial at that point. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS 6M: Hurst Short Throw Equipment, Speed Engineering Headers, Spectre CAI, BTR Stage 3 Camshaft 229/244 .630"/.615" 113+4, Chromoly Pushrods, .660" Springs with steel retainers.