Full Version: Header install question
i have a 2001 trans am and im about to install the flow tech headers and y pipe im just wondering how much of a ###### this is going to be and what problems i could run into. im in the millitary and we have an auto shop on base that we use it has lifts and endless tools so i wont be laying in the drive way on a creaper lol so if anyone has some experience with this and has some heads ups for me that would be greatly appreciated.
I just did the Longtube header install on my car about 5 months ago. I will tell you right away, that your experience is going to be MUCH MUCH easier than mine was, because i was just laying on my back wrestling the things up in the engine bay. Also, if you have endless tools that is something good because honestly, you never never know what kind of problems you'll run into. I think that every single person who does a header install will run into something they didn't plan for, and it's not always the same from person to person. But if you have the tools, the time, and a buddy or two to help out, you will be just fine.
Just a few tips that i can share from my experience:
- The most common issue is getting the passenger side header up into the car. Flowtechs may slide right in, but if they are difficult like the SLP headers, you will have to loosen up the transmission mount, get a prybar and LIFT the transmission off the mount and PUSH the entire transmission/engine over to the drivers side to get the clearance you will need. It's best to have one person pry it up with a prybar, and another person to push as hard as they can on the driveshaft. This worked like a charm for me.
- Another thing to make sure of is that when you install the headers and put everything back together make sure than NO wires or anything are closer than 1 inch to the pipes. The further away the better.
- One last small thing you can do prior to putting everything back together will save you time trying to fix the annoying "vibrating" problem you will get when you are done. Because of the nature of the LT / Y-pipe system, it will hang lower than the stock pipes. The tunnel brace right in the midddle of the car going over the driveshaft will most always touch the pipes and cause the thing to vibrate like nuts when you are driving it. I had to do this after, but now that i know about it i am giving you the heads up so you can do it while you have the car up on the lift and everything. But there are 2 ways to take care of it. One way is to add a few washers to the tunnelbrace to make it hang a bit lower, or you can do what i did and just take some vicegrips and some arm muscle and just bend the area that sits below the pipes flat so you should clear the pipes.
Other than that, the install really wasn't all that bad at all. Just plan for a weekend, throw a few cold beers in the fridge, and definitely try to get some friends to help you out, it will make life SO much easier! Good luck and if you need any help along the process (like i did) just post up!
Just a few tips that i can share from my experience:
- The most common issue is getting the passenger side header up into the car. Flowtechs may slide right in, but if they are difficult like the SLP headers, you will have to loosen up the transmission mount, get a prybar and LIFT the transmission off the mount and PUSH the entire transmission/engine over to the drivers side to get the clearance you will need. It's best to have one person pry it up with a prybar, and another person to push as hard as they can on the driveshaft. This worked like a charm for me.
- Another thing to make sure of is that when you install the headers and put everything back together make sure than NO wires or anything are closer than 1 inch to the pipes. The further away the better.
- One last small thing you can do prior to putting everything back together will save you time trying to fix the annoying "vibrating" problem you will get when you are done. Because of the nature of the LT / Y-pipe system, it will hang lower than the stock pipes. The tunnel brace right in the midddle of the car going over the driveshaft will most always touch the pipes and cause the thing to vibrate like nuts when you are driving it. I had to do this after, but now that i know about it i am giving you the heads up so you can do it while you have the car up on the lift and everything. But there are 2 ways to take care of it. One way is to add a few washers to the tunnelbrace to make it hang a bit lower, or you can do what i did and just take some vicegrips and some arm muscle and just bend the area that sits below the pipes flat so you should clear the pipes.
Other than that, the install really wasn't all that bad at all. Just plan for a weekend, throw a few cold beers in the fridge, and definitely try to get some friends to help you out, it will make life SO much easier! Good luck and if you need any help along the process (like i did) just post up!
Have you put them on yet? Keep us updated 
QUOTE(DC127 @ Sep 20 2008, 08:37 AM) 
i have a 2001 trans am and im about to install the flow tech headers and y pipe im just wondering how much of a ###### this is going to be and what problems i could run into. im in the millitary and we have an auto shop on base that we use it has lifts and endless tools so i wont be laying in the drive way on a creaper lol so if anyone has some experience with this and has some heads ups for me that would be greatly appreciated.
What base are you at. I'm stationed at Keesler
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