Header Install

[LS1 TA]

How long would it take to install a pair of headers in a 1999 LS1 trans am M6. I would be doing this in my garage with just basic air tools and a floor jack.

[ConElite]

I have done headers twice on the LT1. Im guessing its a tad bit harder on an LS1. If you working alone then expect at least a really long Saterday and a couple hours on Sunday. I dont know ur Knowledge Level but if you really try you can do it in one day. But your looking at around 8-14 hours. I'll be honest with you, its not all that easy. Just make sure you have the car really nice and high. Use alot of WD-40 on the exhaust bolts and you should be fine. I recommend getting a buddy to help you out.

[raroZ28]

never did an LS1. I did my LT1 headers... It took a few hours to get them off. I used standard jack stands in the front and rear of the car. Didn't have it up all that high. You can get the headers, plugs and wires out of the way in a matter of hours.

Getting the headers on takes a few hours too. Like con said, you're looking at a day job. Get a 12 pack of brew, get in there, take a break when u get them off, have some food, and get back in.

It's actually fun. I enjoyed it. Do the plugs while you're at it!!

[Christopherrr]

I recall a full Saturday and Sunday to do mine...I actually did it solo. Careful with the bolts...if they break, you're screwed...no pun intended. Take your time and enjoy the pain of lying on your back for 8 hours straight at times. No, really...it's a 7 on a scale of 1-10, ten being super hard. A few hours to remove componets, a few hours to un bolt, a few hours figuring out how to remove the manifolds, a few hours figuring out how to put the new ones in and a few more hours getting everything back together.

You can do it!

[Joe 1320]

Use alot of WD-40 on the exhaust bolts and you should be fine. .

No, WD-40 is not a penetrating lubricant, it is a water displacing lubricant, hence the designation WD for Water Displacment. What you really need is a penetrating lubricant like PBlaster. Follow the directions on the can. Spray the bolts and let them sit, spray them again and give them a few taps with a hammer. The bolts should come out way easier. How long it takes you is in direct proportion to how easy it comes apart. Figure 8 hours average.

[LS1 TA]

Sounds like a lot of fun! Is there a particular brand or style of header that will go on easier than the rest. Or maybe a brand or style that, despite being harder to put on, would pay off in the long run because of durability or HP advantage.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

No, WD-40 is not a penetrating lubricant, it is a water displacing lubricant, hence the designation WD for Water Displacment. What you really need is a penetrating lubricant like PBlaster. Follow the directions on the can. Spray the bolts and let them sit, spray them again and give them a few taps with a hammer. The bolts should come out way easier. How long it takes you is in direct proportion to how easy it comes apart. Figure 8 hours average.

I learned something today. I didn't know that's what the WD stood for.

[LS1 TA]

I learned something today. I didn't know that's what the WD stood for.

From what I understand, the government was trying to produce a lubricant/ water displacer and wd-40 was the 40th formula they designed.

[Joe 1320]

From what I understand, the government was trying to produce a lubricant/ water displacer and wd-40 was the 40th formula they designed.

you are correct!

[Jeff_in_Atl]

You should always learn something every day! So I'm done for the day.

[ConElite]

No, WD-40 is not a penetrating lubricant, it is a water displacing lubricant, hence the designation WD for Water Displacment. What you really need is a penetrating lubricant like PBlaster.

Thanks alot Joe. I feel dumb! Esh!!. ha ha ha. Yeah hey Sir thanks for the insight, along with the rest, I learned something new today. Crazy Joe!!