Im kinda in a dilemma. I have my entire exhaust system sittin in my closet and I cant decide to do it myself or to have someone else do it. I want the satisfaction of doing it myself, but Ive heard plenty of horror stories about header install. I know the catback would be no problem. So, what did you guys do and why?

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'83 Firebird 2.8
'89 Firebird Formula 350
2nd owner, red/grey, t-tops, dual cats, and a 3.27:1 rear
K&N, TB bypass, No MAF screens, CAI, full Accel ignition

 

I had an exhaust shop do my header install. he charged me 300 bucks for it but it was worth it. he had 14 man hours on it and had to make a lot of custom pipes for the headers. Also he said the driver side is easy but he had to tilt the engine to get the passenger side in.

the major reason i did it is because i'm a college student and pretty much the only tools i have is those black tool kits for 30 bucks. there was no way i could have done the install with that.

 

I paid $200 for a mechanic to do the job for me. Since he had done this many times before I knew there wouldn't be any unexpected probs and the job was complete the same day. I probably would have tackled the job myself but I have no experience with welding and I knew that was necessary to connect certain points in the exhaust

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92 Camaro RS LO3, 5-spd, T-tops
Performance:
SLP 1 3/4" Headers (Coated by Paul Barry Motorsports), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Fastchip Performance PROM, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Xact 8mm wires, Open Air Element w/K&N Filter, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, Edelbrock performer intake

 

Why not put the headers on yourself and install the exhaust system (cat back system) with some clamps? That way you would only have to have the exhaust shop weld the pipes that you clamped and maybe fab up a y-pipe if you don't already have one.

 

Have a shop do it. You said you didn't have the tools, and a header install is about the most frustrating thing you can do.

 

Well I think a Header install should be done by the driver who bought the headers but if u don't have the tools then I guess give it to the muffler shop. I would have the muffler shop do ur exaust system. That will require welding and such.

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Eric Natzke
91 Firebird 305 TBI
"It Ain't Stock"
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/91firebird.html
For info on certain parts or mods go to the site below
http://members.aol.com/j007golden/modeval.html

 

For my slp install, it didnt take any wild or exotic tools, just some sockets and the basic stuff. did need a dremel to completely remove the AIR tubing from around the back of the block.

this was the first mod it did, without much prior experience, it was was rather enjoyable. The hardest part for me was to screw the brake lines back into the master cylinder afterm oving to the opposite side of the steering shaft.

Save the money you'd give the shop and buy some tools.

there are some pics on my site

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1986 Trans Am
305 TPI
"If it's not one thing, it's another!"
http://www2.hanover.edu/hierlmeier

 

Wow! im surprised everyone says to get them installed at a shop! normally you get replies from vader or ede which say "its easy"

i swear, They could make a centrafugal supercharger with a 29 PSI boost, out of old soda cans and string. i feel so outclassed here.

love the board. good luck on the headers, keep us posted on what you end up doing!

 

I'd do it yourself and save the money, just take a week and do it. Its not too bad at all really. My engine is totally dissasembeled now, and not only is it enjoyable, but you learn a lot in the process.

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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission
Borg Warner 7.75" 9 Bolt Rear End

Current Mods: LT4 Hot Cam, Comp Cams 1.52:1 Roller Rocker Arms, Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker 3" Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip, Accel Ignition Coil, Cap, Rotor, 8.8mm Wires, K&N Filters, JET TPI Air Foil, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.

Best ET (w/o LT4 cam): 14.32 @ 97.7mph
(corrected for elevation)

7.5" 10 Bolt with 3.42s soon to come!

 

Do it yourself !!, I have the same deal, full exhaust in my bedroom consisting of SLP 1 3/4" headers and edelbrock cat back and as soon as it stops raining here and I actually get up early i will be putting them on, with the money you save doing it yourself you can go buy a craftsman tool kit and have money left over, to do the cat back just unbolt the panhard rods, and the shock on pass side with tire off and car jacked up its really easy after that, if you are also installing headers rent and engine hoist and lift the engine slightly it should make it really easy, sorry for the long post.

 

do the headers yourself and if u want it welded drive it to the shop with open headers!! that was what i did and i found it quite enjoyable to start my car at 7 am and drive it to the shop!! i think i probably woke up three counties but the header install was a little bit off a pain due to the unexpected bolts that broke in the block but they came out with a little elbow grease and a cresent wrench!! all in all i paid 160 for a y pipe and everything welded up and i love it!! love hooker exhaust systems!

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1988 firebird ws6 formula350tpi msd 6al box blaster 3 coil accel 8.8 race wires hooker shorty headers hooker cat back system pro shift light a pillar gauge pod and water temp and air/fuel ratio gauges autometer oil pressure gauge b&m mega console shifter, march underdrive pullies, tpis airfoil cvr high torque starter (love it)
best 1/4 mile run of 14.44@ 96.53
this run is before the new exhaust system

 

check out my web site I posted most of the tips I got when I did my install, forgot to list why you need the silicone gasket glue stuff. its to hold the washers together with the nuts for the motor mounts, which is advised you replace, I think otherwise the tips there will help you plan everything and you can then decide what to do.
http://www.geocities.com/rx2man/Fire...rmula_350.html

Rob