I just finished installing hedman long tube headers that are covered with header wrap and a heat coating on my '83
Z-28 with CFI. I havent put the rest of the exhaust on yet, so the headers are just open. I installed the stock o2 sensor that was in the manifold into the header collector, it's the one wire model. I had to cut the wire, and lengthen it to get it to be long enough.

After I was done with the install, I fired it up, and it idles rough, with backfires every minute or so. If I give it gas or put it into gear, it wants to die.

I was told that I might need to get a heated oxygen sensor, where could I get one, and does it matter how many wires it has?

Could putting the spark wires back on the wrong plugs have anything to do with my problem?

If you need anymore info, let me know

I would check plug wires and make sure you didnt switch your firing order up before you purchase anything.

This question pops up once a week and incorrectly routed wires are the #1 cause.

Do you need a diagram for the wires?

yeah, a diagram would be great

Well, I checked the spark plug wires, and that was the problem. I had the 4 and 6 mixed up (dumb mistake). I added a little pipe to the collector with the o2 sensor, and now she idles smoothlyat 1100, and drops to 750 when I put her in gear. Best of all, No backfires . As far as I could tell, she was running fine, I didnt drive very far, just around the garage (there is a ton of snow on the ground in Wisconsin). So thanks for all of the fast replies.

Also, I think I may need something to insulate the plug wires and the remote solenoid wires from the headers (even though I have header wrap). Had anyone had any experience with the stuff that they sell from summit?

Thanks again.

Those boot shields work well but are very expensive. Don't bother with the heat tape, it won't stick long

Usually neither are needed. As long as you run the proper length wires, routed correctly, and loomed properly you should have no problems.

even though you already fixed your problem I'll post this image just for archive reference...