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5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

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Old 09-15-2009, 03:37 PM
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5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

I'm planning on doing an LS3 Swap into a 91-92 Camaro as soon as possible. I have been reading over the LS1 Swap threads, so I know 4thgen Long tubes are out of the question. However what about the 2010 Camaro longtubes? The 5thgen is built completely different than the 4th generation cars, therefore the shape of the headers should be shaped a bit differently. I plan on using Hawks/spohn's K member and a 4L60E transmission.
Old 09-15-2009, 03:59 PM
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The problem is the 3rd gen subframe that kicks inboard. 5th gens don't do that, from what I've heard, so the headers don't bend in where they need to for 3rd gens.
Old 09-15-2009, 05:05 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

I'll get a high resolution of the 5thgen underbody. Maybe that will help.

Here's what Hawks had to say
You will have to use LS1 swap longtubes made for those swaps. The clearance is so tight, and you will spend $1,400 on a set of 2010 longtubes anyways, we have them for like $699 and up…
I got a fast reply, so I'm not 100% trusting this statement. I can get Doug Thorley long tube ceramic headers for about 500 bucks too Thats kinda why I hope this works even though I doubt it will.

Last edited by Ethan91; 09-15-2009 at 05:10 PM.
Old 09-15-2009, 05:13 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Old 09-16-2009, 11:45 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Huh... thats a lot closer to the thirdgen under carrige than I would have imagined. Cool pic...first Ive seen the underside of a 5th gen.

The cats look like they hug the driveline pretty tight, which means the exhaust probably sticks pretty close as well. Ide like to see an under car shot of a 5th gen with long tubes. That would probably offer more insight.

On a side note... MAN I wish we could run duals like that... If I ever get my car on a rotissere like I want to, Im going to completely mod the floor plans to allow for duals/crossover with ample room. That'd be so nice.

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Old 09-16-2009, 11:59 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Found some pictures... I dont know. Some of them look really close. Others I believe would still be kicked out too far. They might even hang too low... Kinda hard to tell. Might be easy to tweak them though if they just have to pull in some...at least the collectors are pointed in the right direction.









A little comparison with my LS1 and LTs. Ignore my ugly turned in collector extensions.



Even still... The price for those headers is pretty darn high. Around $900+ for the ones that I saw after a quick google search. But Im not up on 5th gen stuff...so Im sure the aftermarket is getting big by now.

J.

Last edited by ghettocruiser; 09-16-2009 at 12:19 PM.
Old 09-16-2009, 02:19 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Looking at those pictures, i can say forsure they will not be a direct fit. The problem is the collector goes straight, and you need it to turn inward.

Would be cool to have someone try it, but if your trying to save money, then buying a set of headers to find they dont fit, isnt exactly what you want to be doing
Old 09-16-2009, 02:52 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

yeah the more I look at them I dont see them fitting at all either. They are pretty darn close, which surprised me.

Ide still like to see someone try..just to see how far off they are out of pure curiousity.

J.
Old 09-16-2009, 05:05 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Agreed justin,

If hedman made a budget 1 3/4 set, it would be perfect to start with to chop up a bit to get them to fit.
Old 09-16-2009, 06:10 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZTv-...e=channel_page

I'd like to try, but I don't want to be the 1st one to waste their money

I can get the Doug Thorley long tube ceramic headers for 500 bucks shipped.

Last edited by Ethan91; 09-16-2009 at 06:13 PM.
Old 09-17-2009, 06:44 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

You'd probably want to try a set of uncoated headers... since you're most likely going to have to bend/weld/tweak them. After you get them to fit, IF they fit, then have them coated in whatever you'd like.

I really like the exhaust that they put together for the new camaro. Its like a throw back to the 60's cars except for the cats and the fact that it goes UNDER the rear axle area. Like I said..I wish we had the room for something like that. Guess its time to reshape the floors and install an IRS haha.

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Old 09-17-2009, 09:26 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Its close but by my guesstimation looking at those pics they are too wide to clear and it looks like the entire bank of primaries would have to be offset inwards to clear. I dont think I'd want to drop 500 bucks on a new set to gamble on making them work BUT... ( theres always a but moment in my posts aint there?geez ) Anyways

BUT

Once these 5th gen headers start popping up used for cheap it certainly appears to be a very mod worthy starting point for a third gen swap. I'd go for it if I could get em for a 100 bucks.

Mind you it would be nice if someone had a set and actually tried to test fit them and posted some pics that would be a bonus. I'm sure that is only a matter of time though.

Also I wouldnt be wanting to mod ceramic coated anything... Dangerous off gas fumes from cutting/welding that stuff not to mention the difficulties of welding previously coated pieces. Start with uncoated stainless or mild steel
Old 09-18-2009, 04:25 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

For the money involved I would be inclined to get a set of mid length uncoated headers for a 4th gen and build your own set of full length headers from them.

The pacesetters mid-length I had on my 98 were 1-5/8" tubes. Their full length ones were 1-3/4" tubes.

I'm sure somebody makes 1-3/4" tube mid lengths but they tend to cost a little more since they come with Y-pipes a lot. You can get a set of full length headers for under $300 from summit uncoated.

The hardest part of building a set of headers is getting the ports flat so they seal and getting the tubes clear of the plugs and mount bolts. Starting from some close but not quite right parts will save a ton of fab time.

A box full of mandrel U-bends and some quality time with a chop saw and your welder and you could save a decent amount of money.
Old 10-20-2009, 09:07 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Has anyone come up with a solution yet, I too am doing an LS3/L99 A6 swap into my 91' Camaro and need a set of long tubes also, please hit me back if anyone has come up with a solution or idea.
Thanks,
mikesanto70@yahoo.com
Old 07-31-2012, 05:57 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

$210 ...


http://www.ebay.ca/itm/300748735585?...=p5197.c0.m619
Old 07-31-2012, 09:44 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Man i hope someone has done this or attempted it. Anyone have any more insight? Old thread i know but id love to know out of curiosity and how much trouble theyd be to mess with/modify.
Old 08-01-2012, 05:16 PM
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Yeah, they hang down below the f-body oil pan.



That's a truck pan, and they're lower than it is.

Last edited by five7kid; 08-01-2012 at 05:31 PM.
Old 08-01-2012, 08:29 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Just put a skid pad under them and watch the sparks fly, just like in F1- LOL
Old 08-02-2012, 07:27 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Originally Posted by 88blackiroc
Man i hope someone has done this or attempted it. Anyone have any more insight? Old thread i know but id love to know out of curiosity and how much trouble theyd be to mess with/modify.
Thats my engine in the pic and the biggest problem is the run through the A-arm mounts, then you see how low they are...

5th gen LT headers are out
Old 08-03-2012, 07:57 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

what about modding a set of 4th gen long tubes with the slip fit collector? they should be easy enough to position the collector where you want. is the angle of the collector the only fitment problem with a 3rd gen?
Old 08-03-2012, 09:06 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Originally Posted by ransam
what about modding a set of 4th gen long tubes with the slip fit collector? they should be easy enough to position the collector where you want. is the angle of the collector the only fitment problem with a 3rd gen?
Fourth gen long tube headers hit our frame before the collectors.
Old 08-04-2012, 02:53 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Originally Posted by ransam
what about modding a set of 4th gen long tubes with the slip fit collector? they should be easy enough to position the collector where you want. is the angle of the collector the only fitment problem with a 3rd gen?
4th gen headers swing out away from the engine and the collectors are pointed at angles away. If 4th gen headers were used, one would have to cut all 8 primaries and point them inward
Old 09-06-2012, 03:02 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Will 4th Gen long tubes fit the kmember? I'm willing to redesign my frame rails as I planned on this anyway.
Old 09-06-2012, 03:03 AM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

I'm just asking if the frame rails underneath are the obstacle with 4th Gen lts in a 3rd
Old 09-06-2012, 02:48 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Originally Posted by Pocket
4th gen headers swing out away from the engine and the collectors are pointed at angles away. If 4th gen headers were used, one would have to cut all 8 primaries and point them inward
what he said like a month ago
Old 09-06-2012, 04:28 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

That doesn't answer what I asked
Old 09-06-2012, 05:23 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

I had a set of Doug Thorley shorty 5th gen headers awhile ago. I mocked them up on my 5.3 swap that's in progress. The shorty headers do fit, but it was tight near the steering shaft - about as bad as SLPs headers for the regular SBCs. I don't have an AC/heater box, but I didn't see any potential issues there...

I know it's not THE answer some are looking for as you want long tubes, but hopefully it helps someone!
Old 09-07-2012, 03:07 PM
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Re: 5thgen Headers compatible with LS3 and Thirdgen Frame

Originally Posted by Podium
That doesn't answer what I asked
partially frame rails, partially a-arm mounts
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