So I pulled the trigger on a set of Ceramic coated longtubes with matching catted X pipe from BBK and was curious who here has installed these. I ordered them from LMperformance while they were on sale with free shipping so I got a catted setup for just around $850...However-

-I assume I need to get new gaskets & 02 extenders correct?

-Any tips for installing these?

-Recommendations on tools to pick up?

 

Also forgot, I'm also assuming I NEED to get a new tune (Edited). Do you guys think Brent (Brenspeed) will charge for a modified tune since I originally bought my CAI/Tuner combo from him, yet the new exhaust is not?


Has anyone delt with Justin Starkley from VMP? I'm hearing really good things from him, and am thinking about going with one of this tunes.


Thanks for the help!

 

no firsthand knowledge of the bbk lt's, but i put in my jba's. Stick with the stock gaskets, they work well. I needed o2 extenders for my jba's, and assume you will need them as well, but not pos........A new tune would be best as you will prob lean out a little, but it isn't a must........

 

The headers will pull your AFR to the lean side, so yes, you really should get a new tune... If you're shopping for a new tune, try Doug at Bamachips, his tunes absolutely rock!

 

I used VMP for a tune when I needed to get in for inspections (turn the 02s back on). Justin returned my calls and emails quickly. The tune felt good and passed inspection perfectly.

 

You will absolutely need a retune. You could probably handle the leaner conditions, but it's definetly not a great idea. You will pick up ideal power from making sure the fuel is both right during trim, and WOT. As well, there will probably be a check engine light resulting from the O2 transport delay category. I would definetly reccommend a retune.

Chris Rose
Tillman Speed, Inc.

 

Also, where is the best place to get 02 extenders from?

 

2 ton hydraulic jack and some jack stands
5mm end wrench
8mm end wrench
13mm end wrench
15mm end wrench
17mm end wrench
19mm end wrench
21mm end wrench
3/8 drive ratchet with 3 long extensions, and a swivel
Sockets (shallow and deep) for all sizes of wrenches mentioned above
1/2 inch ratcheting box end craftsman wrench (someone had suggested it and i am including it because i wished i had taken that advice...)

1. Jack up the car, set the E-brake and put her on jack stands.
2. Remove the battery and the battery tray
3. unplug all O2 sensors, but did not remove them from manifolds or h-pipe
4. unbolt the hpipe from the exhaust manifolds
5. remove the driveshaft loop type thing
6. remove the tranny crossmember bolts
7. loosen the pipe clamps on the H-pipe and wrestle it out from the car.
8. Remove the starter
9. remove the motor mount nuts on the K-member.
10. place a wood block ( I used a 2x6 about 8 inches long) under the oil pan and jack the motor up enough to get the mounts loose.
11. remove the motor mount brackets
12. Remove all nuts from exhaust manifolds (some guys like to just loosen the manifold nuts a bit and then remove the studs, but i only remove the studs that I could not get the headers over easily. this way the gaskets will hang on without trouble)
13. remove the exhaust manifolds.
14. Place gaskets on heads. I re-used the stock gaskets because they were nice and thin and in great shape.
15. remove old 02 sensors from old h-pipe
16. Install headers.
17. I extended the o2 sensors myself with a soldering iron and some high temp gasoline resistant wire and heat shrink tubing, otherwise install o2 sensor extensions.
18. install 02 sensors ans zip tie away from heat sources.
19. install h-pipe
20. re-install tranny crossmember.
21. re-install driveshaft loop thingy
22. get her off the jack and go for a drive! listen for leaks, and make sure you get the car up to operating temp.
23. let the car cool down and then re-torque everything.

 

Woah, Thanks faber!!

 

no sweat! I just installed the OBX stainless setup that is on ebay and have been stoked with how itt turned out. figured some of the info I had might help

oh and for what it's worth I just spliced the 02 sensors with longer wires instead of buying extenders. worked fine.

 

Yeah, as much as I would love to do it Im not the best with soldering/electronics and Im afraid I would screw something up

However, did you do your header install in your garage with a basic floor jack? Did you run into any problems with fitament or tips lining up/pipes hanging too low?

 

Soldering is no big deal. Most people have a hard time with it because they don't use the right iron, and flux. but if you dont have an iron the investment in soldring stuff might be exactly the same as just buying the 02 extensions.

did it in the carport with a jack and stands. only problem I had was when I fired it up with open headers.....and the neighborhood had to peel themselves off their ceilings.

 

good info... any trepidation over using stock gaskets? Did you also use stock bolts?

 

I looked at a set of the BBKs today, looked pretty good.

 

Yeah I'd definitely recommend them..Got em today and they came with 02 extenders and new gaskets. Overall great pieces, welds look good. Can't wait to install them this Monday

 

I reused the stock gaskets & studs. worked fine, no loosening or leaks.