So I've got a set of BBK LT's and an O/R X-Pipe coming this week from MarylandSpeed, I think tuesday or wednesday. I've looked at a few local shops and tried to get some quotes for an install vs. me doing it myself probably with a buddy at the Auto Shop on base that has a lift. I've been quoted 725 by a place that does hot rod stuff on a lot of different cars, and another shop that does Vipers, Vettes, Camaros, Mustangs, and the occasional Lamborghini, quoted me $450 to do it. For any of you who have done it yourself or not, if you were me would you have the shop do it for $450, or would you do it yourself? I'm not an idiot when it comes to cars but I've never unbolted motor mounts or steering shafts, or starters or anything and I'm just afraid of screwing something up. My buddy is pretty good with car/motorcycle stuff but should I just avoid the hassle and pay the $450?

 

You're not a car guy unless you do it yourself.

Yes there will be cussing.

Yes there will be yelling.

Yes there will be cuts on your knuckles.

The real satisfaction is standing back at the end of the day and saying. "I did that."

I vote, do it yourself. Save your $450 and buy an MGW shifter.

 

Amen to the MGW comment.

As for the LTs, I'm indifferent. I've never done one myself, but I heard from some folks LTs are such a pain, more so due to access and the amount of force needed to break free those bolts. They seem to be welded on due to the thousands upon thousands of heat/cool cycles.

 

I've done LTs on various other cars with and without a lift. Since you have the shop on base, they have lifts for you to use. I have ALWAYS had excellent luck with PB blaster. Spray a little on the nuts and bolts holding the exhaust on a few days prior when the exhaust is cool. Then repeat for the next few days until you are ready for LT installation. The bolts will come off smooth as butter.

I've never done LTs on a new 5.0 before. It's going to be an adventure for sure. Good luck on whatever option you choose.

 

It's not a terribly difficult install, but it does take a lot of time.

Of course a lift would make it much easier.

Pick up a 13mm and a 15mm ratcheting wrench. Those will make things easier.

 

I've considered LT's once my warranty expires and although I probably COULD install myself, I'm at the point now where I don't mind saving up a bit more cash and paying someone to do it right, paying someone to get their hands scraped/bloodied up, paying someone to do the cursing while I relax in front of the TV and know that they got installed RIGHT the first time.

 

I did mine myself over a two day period. Taking it easy and doing it step by step. it wasn't bad at all. 450.00 sounds like a real reasonable price though.

 

I did long tubes/x pipe on my 94 gt. there were some cussing points and some pita parts but in the end it was worth it. And like this post I did it on the ground with jack stands. I think if you have a buddy with a lift you should be able to accomplish it. Also stated before....$450 is another mod!

 

Yeah I did it myself last weekend. It really. Really. Really sucked. But I did save that money. Which was quite nice

 

you notice quite a change with the but dyno?

 

Get a tuner!

 

I do notice a difference. I've also got it tuned with a Bama performance tune. But yeah it's noticeably quicker and definitely pulls harder. I haven't gone to an actual dyno yet and I'm not really into drag racing so I couldn't tell you what it runs in a quarter mile.

I also notice a difference in flow now that the headers are on and the cats are gone which translates to a difference in the deceleration/engine braking/braking in general. Usually when you let off the car would have a lot of resistance if you coast or are under braking getting into a corner you'd have that added bit of engine braking. Not that the flow has been increased, that really doesn't happen as drastically as it used to.

Overall I'm really pleased with it. It sounds great, drives great, fuel mileage (for those who care) is the same if not better when I drive calmly. However once you put Long Tubes on, driving calmly goes out the window because you want to hear the engine scream. I constantly get compliments on the car.