I just got the stillen headers and was lazy to install it myself so I decided to take it a shop to do it but they all wanted around $300-$400. So I think I'm gonna do it myself and was wondering if anyone had done the headers themselves and can tell me if I'm gonna run into anything unexpected or is it pretty basic.

 

It doesn't look like it would be the easiest thing just by looking at the engine compartment.

 

You will be doubting your whole existance as a human being if you do it yourself. I hope you have a lift.

 

It all depends on your mechnical skills and your tools.
I installed the Xerd headers and there are some bolts that are a real pain in the butt to remove and put on. Most people that have installed headers had to remove the radiator plumbing on the passenger side to get more room to get to the bolts. Although I did not take the plumbing off, I made myself a customized wrench to get to the bolts.

In my opinion, there is nothing that is extraordinary about the job, but there is not much room to work. You will need to be patient and have a good assortment of tools.

I believe it took me about 14 hours to remove and install my headers and complete exhaust system, of that I would say the headers were about 9 to 10 hours.

 

$300 for the install is decent, and they probably can knock out the install in 1/4 amount of the time. You definetly need a lift if you're considering doing it your self.

 

Shocka, can you describe the sound of your car or better yet, post a clip? I have the XERDs and am getting the NISMO exhaust in place of this custom. How does it sound regarding raspyness, volume, etc? Thanks!!

 

I'd be payin the $300-400 for the install. Unfortunately I don't know of any decent shops in my area so I'm on my own. As for the Stillen model I don't know much about them. I've been able to find installs for the Nismo & Crawfords.

http://www.350zforum.com/tech/NISMOR...neheaders.aspx

http://www.zchickz.com/header1.htm

http://www.crawfordzcar.com/

A lift will make your life a lot easier, but it can be done without it.
Zzzya & Exploder both have experiance & will probably be willing to answer direct questions that you may have. I will be doing an install on 3/6 with Peptidbond & will be posting detailed instructuions if you want to wait.

Best of Luck to you!!

 

FLY BY Z,
The sound at idle is almost as quiet as stock, of course at about 2000 rpm and up it gets quite a bit louder. There is just a little bit of raspy-ness at about 3000 rpm on deceleration. At high rpms it is loud enough that I don't like revving it to many times to scare the neighbors.
I will try to get you a clip.

 

Cool. So acceleration is smooth and raspless?

 

FLY BY Z
I have a sound clip for you, I think it will not come through as it is about 6 MB. I think I will need to get it hosted by someone.

There is an odd clicking sound in the clip, something to do with the camera......but you will get the idea.

 

Check PM

 

NISMO Exhaust/Test Pipes - Right Click, Save As Please!!!!

 

Its a complete pain in the **** if you are going to do it at home! I installed mine myself and it took me 15 hours, with jack stands and some decent tools. It is well worth it to have a shop do it. A shop should be able to do it in ~4-5 hours with a lift and the right tools. Several of the bolts are very hard to reach which makes it very easy to strip a bolt. I stripped two of them when I did my install and it was a complete nightmare.