LS1 swap headers options (5th ben camaro exhaust manifolds?)

[z28]

There is another thread with a very similar tittle but this one is different.

Now for the real reason for this thread, has anyone ever tried using the 5th gen (2010+) camaro exhaust manifolds when doing an ls swap? .... the manifolds look like they hug the block pretty good. If they do not fit, but they are close to fitting, can they be modified to fit by having some v-bands welded to them and/or angle milling the flanges to fit?


As of right now the only known options are sikky headers, sanderson headers or custom (very expensive).

Sikky Headers
The headers are expensive and it looks like you have to use aftermarket control arm bushing to clear the headers. I do not like that because the ride is going to get really harsh with the aftermarket control arm bushings.

You can get them in two sizes and they come with v-bands, clamps, gaskets, and bolts.
option a) 1 3/4" primaries and 3" collectors
option b) 1 7/8" primaries and 3.5" collectors


Sanderson Headers
Great price but the quality seems to suffer. The headers can be had with or without v-bands.
1.5" primaries and 2.5" collectors

CXRacing Headers


5th Gen Camaro Exhaust Manifolds not sure if they work
The 5th gen camaro and pontiac G8 GT share the same manifolds, so the manifolds can be found for cheap, and they hug the block pretty good. Other people that have done swaps into other cars have welded v-bands to the manifolds to get more clearance and others have gone as far as angle milling the flanges a few thousands to get even more clearence. I have no idea if they would fit and I won't be able to find out any time soon, but others might be able to give it a try and see how it goes. Here are some pictures for reference.

I don't know the size of the primaries or collectors








Not e30








Hooker 8501 Headers not sure if they work
The hooker cast iron headers are very similar to the 5th gen manifolds because they are based on them, but they hug the block even more. The headers can be found for around $300, it just depends where you look. Unfortunately the hooker headers do not work with 2004-2006 GTO starter/bellhousings, which is the bellhousing and starter that I have. From what I have seen and been told, the GTO starter solenoid is clocked different then the f-body starter and that causes the solenoid to make contact with the header. The bellhousing on the GTO can be used as long as a GTO starter is not used, but the GTO bellhousing will have to be modified to be able to fit an f-body starter. If you do not want to modify the GTO bellhousing you can use an ls1 mini starter that doesn't have a nose or grind an f-body starter (only the ribs). Anyways, I have no idea if the hooker headers would fit an e30 and I won't be able to find out any time soon, but others might be able to give it a try and see how it goes. Here are some pictures for reference.

1 5/8" primaries and 2.25" collectors







Not e30


Not e30


Great diagram showing dimensions from 3 different sides.


Here it shows the difference of the 5th gen manifolds and the hooker headers. Note that the E-Rod engine came with ls3 corvette or 5th ben camaro manifolds, the one on the picture is from a 5th gen camaro.


I will edit this thread as I learn more information about the header options for ls swaps into e30s.

[Q8y_drifter]

Can't help you much there since I have sikky, but this is good info. Subbed for future reference.

[garretvs]

Yes, the Hooker headers look like they will work.

[Pootis]

I'm not sure you can clear the steering shaft with those. I tried Trailblazer ss manifolds and they will not work. I ended up going with a 99 corvette manifold on the drivers side and heavily modifying it

[z28]

Yes, the Hooker headers look like they will work.

Thats what I was thinking, they hug the block really good and they don't hang too low.

I'm not sure you can clear the steering shaft with those. I tried Trailblazer ss manifolds and they waffleswaffleswaffles not work. I ended up going with a 99 corvette manifold on the drivers side and heavily modifying it

Could you post some pictures of what you did to the corvettes drivers side manifold and of how it fits on there now, it would really help others in the future. How close was the trailblazer manifold to the steering shaft? what kind of motor mounts are you using? ... the steering shaft can be moved away on e30s with airbags, maybe it can be moved enough to clear.

[garretvs]

Make a steering intermediate shaft with Flaming River U-joints with 17mm x 54 DIN spline and a 3/4" DD shaft.

[Pootis]

Could you post some pictures of what you did to the corvettes drivers side manifold and of how it fits on there now, it would really help others in the future. How close was the trailblazer manifold to the steering shaft? what kind of motor mounts are you using? ... the steering shaft can be moved away on e30s with airbags, maybe it can be moved enough to clear.

Pretty sloppy looking but you get the idea of what all you need to do

[z28]

Make a steering intermediate shaft with Flaming River U-joints with 17mm x 54 DIN spline and a 3/4" DD shaft.

Yup, planning on having a 3/4" DD shaft welded to the steering shaft and using some flaming river u-joints.

Pretty sloppy looking but you get the idea of what all you need to do

As long as it works its cool, thanks for the pictures.

[z28]

Found this picture of 5th gen camaro manifolds next to trailblazer ss manifolds. The trailblazer manifolds hang lower and have 3 bolt flanges vs the camaro 2 bolt flanges. Camaro manifolds seem to have more room to play with, but since camaro manifolds step out at the flanges, they might still hit the steering column.


5th gens are on top and trailblazer at the bottom.

[Pootis]

Interesting. Well I stand corrected you may be able to sneak them by then. I know Eaven Marcum is using gto manifolds and he says they work as well

[kalib0y]

interested in the findings

[sgtskid]

I used LS2 Manifolds from a 2007 Corvette. $150 shipped w/gaskets to my door!

Granted I mounted my engine with a solid plate.



I tried both stock Envoy and Trailblazer SS manifolds and both hit the steering linkage on the driver side. Straight block huggers empty directly into the steering rack/subframe. The LS2 Manifolds are short enough I could route the exhaust where I needed it.

[vdynmx]

I got the Sikky 3/4 headers. They stick out down real low. I would consider other headers. As mine needed to be modified at the downpipe and the exhaust still hangs lower then I would want. for $1000 they are no ideal fit based on my experience

[Mustachio]

Any updates on the header fitment?

[z28]

Nothing yet, I have a set of 5th gen camaro manifolds and other parts I have been collecting but school and my internship are taking all my spare time. I graduate Spring 2018 so I should have more time and money then.