John Bzdel's LS1/T56 Monte Carlo SS

John Bzdel's

1988 Monte Carlo SS

LS1/T56 Change-over page

May 2002 Project Updates

Header fabrication finally begins
I tried using the Schoenfeld SBC header kit as a baseline to begin with, however, two issues came up.

First, the tube configurations are no where near equal length and the routing based on the wider LS1 block didn't look too good.
Secondly, I had the proper header size recalculated by two independent shops and determined that the proper primary length for the 1-3/4" tubes should be in the 12" range as opposed to the approximate 6" length that I had originally planned. Oh well, so much for the 186V Schoenfeld header kit!
Now to plan "B".......I ordered up seven 180° mandrel bent u-bends of 1-3/4" pipe and a box of 36 feet of 1-7/8" pipe miscellaneous mandrel bent configurations to begin fabrication with again from Schoenfeld Headers.
- While waiting for these to show up in the mail I also ordered an "X" pipe junction (3-1/2" inlets with 3" outlets) from Dr. Gas.
I finally got started with the actual tube fabrication late Monday night on the 21st of May. Good progress to report. I started with the drivers side tubes and then did the passenger side last.
- All eight tubes are now cut and tack welded (12" of 1-3/4" primaries with 20" of 1-7/8" secondary tubing including the merge collector length).
- The overall tube lengths are 32", + or - 1/8"!!! True equal length stepped LS1 headers......another Industry first by Bzdel!
- Tube fabrication took a total of 5-1/2 days to complete for all eight tubes. The #8 cylinder was a real pain for some reason and took 1-1/2 days all by itself (due to my requirement to make all of the tubes matching equal length).

I am leaving for vacation for a week so the final TIG welding of the tubes will begin when I get back the first week of June. Sorry, no sneak peeks on the pictures until the welding is complete......and they do look very trick ;>)

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