Rocket Man's 02 Denali Build Thread AKA "THE BEAST"

[Rocket Man]

Here's some more underneath shots of the clearances. It was nearly perfect everywhere. These have dual 3" midpipes going all the way back to the point where the factory dual pipes go into the dual-in, single-out Flowmaster.

 

[Rocket Man]

It was a real ***** getting things into place at a few spots but once in place, it all lined up perfect. I really was amazed. I planned on having it done today and I almost succeeded but tomorrow it will be running and I can't wait to see what it sounds like!

 

[Rocket Man]

Still have an issue with the dipstick tube. I got a second Dorman (free warranty exchange) and decided there is no way it will go back anywhere even close to the way it originally was with these headers. So I removed the mount bracket since it will be useless and tried bending the tube so it would just go into the hole and end up where I could get the dipstick in and it started breaking again at the same place. I have an OEM one on order and will be here Tuesday.
I got everything else back together this morning and fired it up. Sounds good but I was expecting it to be louder honestly. There was a ton of white smoke coming from the tailpipe that freaked me out until I read up and found out it's normal for the first day or 2. No leaks of any kind so I'm happy with that. Does kind of sound badass when I give it some gas but I still haven't driven it yet. I'm going to install the wheels and grill and go for a test drive an awhile.

 

[95escahoe]

Those headers look great, what muffler do you have?


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[Rocket Man]

Flowmaster Super 44.

 

[Rocket Man]

Went for a test drive and it does sound better; before when I hit WOT it had a weird sound that sounded like it wasn't able to push out all the exhaust it needed to and now it sounds like it's breathing better. Seems to rev faster too and acceleration is a bit quicker. I think when I get the cam in it will wake up the exhaust more also. I also got my billet front emblem in and installed it this morning. Looks way better than the old beat-up one.

 

[Rocket Man]

Love the black emblem.


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Thanks. Not sure if it was worth the money but my oem one was messed up and even a new one of those is about the same price.

 

[Rocket Man]

OK I need some advice. I was installing my headers today and of course shit happened as always. I had to remove the oil dipstick tube and of course the old one was rusted in place and broke when I was trying to remove it, leaving a piece in the block where it slides in. I fought like hell and got that rusted pos out and bought a Dorman replacement which didn't want to go in. As I was twisting it and trying to get it in, the end of THAT pos broke off in the hole. But now the headers are in place so it's a real ***** to get to, and as I was trying to use a long lag bolt to try to get ahold of it, it decided to disappear down the friggin' hole. My question is- isn't that piece now in the oil pan? (I drained the oil and tried putting a magnet into the pan through the drain hole but nothing) And if it's in the pan isn't it safe? The sump has a screen that will keep it from picking up something large like that, correct or not? I don't want to have to drop the pan if I don't have to, but if I need to I will. Thanks. I'll post pics of the header install when I'm done. They are installed, I just need to put everything else back together and figure out this damn dipstick. The headers are in the way of the damn thing and it's being a real *****.

Boy I wrote that post when I was grumpy! No wonder nobody was willing to offer any advice. They don't call me grumpy old man at work for nothing.

 

[kwOH]

Thanks. Not sure if it was worth the money but my oem one was messed up and even a new one of those is about the same price.

The billet will probably hold up better than a painted one, so probably a good investment.


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[Danny3737]

Boy I wrote that post when I was grumpy! No wonder nobody was willing to offer any advice. They don't call me grumpy old man at work for nothing.

It's better than ****** old broad

 

[Rocket Man]

The other day I ordered a new AC Delco trans dipstick tube by mistake and by the time I realized it, too late to cancel so it was delivered today. I started a return with Amazon and they said keep it and refunded my money. Anybody need a trans dipstick tube?

 

[Tonyrodz]

The other day I ordered a new AC Delco trans dipstick tube by mistake and by the time I realized it, too late to cancel so it was delivered today. I started a return with Amazon and they said keep it and refunded my money. Anybody need a trans dipstick tube?

Why can't I be that lucky. They always tell me to mail it back, where I have to pay shipping!

 

[Rocket Man]

Why can't I be that lucky. They always tell me to mail it back, where I have to pay shipping!

Then you might want to change the reason to "inaccurate website description" and they pay shipping.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Then you might want to change the reason to "inaccurate website description" and they pay shipping.

I actually did that with the pigtail I ordered for the tps/throttle body. I still had to pay to send it back. Oh well. Next time I'll fight for it.

 

[95escahoe]

How did those Dorman clamps work for you on the pass side rear? My back two are broken off flush with the manifold they look like a great idea till I do headers and maybe try dealing with them then if I can get a vice-grip on them


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[Rocket Man]

How did those Dorman clamps work for you on the pass side rear? My back two are broken off flush with the manifold they look like a great idea till I do headers and maybe try dealing with them then if I can get a vice-grip on them


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Both passenger sides worked great. I couldn't get the driver rear installed, there's no room on mine between the firewall. Luckily no leak from that one though.

 

[95escahoe]

Both passenger sides worked great. I couldn't get the driver rear installed, there's no room on mine between the firewall. Luckily no leak from that one though.

Thanks for the info just ordered it off Amazon that pass rear doesn't look too bad to do hopefully get it on this weekend


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[Countryboy07]

We need a sound clip!

 

[Rocket Man]

Thanks for the info just ordered it off Amazon that pass rear doesn't look too bad to do hopefully get it on this weekend


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Passenger rear is a piece of cake. The driver rear attaches with bolts into the back side of the cylinder head whwre there's no room to get the bolts started, at least on mine.

 

[95escahoe]

Passenger rear is a piece of cake. The driver rear attaches with bolts into the back side of the cylinder head whwre there's no room to get the bolts started, at least on mine.

I think I'll replace the dipstick tube too due to it being a lil rusty, that you simply unbolt it pull out and pop the new one in? Any o-rings you need to replace?


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