Installing Headers on a 82
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 823
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From: Pensacola FL ROLL TIDE !!
St. Jude Donor '15
Installing Headers on a 82
Has anyone done this? I have got the drivers side on (no big problem), but it appears I have to buy a small modified bracket (made by Hooker)and fabricate a spacer for the a/c bracket. Any pointers out there.---------------------I have removed the air pump & catalitic converter prior to the header installation and I have side pipes that I will hook up later. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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Sure, it's done all the time. Just dump the AC 
You're right, you need a spacer. The stock headers had a spacer welded on, you can just take the measurement off those and buy a length of tubing to make the spacer from.
Did you order headers with an O2 sensor bung? If not you'll have to weld it on, preferrably in the collector. If your headers are coated you can install it in the pipe behind the collector. The O2 sensor thread is M18x1.5. If you experience closed loop problems you may need a heated sensor (how to wire it is a long story but if you need it I can explain it). It doesn't matter that the sensor is only on the passenger side, it'll still run fine.
You're right, you need a spacer. The stock headers had a spacer welded on, you can just take the measurement off those and buy a length of tubing to make the spacer from.Did you order headers with an O2 sensor bung? If not you'll have to weld it on, preferrably in the collector. If your headers are coated you can install it in the pipe behind the collector. The O2 sensor thread is M18x1.5. If you experience closed loop problems you may need a heated sensor (how to wire it is a long story but if you need it I can explain it). It doesn't matter that the sensor is only on the passenger side, it'll still run fine.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 823
Likes: 3
From: Pensacola FL ROLL TIDE !!
St. Jude Donor '15
Thanks, I do have coated one's and I planned on putting the sensor on the S pipe you have to install to hook up to the side pipes. Do I need that Hooker Bracket? Thanks again
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Independence Mo.
I just went down and measured the spacer on my 79 with A/C. The spacer is a piece of 3/4 round stock that is 1 1/4 long with a 3/8 hole in it. It will go next to the header, then the nut, that tightens the header. The a/c bracket is next, and finally the nut to tighten the a/c bracket. The bracket they are talking about is when the a/c is on the drivers side, not on the pass. side. Hope this makes sence, Gary B.
