Header Installation
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 416
Likes: 4
From: Iron Mountain,Michigan
Header Installation
Hellow Fellow Vetteheads,
Going to install a set of headers this weekend, I do not have a lift to use, will be doing it in my garage, need some guidance as to how to jack the vette up properly high enough to get under with stands to do the job. Also any suggestions or hints I might need or things I may run into that I may need to know about the installation??
Another question I have is that I went CHEAP $90 through summitt, no coating may be hot and will be rusty..think I made a bad choice,I already received them but have not installed yet. Should have done my home work better....ANY HELP to keep me from my STUPIDITY would be appreciated..
Thank You in Advance
Going to install a set of headers this weekend, I do not have a lift to use, will be doing it in my garage, need some guidance as to how to jack the vette up properly high enough to get under with stands to do the job. Also any suggestions or hints I might need or things I may run into that I may need to know about the installation??
Another question I have is that I went CHEAP $90 through summitt, no coating may be hot and will be rusty..think I made a bad choice,I already received them but have not installed yet. Should have done my home work better....ANY HELP to keep me from my STUPIDITY would be appreciated..
Thank You in Advance
Last edited by Bond007; Jun 4, 2009 at 01:02 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
From: Mexico NY
Hellow Fellow Vetteheads,
Going to install a set of headers this weekend, I do not have a lift to use, will be doing it in my garage, need some guidance as to how to jack the vette up properly high enough to get under with stands to do the job. Also any suggestions or hints I might need or things I may run into that I may need to know about the installation??
Another question I have is that I went CHEAP $90 through summitt, no coating may be hot and will be rusty..think I made a bad choice,I already received them but have not installed yet. Should have done my home work better....ANY HELP to keep me from my STUPIDITY would be appreciated..
Thank You in Advance
Going to install a set of headers this weekend, I do not have a lift to use, will be doing it in my garage, need some guidance as to how to jack the vette up properly high enough to get under with stands to do the job. Also any suggestions or hints I might need or things I may run into that I may need to know about the installation??
Another question I have is that I went CHEAP $90 through summitt, no coating may be hot and will be rusty..think I made a bad choice,I already received them but have not installed yet. Should have done my home work better....ANY HELP to keep me from my STUPIDITY would be appreciated..
Thank You in Advance
Last edited by timgman; Jun 4, 2009 at 02:05 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
Don't be so hard on yourself! I've read lots of posts with good things to say about the "cheap" headers from Summit and Jeg's. I've read that the high temp paint from VHT works really well. A little high temp primer, and the high temp silver paint will protect them and lower the temp under the hood.
I want to pull my long-tube headers and do the same thing. I haven't gotten up the gumption to do it yet, but I read a post that said you don't have to jack it up as high as you would think. I'm sure you know not to jack it up from the front crossmember (it will dent). Just jack up one side at a time and use jack stands on each side rail. I have large blocks of wood that I also use in case the stands slip. I'm sure drive-on ramps are useable too.
Temvette72
I want to pull my long-tube headers and do the same thing. I haven't gotten up the gumption to do it yet, but I read a post that said you don't have to jack it up as high as you would think. I'm sure you know not to jack it up from the front crossmember (it will dent). Just jack up one side at a time and use jack stands on each side rail. I have large blocks of wood that I also use in case the stands slip. I'm sure drive-on ramps are useable too.
Temvette72
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
It is not difficult at all. As far as black headers. I bought some Dynomax black headers back in 2000. (Going to change them for ceramic coated headers). I did not install them until April 06. They are rusty and look bad. Anyway
to install them, place your vehicle on four jack stands to raise the vehicle as high as your jack will raise it and the jack stands will allow. You should be able to get them on both sides from beneath the vehicle. (I was able to install the driver's side header from the top). Once you get them fastened, do not tighten as you will need some space to slide the header gaskets in. Use some anti-seize on the threads (especially if you have aluminum heads) makes for easier removal. If possible use quality fasteners. Stage 8 has good fasteners. Good luck with your install.
to install them, place your vehicle on four jack stands to raise the vehicle as high as your jack will raise it and the jack stands will allow. You should be able to get them on both sides from beneath the vehicle. (I was able to install the driver's side header from the top). Once you get them fastened, do not tighten as you will need some space to slide the header gaskets in. Use some anti-seize on the threads (especially if you have aluminum heads) makes for easier removal. If possible use quality fasteners. Stage 8 has good fasteners. Good luck with your install.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 416
Likes: 4
From: Iron Mountain,Michigan
I decided with your help to send these back and bought a set of Patriot
Tri 5 Headers with ceramic coating. Does anyone know if the ports of mine are oval or round do not obviously have them off yet?
Tri 5 Headers with ceramic coating. Does anyone know if the ports of mine are oval or round do not obviously have them off yet?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Consider wrapping them in header wrap
. I'm not endorsing this product, its just the first thing that came up when I google'd.
In any event, they'll last long enough to save up for another set.
Robb
. I'm not endorsing this product, its just the first thing that came up when I google'd.In any event, they'll last long enough to save up for another set.
Robb
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
sand blast the shipping paint off then clean and spray with VHT.
i installed the headers on my 72 BB by driving it up on ramps and then jacking up the rear end.
that was last year and the VHT still looks good
i installed the headers on my 72 BB by driving it up on ramps and then jacking up the rear end.
that was last year and the VHT still looks good
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
I installed ceramic coated headers on my1980. Be sure not to scratch them during installation. Jack your car up enough to slide them up from underneath. Oh, get some kind of locking header bolt. Standard bolts are notorious for backing out.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ontario
You will need to remove the starter to get the right side on but you will have enough room with the car on jacl stands.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
I have the cheap Hedman headers from Summit. They have been in for 11 years and have no rust. The reason is they were painted with Eastwoods header paint. I highly recommend it. Comes in a few colors, I used the gray.
http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-co...ting-1-pt.html
http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-co...ting-1-pt.html
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 1
From: SHERMAN TEXAS
ive got 89.00 summit headers and they fit great. like others have said remove the paint and spray a good high temp paint . i just wrapped the bottom half and slapped them right in from underneath. i used my floor jack and it got it up high enough. oh dont forget your jack stands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Be sure to get all the header bolts started (only a few threads) first before you tigthen. Otherwise you may not be able to get some of them started and you have to start over. I used allen head bolts so I could get a good "bite" on them when titghening. I also used High Temp Loctite to help keep them from backing out.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,672
Likes: 199
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
What is the rest of the exhaust, is it stock or do have headers on there right now ?
All headers are not the same so to connect the headers to your exhaust it will usually require some modifications.
Some times taking the headers to an experienced exhaust shop can save you many headaches
All headers are not the same so to connect the headers to your exhaust it will usually require some modifications.
Some times taking the headers to an experienced exhaust shop can save you many headaches
