My header install went well.....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
My header install went well.....
After reading a previous post about the install of a set of hedman hedders, I did mine this weekend. I must say that this install was probably the easiest header install I have ever done. (I'm still trying to get over that fact)
Perhaps it was because I read so many other experiences that mine went so well. It also worked out well because all of the bolts on the old exhaust - which i expected to have to fight all the way came right out with no complaints.
If you have never used it, I heartily recommend Aero-kroil as a penetrating lubricant - I sprayed this stuff around where the cast iron intakes mated with the heads and it soaked right on through to the bolts.
Here is what needed to be done to install these headers, after the removal of the existing exhaust.
driver side:
1. remove alternator
2. remove Z-bar
3. remove spark plugs and drape wires out of the way
Passenger side
1. remove A/C compressor and bracket
2. remove starter
3. remove spark plugs and drape plug wires out of the way.
Once this was done the car was lifted about 8-10 inches and placed on 4 jackstands - 2 behind the engine compartment and two up front onto the sway bar bushings.
Both headers installed from below with NO problems - in fact We had both side mounted on the car in 25 minutes after the car was raised.
While the Z-bar was out it was degreased and painted with rallye wheel silver - which is a very close match for the jet hot coating on the headers. in the image below you can see the hedman hedders provide ample clearance to the steering box.
We did have one problem - during the reinstall of the starter we noticed that the header was touching the Idler arm - we removed the header and dimpled the tube in that location.
All that remains is some welding to complete the dual exhaust install - I am still waiting on replacement calipers from VB which is why I started all this.
[Modified by fauxrs, 3:08 PM 5/27/2002]
[Modified by fauxrs, 3:09 PM 5/27/2002]
Perhaps it was because I read so many other experiences that mine went so well. It also worked out well because all of the bolts on the old exhaust - which i expected to have to fight all the way came right out with no complaints.
If you have never used it, I heartily recommend Aero-kroil as a penetrating lubricant - I sprayed this stuff around where the cast iron intakes mated with the heads and it soaked right on through to the bolts.
Here is what needed to be done to install these headers, after the removal of the existing exhaust.
driver side:
1. remove alternator
2. remove Z-bar
3. remove spark plugs and drape wires out of the way
Passenger side
1. remove A/C compressor and bracket
2. remove starter
3. remove spark plugs and drape plug wires out of the way.
Once this was done the car was lifted about 8-10 inches and placed on 4 jackstands - 2 behind the engine compartment and two up front onto the sway bar bushings.
Both headers installed from below with NO problems - in fact We had both side mounted on the car in 25 minutes after the car was raised.
While the Z-bar was out it was degreased and painted with rallye wheel silver - which is a very close match for the jet hot coating on the headers. in the image below you can see the hedman hedders provide ample clearance to the steering box.
We did have one problem - during the reinstall of the starter we noticed that the header was touching the Idler arm - we removed the header and dimpled the tube in that location.
All that remains is some welding to complete the dual exhaust install - I am still waiting on replacement calipers from VB which is why I started all this.
[Modified by fauxrs, 3:08 PM 5/27/2002]
[Modified by fauxrs, 3:09 PM 5/27/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: My header install went well..... (fauxrs)
Now you get to sit back and enjoy the work. I love my headers they sound awesome. I went with dynomax for cost reasons, but that open header sound is always the same.
Mark B.
:cheers:
Mark B.
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: My header install went well..... (fauxrs)
WOW.. :eek: Looks great! Glad to hear it went well. I did the same thing this weekend, but installed Dynomax. My AC and plugs were already out, and the car up on stands... so they slipped in from below just as easy as yours. Plenty of steering box clearance, and about a 1/2" clearance from the Idler arm..no dimpling.. and didn't have to pull the starter. After many problems with fuel pump fittings... and intake gaskets sliding all over the place.. the ease of the header install was a welcome relief... Good luck with your project.
Eddie
Eddie
