Hedman Elite Install...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
Hedman Elite Install...
So today I finally got the chance to install my ELites on my '88 C4. I got the drivers side on so far. But with the passenger side it looks like by moving the ac compressor and taking the valve cover and moving the starter off that the header will go in from the top. The problem Im having though is with the oil dipstick tube-how does it come off so I can get the header flush against the head? Also the headers have 8 bolt holes each but the factory heads and manifolds only have 6 bolts-will that extra hole make a difference? Im using Mr Gasket header bolts-anyone have experiance with them?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Jefferson Georgia
Just installed my Elites on my 88 if you need any thing feel free to give me a shout. 4328891311. The dipstick tube sticks down in the block about 3-4 inches. You may have to apply heat to it but I was able to twist it back and forth while pulling on it and it finally came out. You will have to dent the number 8 tube for clearance from the evaporator box. You will need to remove the starter. Use some 3/8ths steel tubing to cut a spacer for the a/c bracket and use the factory bolt there. You will learn new words when installing the number 6 spark plug and you will need an angled plug boot as well so a set of wires may be in order as Chevy used a straight on number 6.
Drivers side, use about 8-10 inches of that 3/8ths steel tubing to fabricate a new alternator bracket to secure to the bolt next to number 3 exhaust. DO NOT skip this step or you will be buying a new alternator as the case will break due to stress. Most of all GOOD LUCK!
Drivers side, use about 8-10 inches of that 3/8ths steel tubing to fabricate a new alternator bracket to secure to the bolt next to number 3 exhaust. DO NOT skip this step or you will be buying a new alternator as the case will break due to stress. Most of all GOOD LUCK!
Last edited by formerfoxbody; Sep 13, 2008 at 07:48 PM. Reason: asleep
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Do Hedmans have a plug for O2 sensors? I cant see any in the pictures on summit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Troy Ohio
So today I finally got the chance to install my ELites on my '88 C4. I got the drivers side on so far. But with the passenger side it looks like by moving the ac compressor and taking the valve cover and moving the starter off that the header will go in from the top. The problem Im having though is with the oil dipstick tube-how does it come off so I can get the header flush against the head? Also the headers have 8 bolt holes each but the factory heads and manifolds only have 6 bolts-will that extra hole make a difference? Im using Mr Gasket header bolts-anyone have experiance with them?
The headers lined up with the 6 bolts that came with it and theres a bolt on both sides of each bank of exhaust holes so I think ok.
The dipstick will pull right up and out of the block. Sometimes its pretty hard to pull it out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Troy Ohio
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Troy Ohio
Just installed my Elites on my 88 if you need any thing feel free to give me a shout. 4328891311. The factory heads and headers have 8 bolts. The dipstick tube sticks down in the block about 3-4 inches. You may have to apply heat to it but I was able to twist it back and forth while pulling on it and it finally came out. You will have to dent the number 8 tube for clearance from the evaporator box. You will need to remove the starter. Use some 3/8ths steel tubing to cut a spacer for the a/c bracket and use the factory bolt there. You will learn new words when installing the number 6 spark plug and you will need an angled plug boot as well so a set of wires may be in order as Chevy used a straight on number 6.
Drivers side, use about 8-10 inches of that 3/8ths steel tubing to fabricate a new alternator bracket to secure to the bolt next to number 3 exhaust. DO NOT skip this step or you will be buying a new alternator as the case will break due to stress. Most of all GOOD LUCK!
Drivers side, use about 8-10 inches of that 3/8ths steel tubing to fabricate a new alternator bracket to secure to the bolt next to number 3 exhaust. DO NOT skip this step or you will be buying a new alternator as the case will break due to stress. Most of all GOOD LUCK!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Memory says, I installed from below, after removing starter. Started a couple of flange bolts, then went back and installed starter while header could swing out of the way.
I didn't have to dent any tubes, but I did have to reroute a wire bundle on passenger side and manhandle the fuel lines to get an acceptable clearance.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
The tube has a slight friction fit. Remove the dipstick, unbolt the tube and twist and pull it, straight up. I had to fab up a new tube mount.
Memory says, I installed from below, after removing starter. Started a couple of flange bolts, then went back and installed starter while header could swing out of the way.
I didn't have to dent any tubes, but I did have to reroute a wire bundle on passenger side and manhandle the fuel lines to get an acceptable clearance.
Memory says, I installed from below, after removing starter. Started a couple of flange bolts, then went back and installed starter while header could swing out of the way.
I didn't have to dent any tubes, but I did have to reroute a wire bundle on passenger side and manhandle the fuel lines to get an acceptable clearance.
I didnt see any bolts for the tube-it looked like it went into the oil pan. Got any pics?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Jefferson Georgia
Sean,
The dipstick fastens to the forth bolt from the front next to number 6 and fits into the block not the pan at the bottom. It's pretty snug, just take your time and you'll get it out.
If you're still in Abilene, maybe I could come up and help out this weekend if I can get free. I'm 80 miles south of you in San Angelo
If you need some pics just let me know and I'll do my best to get some posted.
Jay
The dipstick fastens to the forth bolt from the front next to number 6 and fits into the block not the pan at the bottom. It's pretty snug, just take your time and you'll get it out.
If you're still in Abilene, maybe I could come up and help out this weekend if I can get free. I'm 80 miles south of you in San Angelo
If you need some pics just let me know and I'll do my best to get some posted.
Jay
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
Alright after working on the car pretty much all weekend both headers are on. All I have to do is put the starter back on and it should be good to go.
One thing I'll need is a different o2 sensor as mine feels to long to screw in my bung which is on the drivers side header near the collector. Are you guys using the factory starter?-It feels like the starters gonna be real close to the header and the 2 lines that are under there. Also will it hurt anything to drive the car open header for a lil while since I havent gotten the rest of the pieces I need to put my exhaust together? ( I dont plan on driving the car a lot just about 20 miles from where she is now to my storage spot)
One thing I'll need is a different o2 sensor as mine feels to long to screw in my bung which is on the drivers side header near the collector. Are you guys using the factory starter?-It feels like the starters gonna be real close to the header and the 2 lines that are under there. Also will it hurt anything to drive the car open header for a lil while since I havent gotten the rest of the pieces I need to put my exhaust together? ( I dont plan on driving the car a lot just about 20 miles from where she is now to my storage spot)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 15
From: Martinsburg WV
As for the dipstick, I was able to keep it in and get the pass side header on-I did have to bend it a lot and I think it may be starting to break off of where it connects to the block
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
If you can't fit the starter in you may need to get a later small body starter, or a aftermarket small starter.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Alright after working on the car pretty much all weekend both headers are on. All I have to do is put the starter back on and it should be good to go.
One thing I'll need is a different o2 sensor as mine feels to long to screw in my bung which is on the drivers side header near the collector. Are you guys using the factory starter?-It feels like the starters gonna be real close to the header and the 2 lines that are under there. Also will it hurt anything to drive the car open header for a lil while since I havent gotten the rest of the pieces I need to put my exhaust together? ( I dont plan on driving the car a lot just about 20 miles from where she is now to my storage spot)
One thing I'll need is a different o2 sensor as mine feels to long to screw in my bung which is on the drivers side header near the collector. Are you guys using the factory starter?-It feels like the starters gonna be real close to the header and the 2 lines that are under there. Also will it hurt anything to drive the car open header for a lil while since I havent gotten the rest of the pieces I need to put my exhaust together? ( I dont plan on driving the car a lot just about 20 miles from where she is now to my storage spot)
Mine are the non emission version, so I welded in a bung in the collector adapter and added the heated O2.