AR Headers removal help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
AR Headers removal help
I had ECS install American Racing Headers and x-pipe a couple of years ago. I'm now in the process of putting my stock exhaust back on my car. I'm following 97vette.com's how to install TPIS headers and it's pretty good. Right now I'm working on the passenger side and I have everything removed (except the valve cover) that 97vette.com described. I'm now stuck trying to get the header out. 
Is there a trick I'm missing or something specific to AR Headers? My next thought is to remove the valve cover and see if that will help.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Is there a trick I'm missing or something specific to AR Headers? My next thought is to remove the valve cover and see if that will help.Any help is greatly appreciated!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines Iowa
Yes try to get them out through the top after you take the valve cover off. Make sure your not getting stuck on any starter wires or ac line. If it's real close you can put a block of wood on a jack and jack the motor slightly one way or the other without having to disconnect motor mounts.
I've never had any personal experience with AR, only my LG's. What's it hitting on?
I've never had any personal experience with AR, only my LG's. What's it hitting on?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
It's a real tight fit trying to pull the header up, just doesn't see right. I'm starting to get the impression that they come out through the bottom.
I have an email into ECS so I should know for sure tomorrow, hopefully.
I have an email into ECS so I should know for sure tomorrow, hopefully.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines Iowa
Well I would assume they would come out the top like LG's would.. It is tight, maybe try having someone else help you from the bottom while your on top? The valve cover will come off in about 1 minuite so I'd definitely pull that off first.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
AR Headers
I wrote a DIY that is listed in the DIY area for AR Headers. The factory says to put them through from the bottom up. I couldn't make it work. They told me there was a sweet spot but I couldn't find it. I unbolted the motor mounts and tried jacking every which way and couldn't do it. My car is a 97 there was a AC low pressure line in the way in just the wrong place. I ended up putting the passenger one in through the top. When it got to the AC line going down I just popped it one time with a rubber mallet and it went right by. I know the 04 I am also looking at has the AC line in a different place. I think I could do it from the bottom on the 04. Hope this helps. Oh I about forgot. Yes take the coil packs off and the valve cover.
Last edited by bucketlist1957; Mar 7, 2011 at 12:05 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I installed the AR LTs on a buddy's car and the passenger side went through from the bottom to install, so I assume that would be the way to remove.
The jacking the motor up on the passenger side is an option to give you more room.
Micah
The jacking the motor up on the passenger side is an option to give you more room.
Micah
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
I wrote a DIY that is listed in the DIY area for AR Headers. The factory says to put them through from the bottom up. I couldn't make it work. They told me there was a sweet spot but I couldn't find it. I unbolted the motor mounts and tried jacking every which way and couldn't do it. My car is a 97 there was a AC low pressure line in the way in just the wrong place. I ended up putting the passenger one in through the top. When it got to the AC line going down I just popped it one time with a rubber mallet and it went right by. I know the 04 I am also looking at has the AC line in a different place. I think I could do it from the bottom on the 04. Hope this helps. Oh I about forgot. Yes take the coil packs off and the valve cover.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
Sure, I'm installing an STS Twin Turbo kit. Here's a thread that helped me decide...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-f...s-tt-guys.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-f...s-tt-guys.html
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 71
From: MA
They go in from the bottom. The car has to be way up in the air so the headers can almost stand vertically. I loosened my starter but didn't remove it. As mentioned, be careful of the starter wires. The header will get hung up on them.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
Thanks. I have my car up on my Kwiklift so I believe I have enough to get them out through the bottom. I saw the potential problem with the starter wires.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 866
Likes: 4
From: Bucks County PA
Ok, I was able to get the passenger side header out through the bottom. I just took my time and carefully worked the header past the starter wires. No need to loosen the starter.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Topeka Kansas
Sweet Spot
Now I know why I couldn't find the sweet spot. I don't have a lift. I had my car 22 inches off the floor. Thre drivers side went right up with no problem at all. 22 inches is no where near enough room to stand the passenger side header vertical. Good to know for the next time.
