What all is needed for headers install
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 27
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What all is needed for headers install
I ordered speed engineering long tube headers and x-pipe and I am wondering what else is needed for the install. I have heard people say that you need angled spark plug wires, new header bolts, heat wraps on the headers, etc. what are your thoughts on if I should just use the bolts that came with the new headers and leave everything stock, or should I buy some other things before throwing the pipes in there. I also plan on getting a mail order tune, I was thinking hptuners. And how much would it cost to have a shop put the pipes in instead of doing it myself. Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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A full 12 pack of beer, and extensive vocabulary of every cuss word ever invented!!
Seriously, you should have a good rubber mallet/hammer, pry bar, good selection of sockets, extensions, a flex universal/u-joint type adapter to allow angled tightening/loosening, some penetrating oil and perhaps at least a propane torch to help loosen the old OEM exhaust fasteners, combination wrenches, a floor jack, and jackstands. A creeper and a buddy wouldn't hurt, either. If I had to do it over again, I'd wrap the tubes and collectors with heat wrap, like DEI, or similar, BEFORE mounting the new headers. I'd also reuse the MLS exhaust manifold gaskets. Also, after the old OEM exhaust manifolds are off, there'll never be a better time to ensure your starter bolts are tight, along with ensuring your wiring eyelets/connectors to the starter are clean and tight. Some header brands go on much easier than others. My early Kooks LTs are one of the "others."
Hope this helps....
Seriously, you should have a good rubber mallet/hammer, pry bar, good selection of sockets, extensions, a flex universal/u-joint type adapter to allow angled tightening/loosening, some penetrating oil and perhaps at least a propane torch to help loosen the old OEM exhaust fasteners, combination wrenches, a floor jack, and jackstands. A creeper and a buddy wouldn't hurt, either. If I had to do it over again, I'd wrap the tubes and collectors with heat wrap, like DEI, or similar, BEFORE mounting the new headers. I'd also reuse the MLS exhaust manifold gaskets. Also, after the old OEM exhaust manifolds are off, there'll never be a better time to ensure your starter bolts are tight, along with ensuring your wiring eyelets/connectors to the starter are clean and tight. Some header brands go on much easier than others. My early Kooks LTs are one of the "others."Hope this helps....
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,956
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From: Maryland
I had my American Racing headers coated with Swaintech White Lightening. Its very effective at reducing under hood temps (I think it feels cooler than with the stock manifolds). No damage to the OEM spark plug wires w/o added protection. Held up to 10 years (so far) of HPDE's.
With the swaintech coating you have to mark the headers where you don't want the coating applied. Supposedly it takes an angle grinder to remove it. I don't remember the cost but it wasn't cheap.
With the swaintech coating you have to mark the headers where you don't want the coating applied. Supposedly it takes an angle grinder to remove it. I don't remember the cost but it wasn't cheap.
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Southlake, TX
Race Director
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Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,642
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From: CT
I find that where people struggle is either from lack of experience or from limited scope of work. What I mean by that is that headers are often the first semi-significant performance mod many folks get into and if all they've done is change oil and brakes this can be a headache. It really isn't bad though. The other one being scale is that folks try to get away with doing as little as they can to get it in, disturb fewer parts of the car. I say go for the gusto and don't be afraid if you have a hoist to just lift the engine a bit off the cradle to get more space. Likewise, drop the cradle from the frame. Those two things comprise 6 total bolts, are quick and easy, and allow you much more space to get the pipes in place, secured, and the whole assembly back together. A lot of folks waste hours cursing while trying to play tetris with the pipes if they're not a simple design to work with.
Sounds fun! You will love them
Sounds fun! You will love them
