Need Help - Trying to install Kooks Headers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 42
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From: Spring Branch TX
Need Help - Trying to install Kooks Headers
Need advice! I am having problems getting the passanger side header installed on a Kooks Header system. I have removed the starter and jacked up the engine as far as it will go. I can almost get the passanger side header in, but I am not able to it past the A/C line running from the compressor to the acumulator. I have not been able to go around the line or over it. Any ideas to get past this problem? Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Ya came to the right place 
First of all, you do have the head covers off, right? And you did remove any spark plugs which might get in the way, right? I had to remove the one second from the firewall to make it. You did disconnect the accordion bellows from the airbridge, right? You loosened both motor mount bolts from the bottom, but did not fully remove them, right?
You should probably not jack the engine any higher. You will need a 2x4 to gently but firmly pry the engine over just a hair to the left to make room.
The passenger side header will be inserted first downward sort of like pointing it towards the starter area and then "leveling it out", to what will be it's final position, once you get a ways in with the initial downward direction.
Don't use all of the available downward room you have as you will pass the point to where you will be able to level it out. In other words, do not go as far downward as you can, before attempting to level the header out into its final position. Start leveling as soon as is feasable. If it won't go then use a bit more, say a couple inches or so, of available 45-90 degree downward vertical direction and again try with the leveling. All the while holding your firm pry pressure to move the engine just a smidge to the left.
Keep in mind that the engine will have to be gently pried just a hair and held to the left. The header will almost drop in with the correct amount of jacking, insertion path and direction, and firm prying force to the left.
Start the header bolts. Forget the gasket for right now. BUT only start them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not take them too far before replacing the starter. Otherwise you will NEVER get it back in Move the starter wires off the header!!!!! Now remove the bolts and go with the gasket and bolt the header in place.
First of all, you do have the head covers off, right? And you did remove any spark plugs which might get in the way, right? I had to remove the one second from the firewall to make it. You did disconnect the accordion bellows from the airbridge, right? You loosened both motor mount bolts from the bottom, but did not fully remove them, right?
You should probably not jack the engine any higher. You will need a 2x4 to gently but firmly pry the engine over just a hair to the left to make room.
The passenger side header will be inserted first downward sort of like pointing it towards the starter area and then "leveling it out", to what will be it's final position, once you get a ways in with the initial downward direction.
Don't use all of the available downward room you have as you will pass the point to where you will be able to level it out. In other words, do not go as far downward as you can, before attempting to level the header out into its final position. Start leveling as soon as is feasable. If it won't go then use a bit more, say a couple inches or so, of available 45-90 degree downward vertical direction and again try with the leveling. All the while holding your firm pry pressure to move the engine just a smidge to the left.
Keep in mind that the engine will have to be gently pried just a hair and held to the left. The header will almost drop in with the correct amount of jacking, insertion path and direction, and firm prying force to the left.
Start the header bolts. Forget the gasket for right now. BUT only start them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do not take them too far before replacing the starter. Otherwise you will NEVER get it back in Move the starter wires off the header!!!!! Now remove the bolts and go with the gasket and bolt the header in place.
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Oct 9, 2004 at 08:09 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
http://www.z06vette.com/forums/showt...2&page=2&pp=15
These photos show the passenger side. Tried to PM this link to you but its acting screwy.
These photos show the passenger side. Tried to PM this link to you but its acting screwy.
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Oct 10, 2004 at 03:29 PM.
