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Header installation question

Old Aug 2, 2011 | 03:07 PM
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Default Header installation question

Installing long tubes requires (of course) the removal of the existing exhaust manifolds and catalystic converters - which also requires disconnecting the O2 sensor electrical connectors. My question regards those connectors.

The first connector for the sensor before the converter is an easy reach since it is right under the fuel rail cover; but the sensor aft of the converter connects at a location that is behind the exhaust manifold and up against the firewall. I doubt that my hand can sqeeze in there to disconnect it. It looks like the only way to reach it is to the drop the manifold and converter to get to it.

Any tips from you guys that have installed headers to save me from this headache would be welcome.

Thanks in advance
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 03:57 PM
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I removed the lower sensors then removed the connection tubes (where the cats are located) then I unplugged the sensors
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 11:28 PM
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I found it easier to remove the actual sensor than to unplug the harness. Once things are out of the way, then unplug the harness. I don't think most bother separating the cat from the manifold when removing.
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Old Aug 3, 2011 | 03:12 PM
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Thanks for the tips. Looks like sensor removal first, then drop manifold and cat, then unplug. Appreciate the help.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 07:23 PM
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Front sensors you can leave in, un-plug and pull the sensor out in the manifold. The rears should have enough extension to them to drop the H pipe down slightly and un-plug them and remove with them in the H.
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Old Aug 4, 2011 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by chimazo
I found it easier to remove the actual sensor than to unplug the harness. Once things are out of the way, then unplug the harness. I don't think most bother separating the cat from the manifold when removing.
Like chimazo, I removed the H02 sensors before pulling out the OEM system. That may not have been the "best practice," but it appeared to be the easiest way to deal with the system. Yes, my cats were still attached to the OEM manifolds during removal.

I experimented for an hour until I settled on the best routing for the H02 extensions. Take your time to insure everything stays far away from touching exhaust. I found a really neat method of attaching the extension plugs & H02 sensor wires under the car, to the side heat shields.
Aircraft clipnuts
And Adel clamps.

While too lazy to get under the car to take pix, the general idea resembles this:
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by fnbrowning
Like chimazo, I removed the H02 sensors before pulling out the OEM system. That may not have been the "best practice," but it appeared to be the easiest way to deal with the system. Yes, my cats were still attached to the OEM manifolds during removal.

I experimented for an hour until I settled on the best routing for the H02 extensions. Take your time to insure everything stays far away from touching exhaust. I found a really neat method of attaching the extension plugs & H02 sensor wires under the car, to the side heat shields.
Aircraft clipnuts
And Adel clamps.

While too lazy to get under the car to take pix, the general idea resembles this:
Many thanks for the tips.
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Old Aug 5, 2011 | 02:14 PM
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Thanks for the help


Originally Posted by Anthony @ LGMotorsports
Front sensors you can leave in, un-plug and pull the sensor out in the manifold. The rears should have enough extension to them to drop the H pipe down slightly and un-plug them and remove with them in the H.
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