header fitment issue
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 82
Likes: 19
header fitment issue
hello all, I have decided to install my own headers after getting too many ridiculous quotes up here in CT. I am comfortable with the job, I have done many exhausts over the years. my question is fitment, I hear so often that the only headers that fit without issue are the ARH. ius this true or just myth?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 181
From: Lockport IL
I won't get into.... I've seen this with one brand and this with another brand. All I can say is my American Racing headers fit perfectly. These are also the first headers I've ever done on a car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,376
Likes: 1,118
I think that all of the popular brands - ARH, AFE/Pfadt, LG, Kooks, etc. fit without any issue. I doubt that they would get away with fitment issues with the money that they're asking for those high end headers for our cars. Some are easier to install than others, but that doesn't mean they have a real fitment issue, i.e. the pipes bang or rest against something once they're installed.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 508
From: Oshawa, Ontario
hello all, I have decided to install my own headers after getting too many ridiculous quotes up here in CT. I am comfortable with the job, I have done many exhausts over the years. my question is fitment, I hear so often that the only headers that fit without issue are the ARH. ius this true or just myth?
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,273
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From: Kansas City MO
Are you saying to tighten the x-pipe clamps fully before fully tightening at the engine?
I'm replacing the header gaskets, but I also have a rattle in the x-pipe area. I want to shore that up while I'm in there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
Are you saying to tighten the x-pipe clamps fully before fully tightening at the engine?
I don't think so, after getting it all in place loosely I would tighten the header bolts first because I would not want to put a lot of pressure on them trying to suck it all together being the heads are ALUMINUM !!!
I would rather "tweek" everything else if need be but get the header bolts tight first, JMHO.
I'm replacing the header gaskets, but I also have a rattle in the x-pipe area. I want to shore that up while I'm in there.
I don't think so, after getting it all in place loosely I would tighten the header bolts first because I would not want to put a lot of pressure on them trying to suck it all together being the heads are ALUMINUM !!!
I would rather "tweek" everything else if need be but get the header bolts tight first, JMHO.
I'm replacing the header gaskets, but I also have a rattle in the x-pipe area. I want to shore that up while I'm in there.
NSF
Last edited by Not So Fast; Jul 27, 2017 at 07:03 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 7,001
Likes: 988
From: lake havasu city arizona
I would rather "tweek" everything else if need be but get the header bolts tight first, JMHO.
NSF
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,672
Likes: 2,726
From: Atlanta GA
I don't think so, after getting it all in place loosely I would tighten the header bolts first because I would not want to put a lot of pressure on them trying to suck it all together being the heads are ALUMINUM !!!
I would rather "tweek" everything else if need be but get the header bolts tight first, JMHO.
NSF
I would rather "tweek" everything else if need be but get the header bolts tight first, JMHO.
NSF
I tighten the bolts at the heads first also then work your way back
Bolts wont break unless you cross thread them on install which is very easy to do
also when removing the bolts I used " RUST BUSTER" from Home Depot , warm the engine just for a bit , don't get it to hot , spray around the bolt with rust buster and let sit for a few minutes .....then remove very slowly BY HAND as you don't want to PULL threads
I used anti seize on all the bolts and spun them in hand tight first using just the socket on the head of the bolt
if I could not get the bolt to start .... I removed the bolt and started over , the secret as someone else stated is you might need someone to hold the headers at the exact angle that they would be installed , if they are pulled back just a hair , it will change the angle of entry and cause cross threading
And remember when tightening the bolts don't go crazy , they only get tighten to 18-20 FT LBS . this is not much .... I bet I can figure out why some folks broke bolts
Easy install ... not much to screw up .....you can do it
Dave
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Tampa FL
luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Atlanta GA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 757
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From: Tracy CA
My LG's hit the frame had to trim the frame to get it to fit. Just watch out for all the wires/lines under the car and clearance them away from the headers. I had to move a brake line and the trans cooler lines.
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hello all, I have decided to install my own headers after getting too many ridiculous quotes up here in CT. I am comfortable with the job, I have done many exhausts over the years. my question is fitment, I hear so often that the only headers that fit without issue are the ARH. ius this true or just myth?
