5.3litre

iTrader: (6)

ok i just recieved my pacesetter headers and tsp ory pipe. for my 02 trans am..my 1st question is what tools i will need...obviously i will need some rachets and some metric sockets..what else will i need...luckily i have access to a lift, but i can only work on my car from 6:00pm to 10:00pm and i only have three days...but i should be able to get it done for sure...also i was wanderin if i will have to raise the motor up any? it says i may need to in the instructions but i have seen people say with the pacesetters that you dont have to..so if anyone has installed pacesetters please chime in..and what else can i remove from the engine to make the install easier..my plan tonight is to remove all the exhaust and take the air pump out and use the next two days putting all the new stuff back on..do you guys think i can get it all done in 12 hrs? i think i can...

conan

iTrader: (5)

I put my kooks in about 2hr. Spray all the cat to ex manifold bolts with pb blaster. Take as many of the maifold bolts out from the top that you can. The back passenger bolts are easy to get with the car up on the lift. Its not as bad as you think once you get started. Shouldn't have to lift the engine at all. Good luck.

5.3litre

iTrader: (6)

ok thanks man...i just got one more question...does anyone know the torque specs on the header bolts? thanks alot..

conan

iTrader: (5)

First pass 132in# final 18ft#. What gaskets are you going to use?

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Exhaust manifold bolts
Step one...........132 in-lbs
Step two...........18 ft-lbs

Edit - Damn, you beat me to it

5.3litre

iTrader: (6)

what do you mean by step one and two..do i tighten them all...and then go back over them? do i need to heat the car up before i make the final pass?

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

Nah, thats just to be exact. Tightening them to 18 ft lbs is fine. Just go from the center out.

kpowr82

iTrader: (9)

10mm gear wrench was my friend. It'll also help alot if you remove the AIR and EGR systems. It doesn't sound like you need to pass emissions, so you don't really need these.

I didn't have a lift, and it took me 9 hrs. If I did it again with a lift, I'd prolly have it done in 3 hrs. Not too bad at all. Especially with a lift.