wizkid

iTrader: (3)

I will be doing a header install this upcoming weekend and want to know since it is so cold out, should warm the engine up before removing the header bolts?

I know that sounds like a dumb question but I am afraid of breaking one off in this cold weather so I figured warming up the engine a tad might help. Any thoughts on this?

Eric
www.installuniversity.com

WayneSS01

The last time I installed headers was in 1976 on a T/A. <img src="gr_emb.gif" border="0"> I soaked the bolts with Liquid Wrench the night before an started it up like you mentioned. They came of easily. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

[ March 04, 2002: Message edited by: WayneSS01 ]</p>

wizkid

iTrader: (3)

Thanks. I will do the same. I wasn't sure if liquid wrench would help though because I am not sure how it can get up in there but I will soak them down with it anyway. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

This aluminum head and steel bolt thing has me all tore up because I am not sure how this is going to go if I run into any problems. I am not quite ready for my head swap.

The bolts have been out before and one was broke and then drilled out and then retapped (as far as I know). So hopefully, they will all come out easily without much trouble.

Eric

Slowhawk

iTrader: (12)

Take out the bolts with engine cold.More chances of stripping the threads when engine is hot.Don't be surprised if the bolts holding the y pipe break off.

WayneSS01

Oh No! We have differing opinions on hot vs cold exhaust manifold bolts. <img src="gr_eek2.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> How about dropping the the Y pipe, cats, manifolds in one piece. Will that work on these cars?

red ws6 99

I second that the studs holding the y-pipe will most likely have to be broken to get them loose. Mine were rusted and had to break them. I did cut one or two them because I could not get enough torque with a 5 foot cheater bar to break them. Course I only was 130 lbs so I dont have a heck of lot strength to start with.

Gary

The Guy in MY 99TA

Wizkid..... I pulled my exhaust(y-pipe from manifold) when I pulled my tranny and I just sprayed mine with liquid wrench and also some wd-40....... I think you should be ok..... I think you should be ok if you heat the motor up a little but not much...... mine were done in warm weather anyway ..... but try that and you should be ok.... if something breaks take a break and let it get cold and try it then

Josh S.

Billy C

Let me know how it goes Eric , Im about a week behind you ! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> <img src="graemlins/camaro.gif" border="0" alt="[Chevrolet]" />

Slowhawk

iTrader: (12)

[quote]Originally posted by WayneSS01:
<strong>Oh No! We have differing opinions on hot vs cold exhaust manifold bolts. <img src="gr_eek2.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> How about dropping the the Y pipe, cats, manifolds in one piece. Will that work on these cars?</strong><hr></blockquote>

For taking the y pipe of,hot would be better.
For the manifold bolts going into the engine I would never take them out until engine is cold.
Same for torqing them in.
Believe me,I've striped my share of bolts and plugs into aluminum heads before.(the Aluminum is softer when hot)

Cool Z

Just some food for thought. My friend pulled a spark plug out of his LT1 to read it. When he broke it loose and took it out everything was cool. He went to reinstall it, and it wouldn't tighten. Turns out he basically broke/stripped the threading in the head when he broke the spark plug loose. This was letting sit for approx. 15 mins. after running it. I say if it's warm enough to work on it outside, I wouldn't worry about it. And as metioned, don't be surprised if some of the exhaust pipe to maifold studs break!!!! Good luck.

TA_2001

I say work on it where it is..
you can try the liquid wrench
but the header bolts have locktite
on them.. they are a pia anyway.

If you heat the motor up. the aluminum
is going to expand and a diffrent rate
than the cast manifolds and steel bolts.

hopefully you can get the car inside the garage
and heat the garage up enough for you.

wizkid

iTrader: (3)

It will be done where it sits with the engine cold. That is the verdict. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> That is what the spark plug manufactors reccomend for steel plugs in aluminum heads.

My bolts do not have loctite on them just anit-sieze so hopefully all will go well. It has been almost 3 years since they were out though.

I broke one loose last night with no problems. So I am going to dive in head first on it.

Thanks for all the advice.

Eric