gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

Ive spent this whole afternoon trying to install my Kooks 1 7/8 headers on my 408. The passenger side went in no problem but now the drivers side is not going in no matter what. Ive tried the search and did all the methods people suggested other than major things. I havnt tried lowering the k-member or pulling up the motor. But I really dont want to do those things because ive spent the last few days getting them into place. I think part of the problem is getting the car high up enough to get the header in at the right angle. One guy was saying he just turned the flange to a 90* angle facing the ground and just shoved it up and into place but i cant seem to get that to work. It looks like you can get it in from the top if you take out the steering shaft. Im not sure how to take that out and i didnt want to break it. I also have Spohn solid motor mounts and nothing a but a bare longblock in the engine bay. It just seems like everyone has their own way of doing this and none of those methods are working for me.

What do you guys think?

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

c'mon guys

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

That must have been my post where I said you could turn it 90 degrees and get it up into place - keep in mind that when I say that, it is possible, but it does take some persuading to get it up there.

Removing the steering shaft isn't too bad...you should be able to see a couple of bolts. Loosen those, and it'll slip off.

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

yep as a matter of fact that was you. when i remove the steering shaft does it just pull up and out of the rack? I was trying this before and couldnt get it out but didnt want to break anything. If i did this would it be possible to go in from the top. it is not getting in the way from the bottom. What I also think would help is getting the car high up enough to get it in at the right angle. Do you have and safe ways of lifting with a normal jack and jack stands? I suppose i could try putting some wood blocks underneath the stands.

blk00ss

iTrader: (66)

Your not going to break that steering shaft. There is a bolt at the top and one of the bottom of the shaft. Both must be taken out then you can slide the shaft up and it will pop out. It will probably take a little persuasion with a hammer to get it to move. It's hard to explain exactly how to do it. But if you have gotten this far by yourself you can definately do this.

outkast6991

iTrader: (34)

if your running a stock k member start with the header straight up and down in front of the hump that sticks out towards the oil pan. you should be able to go straight up then rotate in. i tried for a while before i figured out i needed to start in the front hole so to speak. good luck man

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

is the key here just to get the car up extremely high? I was trying this method but was still having trouble with ground clearance which is probably why i couldnt get it in.

outkast6991

iTrader: (34)

high enough that you can get the header almost straight up and down in the hole. i used a set of truck jack stands. the bottom of the rocker panel was about 24" of the ground in the front and i had the back end up as well(about 18")

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

damn thats pretty high, ill see what i can do.

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

I had to use a truck jack stand as well...it requires a fair amount of clearance.

outkast6991

iTrader: (34)

i wanted to thank you for the tip. i was under there cursing like crazy till i found your post then i went back out and it slid right in. thanks man

MeentSS02

iTrader: (11)

Glad it helped...it is a very nice trick to know with the Kooks headers.

LS1BLKSS

iTrader: (36)

its a bitch!!! but it can be done just take your time... if you have some one to help you let them try... i was having a very hard time doing it and my buddy was with me and i let him try and he pushed it in like nothing!! its luck im telling yoU!!!!!!!! lol

PAGregSS

iTrader: (10)

Did you already cut the little casting square off the block that sticks out just above the oil filter? Cutting that off with a cutoff wheel or sawzall will help you a ton. It's small, but it's in a pain-in-the-*** location.

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

no i have not, i dont have anything to cut it with.

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

this is impossible. I think im just going to pulling the engine again.

skeels

iTrader: (11)

I think i may have taken the 4 bolts out of my tranny crossmember and lowered the tranny down just a bit, enough to make the motor move and it was easier when i installed my tsp 1 7/8" headers

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

Ok i just cant do this. I have tried every possible way i can do and i just dig myself into a deeper hole. I really need somebody to come and help me with this. anybody in the chicago area available this week?

gmmusclecarman

iTrader: (20)

FINALLY GOT IT!!!! just ended up pulling the engine. 3 days to install headers. damn....