Mac 2002 SS

iTrader: (6)

Hey Guys,
I'm planning on ordering a set of Mac Headers w/ cats this week for my 2002SS. I was wondering if the installation is straight forward without any tricks. If you guys have any tips ,please send them my way . <img border="0" alt="[pimp]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_pimp.gif" />

Jimmy98Z

I wouldnt go with mac cats they flow worse then stock cats get the off road y pipe.
Jimmy

GregM

They were a b*stard to install on my car!! I put mine in from the bottom, took me 16 hours to do it and i'm pretty good at mechanical things!!! I think if I did it again i'd go in from the top and take the valve covers off. Going in from the bottom there's a chunk of the block that blocks the header from fitting, and the rear passenger side bolt took me an hour to tighten.....that's how tight mine was. If you get started and have any specific questions, i'll try to help you if I can.

GregM

30TH_TA

My MAC's were a piece of cake to install, and I am not all that mechanically inclined at all. I removed the coil packs and that was about it. I went in from the bottom when the car was on jack stands. That notorious block thing is a pain, but all you have to do is stick a jack under the driver side of the engine and jack it a couple of times, and the header will slip right in. I would certainly not remove my valve covers. That's just my experience with the MAC's. You should have no problems. Good luck.

fastbluez

"I think if I did it again i'd go in from the top and take the valve covers off."

thats what i did, and then they simply slid right down in there!

ApacheDrill

iTrader: (21)

I went through the bottom, Had to losen the motor mounts and jack engine about 2 inches. Only suggestion is, replace the gaskets with new GM metal ones,and its a great time to replace your plugs if you were planning on it anyway. If it is still hanging you may need to pull the starter and A/C for more clearence. Sounds like alot for the passenger side, but not really to difficult. Drivers side will give you no problems. I have heard it can be tight up against the oil filter. I didnt have a problem with mine.I replaced the entire exhaust on a lift in less then 8 hours. Good Luck <img border="0" alt="[burn out]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_burnout.gif" />

P.S Dont forget the Anti Sieze and get new headers bolts if it does not come with the set.

rnr27band1

i put my drivers side in from the bottom and passager side in from the top with the coils and vavle cover off. i have done 2 other sets this way as well.

WedWoseZ

Mine took me about 8 hours. I went throught he top. I actually took my valve covers completely off. It made it sooooo much easier. The gaskets are reusable if you don't mess them up. I even left my coil packs on (98 has perimeter bolts) and just disconnected the harness. I did have to jack the motor up a bit, but did not have to take the mounts loose. One thing to remember!!! They are solid steel, a BIG hammer does wonders (and no dents in mine either)!!! Definitely replace plugs and wires. If your EX. gaskets don't have many miles on them, they are reusable. Mine had 70K and no leaks. The worst part for me was the ORY. I had heard so many clearance complaits that I had it to close to the floor board and when the motor torqued, they slapped the pan (Stupid mistake, easy fix) If you need any more tips or what have you, let me know.
Ryan