whitedevil

iTrader: (9)

How many of you guys had to grind off the casting tap on the passenger side of the block for your headers?

Also, Can I reuse the stock exhaust manifold gaskets?

I am getting ready to install my new Jet Hot LTs. Just looking for a li'l Advice before I dive into this, because I do know that installing long tube headers in a 4th gen F-Body makes baby Jesus cry...

6-Speed Terror

iTrader: (4)

i was ready to grind but turned out i didnt have to i got the xs headers. i think it depends on witch ones you have. i also reused the stock gaskets and they sealed real good. just make sure you get the car high enough of jack stands and you should not have any problems

blue98Z

iTrader: (29)

That little tab will give you problems if you don't get the car high enough. I got mine as high as it could go then had a friend grab it from the top and it slid right through. It's a tight fit but just give it a few wiggles and it it'll go.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

There is no need to do any grinding, here is how to do it without grinding.

First off, when you replace headers replace the engine mounts with poly mounts at the same time, its very easy to do the mounts when the headers are off. So after you get the headers off go ahead and unbolt the drivers side motor mount and replace it with the new mount but dont put the long bolt through the mount yet. Now you can either jack the engine up enough to fit the header through or you can place a piece of wood under the header and use a jack and force the header up, thats how I did it instead of grinding the casting off the block, it worked ok for me.

Ell Ess Won

Go ahead and get new gaskets they are like $10-20 trust me you wont wanna do it all again if you have a leak.

corvet786c

iTrader: (6)

dont reuse the gaskets. just pay the xtra money for new ones. Better off in the long run.

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

The TAB is on the drivers side only on mine..ground 1/4 " off.......otherwise my Edel's were trouble free--slid right in...I purchased some Percy's gaskets...for sure get new METAL gaskets.

donalr76

I didn't have to grind off anything for mine but I got pacesetters. Get new gaskets. Headers are worth the headache and handcramping your car will love you for them.

BriancWS6

iTrader: (18)

I didnt have to grind anything on two of three cars. For some reason on my buddies I had to cut that tab off though.

As far as the gaskets are concerned, I have re-used them on all the installs I did with no problems.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

i reused gaskets too.

greysteel_M6

iTrader: (5)

Yeah I reused the old gaskets with no problems and I did have to grind that tab off.

johnpate01

iTrader: (3)

I reused the old gaskets after I sandblasted them clean and have no leaks. I did have to sawzall about 1/4" off of that tab though.

SweeTbone

iTrader: (8)

Re-used the stockers and didn't grind anything. Unbolted the drivers side mount and jacked up the motor just a smidge to get it in. Passenger side slide in like butter.

exstanger

iTrader: (4)

I didn't have to grind off anything. I reused my stock gaskets too. Been on for over a year and still no leaks. I'm not sure about jet hots but I had to loosen the headers up to get my y-pipe in. I would also recomend the use of an air ratchet if you can. I installed mine by myself in less than 4 hrs. (full exhaust)

greysteel_M6

iTrader: (5)

I'm guessing that wasn't your first header install?

exstanger

iTrader: (4)

It was on an ls1. I've been doing mechanic work for 13 years full time and 17 part time.

WhiteKnightZ28

iTrader: (5)

You can get new GM gaskets for under $30... so why the f*ck would you reuse your old ones? Thats called being a hack.

And a sawzall will get rid of that tab in about 30 seconds (if it gives you any problems)

marthastewart

iTrader: (1)

can you get the gaskets from a parts store, or use only the dealer ones?

WhiteKnightZ28

iTrader: (5)

You should be able to get them from any decent parts store, just make sure you get the stamped metal gaskets, not the crappy "paper" gaskets that come with some headers like Pacesetters.

But frankly theres no reason not to use GM gaskets, they're not expensive (when you consider the cost of the headers themselves), and you can get them at any GM dealership.

whitedevil

iTrader: (9)

I have a hydraulic lift, so getting the car high enough should not be a problem. Yeah, I'll prolly just play it safe, and buy some new copper gaskets, or metal ones. I cant wait to get it all done. I will be sure to let you guys know if I too had to grind off the tab. From what I can gather, taking the tab off is only "to get the headers in" right?