Ugh, header install problems
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: MD
Ugh, header install problems So a buddy and I started the FLP install yesterday, careful of all the issues that people have (driver side fitment, k-member etc...)
Well we got the tear down done relatively quick and with no issue, changed the plugs real quick and started on the install.
Driver side: had to notch the k-member, then it slid right up and in with no problem.
Passenger side: slid in with no problem at all
THEN, all hell broke loose...The y-pipe did not want to fit for the life of it, no matter what we tried (jockeying every which way, loosening header bolts etc...It seems as if the passenger side of the y-pipe needed more of an angle in it. it wouldn't even line up with none of the drivers side y-pipe connected
After a few hours of struggling, i figured i'd let an exhaust shop figure something out...they could probbably bend that pipe and be done in 10 minutes.
So, we take the car down, and start on the AIR tubes...OMG, what a pain in the ***!!!!! How the hell are you supposed to bend them???????
BTW, the drivers side is a TON easier to work on than the passenger side (removing coil packs, plugs, etc...) IMO
Just makes me angry that we had issues where i don't think we should have had them.
Well we got the tear down done relatively quick and with no issue, changed the plugs real quick and started on the install.
Driver side: had to notch the k-member, then it slid right up and in with no problem.
Passenger side: slid in with no problem at all
THEN, all hell broke loose...The y-pipe did not want to fit for the life of it, no matter what we tried (jockeying every which way, loosening header bolts etc...It seems as if the passenger side of the y-pipe needed more of an angle in it. it wouldn't even line up with none of the drivers side y-pipe connected
After a few hours of struggling, i figured i'd let an exhaust shop figure something out...they could probbably bend that pipe and be done in 10 minutes.
So, we take the car down, and start on the AIR tubes...OMG, what a pain in the ***!!!!! How the hell are you supposed to bend them???????
BTW, the drivers side is a TON easier to work on than the passenger side (removing coil packs, plugs, etc...) IMO
Just makes me angry that we had issues where i don't think we should have had them.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 1
From: Lincolnton, NC
I just did the same install yesterday. One, I hung the headers and tightened them down. Next I added the straight pipe sections and and clamps but did not tighten. Then I marked the y-pipe extension on the i-pipe and cut about 4 inches off the i pipe. Everything fit just fine from there.
Had issues with the Air tube flanges on the headers being rotated 90 deg different from the air tubes on both sides. I also had the air tube flange on the number 1 cylinder instead of number 3 like the stock manifolds making the driver side tube too short. So, I got a spare passenger side tube and had the flange rotated for the drivers side and rotated the flange on the passenger side. Both bolted right up but I agree that I should not have had to do this and wonder how many others out there have.
I have install pics in my sig of the y-pipe if you want to look. Good luck.
Had issues with the Air tube flanges on the headers being rotated 90 deg different from the air tubes on both sides. I also had the air tube flange on the number 1 cylinder instead of number 3 like the stock manifolds making the driver side tube too short. So, I got a spare passenger side tube and had the flange rotated for the drivers side and rotated the flange on the passenger side. Both bolted right up but I agree that I should not have had to do this and wonder how many others out there have.
I have install pics in my sig of the y-pipe if you want to look. Good luck.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 124
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From: MD
Originally Posted by ram-it
I just did the same install yesterday. One, I hung the headers and tightened them down. Next I added the straight pipe sections and and clamps but did not tighten. Then I marked the y-pipe extension on the i-pipe and cut about 4 inches off the i pipe. Everything fit just fine from there.
Had issues with the Air tube flanges on the headers being rotated 90 deg different from the air tubes on both sides. I also had the air tube flange on the number 1 cylinder instead of number 3 like the stock manifolds making the driver side tube too short. So, I got a spare passenger side tube and had the flange rotated for the drivers side and rotated the flange on the passenger side. Both bolted right up but I agree that I should not have had to do this and wonder how many others out there have.
I have install pics in my sig of the y-pipe if you want to look. Good luck.
Had issues with the Air tube flanges on the headers being rotated 90 deg different from the air tubes on both sides. I also had the air tube flange on the number 1 cylinder instead of number 3 like the stock manifolds making the driver side tube too short. So, I got a spare passenger side tube and had the flange rotated for the drivers side and rotated the flange on the passenger side. Both bolted right up but I agree that I should not have had to do this and wonder how many others out there have.
I have install pics in my sig of the y-pipe if you want to look. Good luck.
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i did the install a couple weeks ago, u cant bend the AIR tubes for Sh*t i just went to autozone and picked up a longer black hose for the AIR and did not bend it.. also my exuast did not bolt up, they y-pipes fit like crap.. i wasted so much time just trying to get it to fit when all i had to do was take it to an exuast shop and they fixed it in no time. if i didnt struggle with the exuast and air system i would have had the install done in like 7 hrs but i wasted anohter hr and a half messing around with the exuast and air
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On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 124
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From: MD
Originally Posted by 01ws6transam
i did the install a couple weeks ago, u cant bend the AIR tubes for Sh*t i just went to autozone and picked up a longer black hose for the AIR and did not bend it.. also my exuast did not bolt up, they y-pipes fit like crap.. i wasted so much time just trying to get it to fit when all i had to do was take it to an exuast shop and they fixed it in no time. if i didnt struggle with the exuast and air system i would have had the install done in like 7 hrs but i wasted anohter hr and a half messing around with the exuast and air
I felt the same way after messing with the y-pipe for a few hours...it got to the point where i said "**** it, this is silly...an exhaust shop can have this done in no time..i already did the hard part!"