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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:28 PM
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Default headers help asap

OK i am having a problem with my headers i cant get the damn driver side in does any one know a trick to get it in.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:29 PM
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Do you have the spark plugs off. If you do, then jack the car up roughly 2-3 feet.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 06:33 PM
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Yes I do have the spark plugs out, and the car is already 3 ft off the ground.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 07:43 PM
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you just have to slide it under, find out what is stopping it and wiggle it through. you may have to grind the tab off your block, notch the k member, etc. what kind of headers do you have? my pacesetters got stuck, but i just pushed and wiggled and they slid through pretty easy.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 07:52 PM
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As he said, just look at what is in the way, then temprarily remove/grind/bend that object
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by LSONE
you just have to slide it under, find out what is stopping it and wiggle it through. you may have to grind the tab off your block, notch the k member, etc. what kind of headers do you have? my pacesetters got stuck, but i just pushed and wiggled and they slid through pretty easy.
theres only so much that reading will help, you just have to get in there and work it in until it slides up.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 07:58 PM
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On my QTP's I had to remove the drain plug and the oil filter then it slid right in.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 08:06 PM
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Originally Posted by f-bodman
On my QTP's I had to remove the drain plug and the oil filter then it slid right in.
Same with my Kooks. You have to point the collector straight up and down perpendicular to the ground. Raise the header while simultaneously turning the collector towards the back of the car. They should go right in. If it seems like it won't go in, take a break, have a beer, make a booty call, whatever, then go back and try again. It WILL go in this way. All of the above mentioned tips like grinding and bending things should be a last resort IMO.

Good luck.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 11:11 PM
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thank you, i got it in ,i just said f--k it i will finish the rest tomorrow. i just have to torque the bolts down, put the spark plugs in. is there any more stuff i need to know?
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 11:33 PM
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you might not have as much trouble as i did, but i got real frustrated trying to hold the header up from under the car while my dad tried to align the gaskets and hand tighten the bolts, just be patient, last bolt you'll probably have to install from the bottom. i thought getting the plugs back in was a little tough too. just be patient, thats the key. it'll all go back in nice, if your getting real frustrated take a break.
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 10:03 AM
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Double check EVERYTHING before you fire the car back up:

1. Make sure all spark plugs are gapped properly

2. Make sure all spark plugs are properly seated and torqued down, don't rush this, you don't want to cross thread anything.

3. When putting the plug wires back on make sure you hear and feel two clicks to let you know they are on all the way.

4. If you removed the filter/drain bolt, make sure you fill 'er back up with oil.

5. Be very careful not to touch the bulb of the o2 sensors with ANYTHING, including oil, anti-seize.

6. There was a little plug I had to disconnect on the driver side coil pack in front of the first plug on that side. Make sure you plug that back in.

7. Make sure you properly torque down the header bolts on each side in two passes, 6-5-3-4-1-2 to 11 ft/lbs, then again to 18 ft/lbs. I think the order is wrong, can someone double check?

8. If you have o2 sims, don't forget to plug those in if you want to avoid the SES light.

9. DOUBLE CHECK this entire list

10. finally, TRIPLE CHECK this entire list.

Good luck
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 11:47 AM
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Actually, you should tighten center bolts first and work your way out evenly on both sides. Maybe like 3-4-2-5-1-6 instead.


Originally Posted by kpowr82
7. Make sure you properly torque down the header bolts on each side in two passes, 6-5-3-4-1-2 to 11 ft/lbs, then again to 18 ft/lbs. I think the order is wrong, can someone double check?
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 02:45 PM
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thank you, they are in and i am done. it is so loud, but it sounds good, i'm just waiting now for my y pipe. thank you for your help, guys.
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Old Aug 22, 2004 | 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by HavATampa
Actually, you should tighten center bolts first and work your way out evenly on both sides. Maybe like 3-4-2-5-1-6 instead.
Yeah, I couldn't remember what it was, I figured if I at least posted it he could check up on it himself.

Glad everything worked out for you
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