i was thinking about installing headers myself, the only thing is im not sure what tools i am going to need. is it a hard job for someone that doesnt work on cars that much? how much do you think it would cost to get them put on at a shop?

 

Your time would be better used installing them yourself. It will outweigh the cost of having them installed. all you need is to get your car jacked up 2 feet in the air, and have a good socket set.

 

is that all i really need? because i was talking to some people that said how you need all these fancy auto tools. i didnt think that was possible but just wanted to make sure. also i most likely going to add pacesetters. are there any clearance issues with these, and do they go in nice?

 

10 mm gear wrench is wonderful.

Yes. Pacesetters go in very nicley.

 

see that thread stickied that says "please read before posting", might wanna check it out...

 

Now why would he want to do that lol.

 

would the pacesetters fit with a qtp catted y? the only thing is that the cats were hallowed out, but shouldnt it still fit?

 

ditto on the gearwrenches. Worth their weight in gold and should be considered required equipment for these cars!

 

Here is some advice from me.

This install is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE without LOTS of alcohol. Seriously. Both the rubbing kind and the drinking kind.

 

I just did mine, not too bad. The emissions stuff is kind of a biotch, but thats what the gearwrench took care of. And get some o2 extensions. Pacesetter just sends you some wire and wire connectors.

 

I've installed 2 sets of headers (both '02 WS6's, Kooks on both), and I'm eternally gratefully that I have a 2-post lift in my shop. I know guys do it on jackstands in their driveways, and they have my utmost respect, but it was a big enough PITA with a lift. EVERYTHING under the hood is as sharp as a scalpel. I found the ratcheting, pivot-head box wrenches (10mm) were a big help.

Actually, the headers went on fairly easy. I fought with 2 spark plug wires for about an hour, and getting the Magnaflow cat-back on so it wouldn't hit the rear knuckle of the driveshaft was a complete bich!

I would say that if you have even average mechanical abilities, some decent tools, and patience, you should be okay doing the job yourself.

 

Its not that bad...you just need patience, beer or jack daniels, jack stands, standard tools and they will go in

 

With the "right tools" and a stands, what is an average install time.Also, for someone like myself who hasnt really6 workedo n an engine, how long do you think it will take to install pacesetters?

Also, Predator, lol I just got quoted like 15min ago from a tuner on how much it will be to install some lt's among other things. It was around $400. Its gooing to be worth it just installing them myself.

 

yes like most of these guys say do your research so when you come to something you have an idea on how to do it, i installed pacesetter headers with acouple friends a month or so ago with jackstands and it was fun but a pain in the *** to get those old bolts off the manifolds. they are really rusted in there and we even had a air socket wrench and they finally broke off so thank god for that and also you will be in for about 8 hours or so if your goin 100 percent, we took breaks and watched dukes of hazzard but still got it done lol. good luck and try to find a lift if you can, also it is the one of the best decisions i have made for my car, up next gears and converter lol.

 

A 1/2 inch breaker bar takes care of those header bolts real quick. 4 outta 6 broke on my car.
Just set aside a full day to do your header swap. If everything goes ok should be like 6-8 hours. If you get hung up on something then it could take all day.

 

you dont want to break the header bolts tho, but if it happens you can most likely pull them out with some vice grips or something to turn them the rest of the way out. just dont put alot of pressure on them and they come out sooner or later, they came out easy for me and reused them and they are working awsome.

 

it still puzzles me to this day how some people manage to break so many header bolts. i just used a gear wrench, all 4-5 inches of it. sure i was bleeding afterwards, but i'd rather buy and use bandaids than easy-outs for broken bolts.

when i installed my headers it was really my first time doing anything more than changing the oil or filters. its really just taking out bolts, nothing too difficult. there has got to be someone in NJ that can help you or reassure you that it is easy as hell. either way you are going to want to have a friend available to lend a hand, or just to cuss and bitch at when you bust your knuckles on everything.

 

Have you read any write-ups yet?
Here are a few:
http://www.bowlingss.com/Mods/Instal...%20Headers.mht

http://www.bowlingss.com/Mods/Instal...20Pictures.mht

http://www.bowlingss.com/Mods/Instal...on%20Guide.mht

http://www.bowlingss.com/Mods/Instal...%20Install.pdf

There are probally a hundred more out there.

Good luck. I did mine over two years ago. It was harder than installing a cam.

Bill

 

My bet is if anything is going to be a PITA it will be the fitting to the y pipe or x or h...whatever your running.

 

BTW: Nice Write-ups Bill!