installing headers question?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2008
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installing headers question? i'm about to install my pacesetters and i'm just alittle scared getting under the car that high. i will be doing this alone. besides a lift what else can i do? also one other question i have a 02 ss i bought the headers on ebay new for a cheap price but it has the egr and air tube can i cut these off and weld them will it damage the headers.?
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,399
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From: Jacksonville, FL
I've helped install headers a few times, lift is preferable, but fine on jack stands too. Get someone to help you even if they don't have a clue. You can get block off plates for the air/egr from the sponsors - probably need the bolts for the egr blockoff too though (01/02) since you don't have it.
A used jack stands that were meant for suv's and trucks because they had a higher lift. It was enough to install my AR headers without having to use blocks or anything else to get the car higher.
you could make your own block off plates if you had some decent metal laying around. Thats what i did and don't have a problem with them. Like everyone else said, jackstands are fine, but get it high so you can twist the header to twist up and into place. If its not high enough, it won't clear the ground to twist. 4 stands will definately help too!
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 504
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From: Michigan
I totaly recomend a lift but if you have to use jsck stands make shure its on a leval surface and put some blocks under the tires just incase it falls so it wont kill you.
guys die every year from doing this same thing every year.
guys die every year from doing this same thing every year.
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Go to Menards and get some 6 Ton Jackstands. They have them for about $35.00 a pair. I bought two pair and they are currently holding my friends 98 Z28 up as we do his header install. Its been 2 feet in the air for over a month with no trouble. Just be sure you take it up in stages. And I would definitely recommend having an extra pair of hands.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
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From: South Alabama
I used four concrete foundation blocks (two stacked vertically under each front tire). And then placed a 2" by 10" board cap on top of that.
It gave me plenty of room and its not going anywhere unless you do something really stupid.
Make sure you chok the remaining wheels and put on the e brake.
It gave me plenty of room and its not going anywhere unless you do something really stupid.
Make sure you chok the remaining wheels and put on the e brake.
Launching!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 243
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From: Massachusetts
We put his Camaro up on a set of ramps and smaller jack stands first to get it part way to the height we needed to get the headers in. We actually didn't know how much clearance we were going to need at this point so we removed his manifolds and the rest of his exhaust where it was at. Then we tried to get the headers into place. No go, so we raised the rear up higher and put the 6 ton jackstands under the each axle housing and then raised the front and placed the other set of 6 ton stands under the frame behind the front tires. Tried the headers again and whatta you know... they fit. All I'm saying is don't try to take the car up too high too fast. =-)
i'm about to install my pacesetters and i'm just alittle scared getting under the car that high. i will be doing this alone. besides a lift what else can i do? also one other question i have a 02 ss i bought the headers on ebay new for a cheap price but it has the egr and air tube can i cut these off and weld them will it damage the headers.?
I jacked my car all the way up and I had two 2 ton jackstands and I think two 4 ton (just to be safe) or something like that under the car. Then I lowered the car on the stands and took the block and placed that between the k member and the jack and jacked it up all the way again. Just make sure your stands are far forward enough under the car that if the jack fails your car doesn't see saw over and crush you even worse. You should be fine, but my install was a pita. I had a friend help me who didn't know much but he still came in handy a lot of times
Do yourself a favor and pick up a 10mm ratchet wrench from sears. It will help a ton with the rear header bolts. Don't kill yourself, please.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Vancouver,[KITSILANO].B.C. Canada *WestCoast*
I would also have someone with you when you do this. Not to hijack, but... A few years ago I watched a tape from a security camera that was in a shop. The owner was working on his car alone on a saturday night. The jack stands caved crushing him. The worst part was you could still see him trying to free himself for an entire day. He stopped moving late sunday night. Since then I never crawl under a car alone. Good luck with the headers! sorry about
