Last minute tips, header install.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 107
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From: Bloodymore, Murderland (Baltimore)
Last minute tips, header install. Pacesetter LT's going in next week along with TSP ORY. I don't want to leave anything to chance. I have read the hell out of every thread I could regarding header installs specifically Pacesetters. Any last minute tips, etc. They came with the o2 splice kit, but if I am running ORY, can I just go with a set of o2 sims? Do I need 4 of them? Not trying to sound dumb, just want to make things as smooth as I possibly can. Also, can I expect to see codes afterwards and then just get them tuned out? Thanks everyone.
You will get codes for AIR if you removed it and codes for the o2's. You can have both of those tuned out. Most shops only charge $75 to tune out all the codes.
Its a good idea to install spark plugs, spark plug wires if they are old or damaged, and poly motor mounts while you are in there.
You will need 2 24" o2 extensions. Some handy items to have are a breaker bar, rubber mallet, and lots of WD40. Its a good idea to spray down all the bolts the night before. I used jack stands meant for trucks and suv's to give me plenty of clearance to slide the headers in.
Hope any of this helps.
Its a good idea to install spark plugs, spark plug wires if they are old or damaged, and poly motor mounts while you are in there.
You will need 2 24" o2 extensions. Some handy items to have are a breaker bar, rubber mallet, and lots of WD40. Its a good idea to spray down all the bolts the night before. I used jack stands meant for trucks and suv's to give me plenty of clearance to slide the headers in.
Hope any of this helps.
If you run into a snag or anything take a break an have a beer or sandwich or something. I got frustrated as hell an took a break for like a haf hour went back an got what i was trying to do on the first try.
Yes.. get the car pretty high in the air to get the headers up into the vehicle. Removing the oil filter usually helps in giving you more room. Beer.
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Bloodymore, Murderland (Baltimore)
This is why I love this forum! If I consulted a forum dealing with home electrical, I probably wouldn't have been "bit" 1/2 a dozen times doing new wiring in my basement. Thanks for the replies, and stay tuned. I'm sure I'll be back on here as the install goes along.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
gear wrenches are your best friend, esp the 10mm size
get the car up as farrrrrrr as you can go,,i used 4, 6 ton stands,, and had to use some 2x12's to get my jack to lift the car all the way up
PB Blaster is also great, esp if you blast the bolts a couple days worth in advance,,,breaker bars, swivel socket adaptors, size adaptors, etc are handy here
grease up your slip joints for easier installation, and adjustments
take breaks when things seem impossible, it will work out
be sure to have all your small stuff, gaskets, block off plates, heat wrap tape, extentions, beer, etc.
if you have a oil temp / pressure sensor in the T fitting above the oil filter, be sure its not leaking, that its tight, etc, cause any problems with it will involve you re-dropping your Y, loosening your Dr side header bolts to fix (dont ask)
the oil dip stick can break if your too rough, its just a plastic tube and it just kinda pops in/out of its hole,,,,when u remove it, look from the bottom to see where it goes when you go to out it back in. its a 15mm bolt that holds the tube to your pass side head
Tie off your extentions, wires, etc as much as possible, some you will route through the motor mounts
Have beer handy
take your time when installing bolts, be careful not to cross thread.
do not beat on your cat back or any other piping,,wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.
dbl check everything, esp whenit comes to lifting your car, and most importantly,,,,have fun!!!!!
get the car up as farrrrrrr as you can go,,i used 4, 6 ton stands,, and had to use some 2x12's to get my jack to lift the car all the way up
PB Blaster is also great, esp if you blast the bolts a couple days worth in advance,,,breaker bars, swivel socket adaptors, size adaptors, etc are handy here
grease up your slip joints for easier installation, and adjustments
take breaks when things seem impossible, it will work out
be sure to have all your small stuff, gaskets, block off plates, heat wrap tape, extentions, beer, etc.
if you have a oil temp / pressure sensor in the T fitting above the oil filter, be sure its not leaking, that its tight, etc, cause any problems with it will involve you re-dropping your Y, loosening your Dr side header bolts to fix (dont ask)
the oil dip stick can break if your too rough, its just a plastic tube and it just kinda pops in/out of its hole,,,,when u remove it, look from the bottom to see where it goes when you go to out it back in. its a 15mm bolt that holds the tube to your pass side head
Tie off your extentions, wires, etc as much as possible, some you will route through the motor mounts
Have beer handy
take your time when installing bolts, be careful not to cross thread.
do not beat on your cat back or any other piping,,wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.
dbl check everything, esp whenit comes to lifting your car, and most importantly,,,,have fun!!!!!
Please do the poly mounts. They're easy with the headers out of the way. Also, I'd get the plug in O2 sensor extensions so you're not under the car ******* around splicing wires.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Bloodymore, Murderland (Baltimore)
Well today is the day. I'm at work right now (3:30am est), I'll be off in 2 hours. Got to finish up a few things on the brakes and then gettin on these headers. Thanks for all the replies, and with a little luck, definitely some prayer and a crapload of beer, I can come back on here in a day or so and say I got something done, unless I'm on here sooner cause I'm in a bind. 
But hopefully not.
But hopefully not.
i am doing mine right now and this were unexpected issues/problems/expenses so far
broke and extension, had to buy another one---- i suggest useing a 1/2" ratchet and extensions, i broke the 1/8" extension while unbolting the cats
broke a spark plug wire-- had to buy new ones
had to buy anti-seize
broke a ratchet---so i bought a breaker bar
my suggestions is to spray pn blaster on the bolts on the cats and y the night before, trust me, it helps a lot
broke and extension, had to buy another one---- i suggest useing a 1/2" ratchet and extensions, i broke the 1/8" extension while unbolting the cats
broke a spark plug wire-- had to buy new ones
had to buy anti-seize
broke a ratchet---so i bought a breaker bar
my suggestions is to spray pn blaster on the bolts on the cats and y the night before, trust me, it helps a lot
11 Second Club
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Daytona Beach, Fl / Stuart, Fl
Hardest part in getting the manifolds off. Might wanna unbolt the coilpacks, i'm just finishing up heads and cam on mine and with the coilpacks off, i had the headers off in no time. Plus you won''t cut your hands on the bolts that have the sharps points on the top.