Headers...
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Driver
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 193
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From: nj
Headers...
I like to get a set of headers and have a few question. Are they really that hard to install yourself, I have some mechanical ecperiance and would like to know if its something I can do in my home garage. Ive installed a set on older cameros without much trouble. Im not sure how much room there is to work on the 250 motor though. Also are the tipical ones you see on ebay crap, I would also like a set that will bolt right up to the factory pipes.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 613
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From: Illinois
Headers can be DIY but it's gonna take some time. I did it and IIRC it took me ~9hrs. But I was alone and worked slowly.
I used jack stands in my garage. Bought an O2 socket from AutoZone. I also bought some 3/8" and 1/4" swivel sockets. I did not reuse any of the old gaskets but you probably only need new exhaust flange gaskets as these are a crush fit type.
I removed a lot of things in the engine bay but I have fat fingers and Popeye forearms. I removed the following; Engine Covers, Air box, Battery, Power Steering ECU, Front Drive Shaft(AWD only), Assorted Undercarriage Braces, Mid Pipe, Small module near the drivers side shock mount.
I was able to get a torque wrench on about 50% of the engine header bolts. I tend to shear stuff otherwise as I don't know my own strenght these days.
Hope that helps.
I used jack stands in my garage. Bought an O2 socket from AutoZone. I also bought some 3/8" and 1/4" swivel sockets. I did not reuse any of the old gaskets but you probably only need new exhaust flange gaskets as these are a crush fit type.
I removed a lot of things in the engine bay but I have fat fingers and Popeye forearms. I removed the following; Engine Covers, Air box, Battery, Power Steering ECU, Front Drive Shaft(AWD only), Assorted Undercarriage Braces, Mid Pipe, Small module near the drivers side shock mount.
I was able to get a torque wrench on about 50% of the engine header bolts. I tend to shear stuff otherwise as I don't know my own strenght these days.
Hope that helps.
Last edited by Gaugster; May 11, 2010 at 09:36 AM.
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: nj
Headers can be DIY but it's gonna take some time. I did it and IIRC it took me ~9hrs. But I was alone and worked slowly.
I used jack stands in my garage. Bought an O2 socket from AutoZone. I also bought some 3/8" and 1/4" swivel sockets. I did not reuse any of the old gaskets but you probably only need new exhaust flange gaskets as these are a crush fit type.
I removed a lot of things in the engine bay but I have fat fingers and Popeye forearms. I removed the following; Engine Covers, Air box, Battery, Power Steering ECU, Front Drive Shaft(AWD only), Assorted Undercarriage Braces, Mid Pipe, Small module near the drivers side shock mount.
I was able to get a torque wrench on about 50% of the engine header bolts. I tend to shear stuff otherwise as I don't know my own strenght these days.
Hope that helps.
I used jack stands in my garage. Bought an O2 socket from AutoZone. I also bought some 3/8" and 1/4" swivel sockets. I did not reuse any of the old gaskets but you probably only need new exhaust flange gaskets as these are a crush fit type.
I removed a lot of things in the engine bay but I have fat fingers and Popeye forearms. I removed the following; Engine Covers, Air box, Battery, Power Steering ECU, Front Drive Shaft(AWD only), Assorted Undercarriage Braces, Mid Pipe, Small module near the drivers side shock mount.
I was able to get a torque wrench on about 50% of the engine header bolts. I tend to shear stuff otherwise as I don't know my own strenght these days.
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: nj
Oh a few quick question. Which headers did you get and how do u like the pROrmamce? Did they bolt right up to the stock pipes? Also hows the sound and do U have cat back exhaust aswell? My car is a rear wheel drive so I shoul be alittle easier:P
^^^ I have the PPE headers. Not sure about performance since I still need to dyno, but I sure didn't lose anything. They bolt up to the stock pipes and the sound is heaven (I have stock mid and HKS Hi Power axle back). But you will throw CELs unless you take steps to remedy it.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Sadly, he is not in business anymore so my experience may not be the same as yours.
I really like the sound of the headers. I did pick up a bit of power per the 1/4 testing that I did. The most notable performance boost is a lot more low end power which is great for an AWD.