Ok. I just ordered my 1 3/4 SLP headers #30024 and install kit #30024 for my 91 L98 350CID. I was considering pay a muffler shop to do the work for $300 but I spent more on chasiss parts than I anticipated. So... How hard will it be to do this my self.
I have ramps and jackstands, all the air tools, tools, grinder, and 60 gal. compressor. I have patience and do enjoy working on my car. As far as my abilties, I can do brakes, front-end, intake manifolds and some other engine stuff. With that said,

1) How long will it take? (WITH CALIFORNIA SMOG STUFF)
2) I assume I will need to cut somewhere and temporarily bandage so I can drive to the muffler shop for welding.
3) Problems with spark plugs or wire angles?
4) Problem with steering collar rubbing as I have read in here?
5) Problem with sub-frame connectors? (Hotchkis)
6) Will jackstands be high enough?
7) Anything I'm missing?

Please lend me you experience before I attemp this.

Thanks.

 

I think you might have to remove the SFC's, but I could be wrong. I don't know about the steering thing, though.

 

can't answer for the SFCs as i dont have them.. but...

on my car it took me and my dad about 2 hours to get them in . on the drivers said i took undid the motor mount bolt and lifted the engine up about 2 inches i would say and this gave me enough clearance to get the header in that side. i did have to clearance the header near the steering shaft but i would check to see if u need to first.

on the passenger side i took out the starter and this allowed us enough movement to drop the header in (also gave me room to work with my hands).

one thing i'd recommend is to get them in to where u can bolt them up but kinda let 'em sit in there. before you bolt them up i would put the spark plugs back in if at all possible, because they will be a bitch and a half to get in afterwards..

 

Did they go in from the bottom both sides? And so the next time when I need to change plugs, will I need to undo the headers?

2 Hours is unbelievable! So may be It'll take me 4 on my own?

 

i think i actually put both of mine in from the top... drivers side was definatley top but i cant remember on the passenger side. i think i just moved the starter for the extra movement left to right to be able to move the header flange and tilt it in more, and also give myself some room to work. i havent had to take the headers off to replace the spark plugs but it isnt a giant PITA the get them in. worth it i'd say though...

 

What did you do about the welding part. Did you do this at home and then drive it to the muffler shop?

 

installed the headers and had it towed to the muffler shop.. its about 4 miles to the muffler shop and u cant get away with anything around here. iw ouldn't have made it out of my neighborhood without being pulled over and shot...

 

You shouldn't have to remove the SFC's to get the headers installed. Maybe you will just need to remove the bar that connects the SFC to the torque arm, but I doubt it.

Your only concern will be getting clearance for your Y-pipe.

 

Before you start, spray some WD-40 on all the bolts especially around the manifold to Ypipe connection and let it sit for awhile.

Once the drivers side is bolted in, the brake lines might be touching the primaries. No problem, just bend them slightly enough to move them away. I also didn't raise the motor, I just unbolted the steering shaft and separated the steering joint. I also didn't have any steering shaft contact problems and I'm still using original motor mounts.

I was able to get both headers in from the top. I even had full emissions and AC at the time. You will get more room to work on the pass side if you unbolt the AC compressor and swing it out of the way.

Once you're done you will definitely need 90* boots on your plug wires. Get universal plug wires and cut them to fit and you'll be good to go.

Good luck!

 

wow thanks. good for you to tell about the wires. no way that I will be able to get the old wires in temperarily?

 

no, you'll need all 90s, just like he said... the set im using is MSD Super Conductors...

 

I am also ordering the SLP 1 3/4 headers soon.... where can i order the MSD plugs from? i saw them at summit but they were around $55 and they were 8.5mm.

Should i be getting 8.5mm or 8mm? and where is the best place to order from, and 90* plugs are what to get universal fit..? anyone have a part number?

 

Amrish, dude... I checked out your car. It looks really, really nice. Is that original paint? What size rims and tires are those?

 

Everything on the car is original... I am the fourth owner of the car, and the owner before me said there was "flowmasters exhaust"... no i am not sure if its only the muffler, but it seems like it, thats the only thing i know of...


I bought the car last year and the car has been through hell and back... its look really nice in the pictures

.. but actually it has been hit on the rear driver panel, sort of fixed.. also on the front right passenger panel(new one welded on, but a horrible job done)...

I bought the car mainly for the engine, only has 58k on it now
ans i plan to fix it up realll nice... make it the anniversary car it really should be.

the wheels are stock 16 inch running on the stock tire size, forget exactly what they are, i think 245/50/16, but i could be wrong...

thanks for the comment

 

I am going to get TONS of pics in two weeks when i get back home, then i can show how nice it seems then show its bad spots

 

on the plugs, i'd go with universal and make them yourself so you can get the lengths right.