If you've read my previous post about talking my dad into getting headers, I've almost done it. The only thing he's worried about now is the installation. I've done some searches but never come up with what I want.
When taking off the old manifolds, how probable is it that the bolts break? How much clearance is needed? How expensive is the Ypipe? He won't let me get duals.

If I could get some testimony on this one, I'd REALLY appreciate it.

 

My manifold bolts came out easily. If you look at the heat shields between the manifold and the spark plugs, you will see the manifold bolts go through the shield, and a small tab of metal bends up alongside the bolt head. I suppose this is to keep the bolts from backing out. Bend the tab back so you can get a socket on it and away you go. My manifold bolts were rusted to the shield, and though they came loose from the head ok, it twisted the heck out of the shields, but they're going in the garbage anyway. Just be careful with the one the oil dipstick tube is attached to. I had to rig a new bracket.

With no air condtioning and the A.I.R. plumbing tied out of the way I could easily slide the headers in and out on each side of the engine.

Tell your Dad to put on some old clothes, order a pizza, and just like everything else you do, double your time estimate and go to it!!

 

Just spray some type of rust eater on the bolts the day before you start the install. Spray the bolts about every 4-5 hours. They should come out with no problem. I'm not sure what headers you are installing but for the 305 I am assuming you are putting 1 5/8" on there. I didn't have any clearance problems with the SLP headers.