305 TPI - I have the engine out to change leaking gaskets and seals (oil .pan, rear main, valve seals). Can I bolt up headers and drop in the motor? I'm not really in the mood to wrestle with a frustrating install.

 

thats when I changed my headers and it went pretty smooth with the engine out. I wouldnt want to try with it in.

 

what kinda headers

 

Hedman 68618 headers elite shorty chevy camaro summit

 

Do yourself, your headers, and your engine bay a favor. Yes it can be done but not recommended. Just put a blanket over the fender wells on each side, and if your headers are connected to anything, lay them against that. Otherwise battle with getting them in like the rest of us. You don't want to risk denting,scratching,gouging your engine bay, bending a header tube or damaging the engine (not really sure how that one could be done)putting them in installed on the heads. I've done shorties and longtubes...all went in after the engine was in with minimal effort and aggrevation compared to going in installed.

 

dude love your car. the flame is too much but the hood and the wheels are sweet.

 

Thanks for the input. It's obviously not worth the time, money, & effort to put headers on a stock 305.

 

Why do you say that? Of course headers are worth it, even on a stock 305, but especially on a stock 305 TPI.

I did mine twice with Hooker 2055's installed (headers only, not the y-pipe) with no problems. Had the spark plugs installed first as well. Much easier than installing plugs after the engine is in and headers on.

 

..and if you're overly worried about banging them up while dropping the engine in with them bolted to it, lower the engine into place but before you drop it that last inch or so slip the headers into place. Still beats fighting them in with everything tightened down.

 

There's a picture on my vBGarage of the engine/trans/headers just before they got stabbed.

 

The way we do it is to install the passenger side header, spark plugs and wires first. Then drop the engine into the car, but just before you set it down onto the engine mounts, set the driver's side header into place, but dont bolt it up yet. Then set the engine down into the mounts, and bolt up the driver's side header.

 

I was figuring on 2055s. I used the above method before and was hoping this car would be easier. I'll probably go ahead and break my knuckles and install headers.