Mid length header Install
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Mid length header Install
hey all! I’m about to install my new mid length Hedman Headers and when I took off the old manifolds there were 2 mounting bars (1 on each side) that attached to studs that were on the exhaust manifolds. 1 came from the back bottom side of the power steering pump and the other came from the back bottom side of where the smog pump used to be. My question is, do I need to still mount these when I install the headers? I’m assuming they’re for strength and rigidity for the power steering pump and the no longer there smog pump?? I’m just checking as I bought ARP header bolts since the old studs and bolts are all rusty. Thanks in advance!!
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Re: Mid length header Install
Anybody?? I'm just asking as I bought ARP header bolts and none of them are studs, so i'd have to get 2 studs for the front bolt on each side and i'd like to start installing the headers tomorrow if possible.
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From: Henrietta NY
Car: 1984 Trans Am L69
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Re: Mid length header Install
I would re use all factory brackets. Grab a couple studs or long bolts. That is what I did for my accessory brackets.
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From: pawtucket RI
Car: 1986 iroc
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Re: Mid length header Install
usually they give u hardware for it def put the braces back so you don't end up with a problem else where
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Re: Mid length header Install
you definitely want to use the brackets as they stiffen the front end accessory brackets. you may need to make some spacers to the header flange to have them properly spaced out... i had to do the same using my mid length headers on my zz5 crate install
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Re: Mid length header Install
I started installing them today. Was just able to get the driver side was terrible to get in. Wouldn’t clear the steering shaft or the tab on the bottom block. Had to grind down the tab and ended up having to put a dent in the rear collector before it would fit. I’m dreading the passenger side tomorrow:-/
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Re: Mid length header Install
If you get the coolant pipe unbolted and lift the engine 1-2 inches they almost fall right in. I’m having problems with my engine mount and the previous owner of the headers put the oxygen sensor hole facing right at the block. I also have to re-route some new brake and fuel lines but it’s getting there.
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Car: 2017 Jeep Cherokee
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Re: Mid length header Install
If you get the coolant pipe unbolted and lift the engine 1-2 inches they almost fall right in. I’m having problems with my engine mount and the previous owner of the headers put the oxygen sensor hole facing right at the block. I also have to re-route some new brake and fuel lines but it’s getting there.
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Re: Mid length header Install
I have my ac completely out and still couldn’t get it in completely without lifting the engine. I just used a floor jack with a piece of wood and lifted it by the oil pan. Not really how I wanted to do it and now I can’t get the nut on the bolt on the drivers side engine mount. But the headers pretty much slid in after I lifted it. I didn’t have to grind anything so far.
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Re: Mid length header Install
I originally unbolted both sides per Headman’s instructions. Now, since the passenger side is in, I’ve only been unbolting the drivers side to move the brake lines away from the headers. After I put the headers on, I haven’t figured out how to get my big hands in there to either put the nut or bolt on the backside of the engine mount. Otherwise, everything else went well.
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Re: Mid length header Install
The problem is it’s pretty much a blind place where the bolt either goes in or comes out. I can’t see the hole on the backside of the mount and I think the bolt is too long to go in that way and I doubt I can get a wrench on it. I tried a few times yesterday but no luck getting the bolt in that way.
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Car: 2017 Jeep Cherokee
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Re: Mid length header Install
Ended up not having to unbolt the engine at all. The passenger side went in no problem. Forgot to zip tie the engine temperature sensing wire up and so that burnt through on the test drive, but other than that I'm very pleased
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Re: Mid length header Install
I have to at least loosen my driver's side header back up because where the previous owner welded in the O2 sensor bung isn't going to work and I still need to tidy up some brake and fuel lines that are just too close to the headers for me to feel comfortable. Maybe I can figure out how to get it in without lifting the engine again but it's so tight in there that I couldn't wiggle it enough to make it work last time. Glad you were able to get yours in easier than me.
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Re: Mid length header Install
I figured out how to get the driver's side header out without lifting the engine. I had to take off the valve cover and disconnect the steering column, but it came out and I was able to put the engine mount bolt back in. I had to take it back out to fix the brake lines and get the coolant temp sensor and O2 sensor connectors out so that they could be better routed anyways. I had to order a plug for the O2 sensor bung since it was put in a spot where there's no possible way to put the O2 sensor in. I can't wait to hear the difference between stock exhaust and the 3" cat back with headers and no cat!
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