Are heads and headers the same things? And are headers something I can install myself, or would you not recomend it?

 

Not to be mean, but if you're not sure the difference between heads and headers, definately have someone there to help with the install of headers. I'm not mechanically inclined, took my brother and I 6 hrs to install my headers. The longest part was getting all the crap out the way and the stock manifolds off.

Heads are what the air travels thru, there is an intake and exhaust port for each cylinder thus we have a 16valve motor, like when you hear of cars that have 24v or even 32, just means multiple valves per cylinder. The springs and rocker arms are located underneath your valve cover which sits on top of the heads. I'm sure I missed some information, anyone feel free to add.

 

Headers and heads are 2 completely different things as said. And I don't think you're gonna want to install them yourself.

 

The headers attach to the heads. Headers are a replacement for exhaust manifolds if you know what those are. If not, climb under the car and follow the exhaust pipe towards the engine. It will split into a Y and go to each side of the engine. Follow one side and you'll see a section where it bolts to another part. This "other part" is the exhaust manifold and you can follow it up and see where it attaches to the engine. Where it attaches, that is the head. Hope that helps.

This is a head...
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...?prrfnbr=42396

This is a header...
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...?prrfnbr=42863

 

Yup.

 

You would definitly want someone there with you who knows how to do it. It took me and my father in law 10 hours to put headers on.

 

I never said I knew a lot about my car, but I am learning very quickly as I go. So far, I have only replaced my radiator and done a tune-up, but I don't think that's half bad for a girl. Especially since nobody ever showed me how to do any of it. I really appreciate all of the help and advice you guys have for me (especially since my husband knows jack about cars).