I am going to order headers this week. I know i need new header gaskets, but do i need new bolts too, if so what kind? Is there anything else i need to have also.
thanks
Matt

 

The headers should come with bolts. Of course new gaskets and collectors with gaskets also. You will also need to modify your accessory bracket for PS pump because the manifold sticks out about an inch and a half more than the header (with the bolt goes in). You need a spacer for it.

What kind of headers?

 

it all depends on the header kit you get and the car you're putting it on. Most kits come with gaskets and bolts but I wouldn't use them. They give you cheap stuff. Invest in a set of MR. Gasket Ultra Premium or Fel Pro gaskets and a set of Stage 8 locking bolts. They are worth 5 times their cost and you will not regret it. I used the supplied bolts and gaskets and was having bolts fall out within a week no matter how tight you got the bolts or if you had loctite on them. My stage 8 bolts and ultra premiums have been on my 383 for about 3 or 4 years now and I've yet to have a leak. the bracket on the back of the p/s pump needs modified as stated and depending on the brackets, headers and supplied hardware some other engine accessory brackets and/or oil dipstick tube may need modified. Also, be sure your plugwires will work with the headers. Just don't make your schedule tight because you will have some small hurdles to jump more than likely.

 

Some optional but very recommended things to collect before your install is some spark plug wires with 90° boots, various heat/fire protection for wires, fuel, and brake lines, as well as the starter. Get some PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or something along those lines to soak bolts the night before you do the work (as well as right before you start). It may be a good idea to have an Easy-Out on hand, just in case a bolt does break you won't have to make a mid-job trip to the store (I hate those). Some exhaust clamps to hold everything together 'til you get it welded. If your cat (or test pipe) doesn't have a flange, don't weld both sides of it, 'cause you may or may not (depending on the header/y-pipe brand) have to drop the y-pipe to change the starter or other underside work.

I used the bolts and gaskets that came with the header and never had a leak (almost a year now). I guess it just depends on the brand and some luck.

 

The kit I am going to be using is the heddman headers and y-pipe out of the jegs catalog #500-68470 and #500-17470. I do not have the air injection or cat any more.

 

how do you have to adapt for the PS steering pump? anyone have a diagram they can post on what this spacer is supposed to look like?

Thanks,
Mike

 

hooker headers came with the nessacary "bracket" for the PS pump all it is is a little spacer that goes over the regualr first bolt on the driver side..i just used the cheapo paper gasket and bolts that came iwth the hookers...so far no problems...i did this because i plan on changing heads pretty soon so i didnt want to waste the money on gaskets yet but im definetly getting good gaskets and bolts when i do the swap

 

I'll probably get the hookers when I get my headers, but it sounds like if I don't then all that would really be necessary would be to put a stack of washers or something in there, right?

-=-Mike

 

also, anyone know where or how much it costs to get the headers coated?

 

i have hookers, i wouldnt waste your money getting them coated, by the time they rust out someone will have a better set on the market

 

Band-Aids and a good General Purpose First aid kit.
Oh, and lots of beer!

 

we put the set of Hedman's on my brother's 87 Iroc. the only real fitment problem we had was that the tubes contacted the heater hose pipe that runs along the rh framerail. we had to loosen the pipe clamp and move the pipes towards the shock tower more so that they wouldn't contact the header. Other than that my only complaint was the thin flanges, cheap paint and small y-pipe. They are not designed for a high hp engine but will work fine for a mild engine.

 

IF YOU GO TO

WWW.TECHLINECOATINGS.COM (RETAILER IF YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF)

WWW.THERMALTECHCOATINGS.COM (APPLICATOR)

IT IS ABOUT $100 TO HAVE IT DONE
TO DO IT YOURSELF IT WOULD BE LIKE $40 BUT YOU NEED AN OVEN AND A SPRAY GUN

 

I second the band-aids and beer.