When I install new heads, I know the headers will have to be unbolted, but can I leave them on the y-pipe and still be able to pull the heads off, or will I need the extra room?

 

I'm not sure what headers you are using, but with the Edelbrocks you must remove the headers to access the lower row of head bolts in a ThirdGen. I tried it your way and nearly went insane before removing the headers completely.

Besides, if you planned well and used anti seize on all the ehxhaust fasteners, removal should be a piece of cake, just a little more time. If you didn't, I bet you will this time...

 

Yep I have the TES, dangit..

 

I changed the heads on my car that has shorty headers on it. I just had to unbolt the collectors from the y- pipe and there was enough play to remove and reinstall heads. Just don't have the plugs or temp sensor in when removing or replacing.

 

your gonna have a lot less of a headache if you just pull them out completely. i just finished taking the drivers side head off and found damn near impossible to get at the bottom row of head bolts with the header on. i've got TES' too

Eric

 

ok, I didn't realize like you and Vader said that there were some bottom bolts.

 

if you dont have a/c or emissions junk, the passenger side header should come in and out real easy. i took mine in and out last night to replace the header gaskets. the drivers side shouldnt be too bad, depending on the header size, etc, but it should go in fairly easily. so just take them right off, take the plugs and temp sensor out and un bolt the bottom row of the head bolts. and dont forget you have to take the intake off too.

 

Look at all that room.

 

good *** man, you will have no problem reinstalling the headers. while you have them off get some good dead-soft aluminum header gaskets (like flowtech Real Seal). they are great and are reusable.

 

Oh, I plan on it. I'm not cheaping out this time, after my last header got burnt up. But maybe I should get some locking bolts too, cause the reason the last gasket got burnt is because a bolt fell out.

 

is your car running in that pic?

 

not that I recall, why?

 

i think it may be, look at the alternator fan, you cant see the indiviudal fins, like they blurred when the pic was taken

 

That's what I was thinking when I looked at the pic, maybe that was during the break in pd, or shortly after.

 

I was just admiring the mustard and ketchup spark plug wires...

 

Yes, I know. What happened was, I had some heat protective sleeving on them. And when I pulled them off to do the cam install, they got all messed up, and I was in a hurry to get the car running. Now I just have the sleeving covering the parts near the headers.

 

man I have those locking bolts for the headers on mine. There holding up great, but the more and more i look at them it looks like a pain to remove the bolts when the time comes.

 

You don't like heat in the winter, huh?

Better take a few blankets with ya.

 

I won't be driving it in the winter, but I have a box my fab worked up.