After breaking off one of my exhaust bolts, then stripping the exhaust manifold trying to put the new bolt in, I have been forced to buy a set of headers. (gee, what bad luck) I purchased a set for $300 through partsamerica.com, and I was just wandering if there are any suprises that I should know before install. Stuff like the brackets hooking up correctly, or are spacers needed. All gaskets do come with this correct? Any info would be appreciated.

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI
Gutted MAF
Ported Plenum
TB Bypass

 

I've never seen headers (even SLP) come with good gaskets in the box.
I always use Fel-Pro flange gaskets and solid metal gaskets at the collectors.

Oh and you should always keep plenty of steel washers around to use as spacers to line things back up.

You might want to cut an open-end 7/16" wrench in half so you can tighten the rear bolts back up.

aaah I'm sure there will be surprises but that's the fun of it.

 

It was "fun" to install my headers. The TES gaskets in the box S.U.C.K.!!! The collector doesn't use gaskets, so you shouldn't need any. My main problem is that the flange is really skinny so I get a leak every once in a while towards the rear passanger side which is a MAJOR PITA to get those two rear bolts tight. Use locktite and I would suggest getting some stage 8 header bolts. They have a smaller head and it makes it easier to get a wrench on them.

One thing, don't throw out your origional bolts just yet. On the driver's side, there is a bolt that holds on the AC bracket or power steering pump bracket (I cannot remember) that you may want to use again.

It can be a tight fit, but they do fit without unbolting the engine!

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1984 z28 w/ a 357 cu in. monster engine which is looking like the posterchild for Edelbrock with the exception of the Holley 750vac... all the suspension stuff... 9-bolt posi disk is in...

-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

The gaskets that come with the SLP headers are fine. I use stage 8 bolts and I haven't had a leak in like 6 months since I put them on.

 

have fun with the dipstick. Remember if the hammer youre using isnt fixing it.........then you need a bigger fukin hammer!

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91 RS W/carbed 350, Vortec heads, performer rpm, Comp cams Xtreme energy 224/230 duration and .477/.480 lift. BFG Drag radials. 3.42 posi,Corvette servoed 700r4, 3000 stallconverter. Edelbrock TES, 3inch cat, flowmaster with single 2.5 inch exit.
Best time yet to come
12's?? :crossthumbs:

 

I just had another thought, what size is the stock cat? I believe the Edelbrock TES comes with a 3" connection to the cat, will I need a reducer, or not?
P.S. They should be here this week, YEA!

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Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI
Gutted MAF
Ported Plenum
TB Bypass

 

I just got done doing an engine in-car cam swap, I also pulled the heads. This job, mainly because there is much more room to do these things and most bolts are easy to get to, was an easier job than installing the TES last year. I would set aside a good deal of time to install your headers, they are a PITA. Andwhile you are doing this, I would buy a new O2 sensor and a good set of copper header gaskets from Fel Pro or someone like that. But the headers are built to install in the car with no welding or cutting and all factory emissions equipment hooks up without much hassle.

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1987 Chevy Camaro IROC-Z
L98 TPI 350 (5.7L)
TH 700R-4 Transmission
Borg Warner 7.75" 9 Bolt Rear End

Current Mods: LT4 Hot Cam, Comp Cams 1.52:1 Roller Rocker Arms, Edelbrock TES 1 5/8" Headers, Hooker 3" Aerochamber Cat-Back System, Performance Resource Chip, Accel Ignition Coil, Cap, Rotor, 8.8mm Wires, K&N Filters, JET TPI Air Foil, All Free Mods, Falken ZIEX Z-Rated Tires.

Best ET (w/o LT4 cam): 14.32 @ 97.7mph
(corrected for elevation)

7.5" 10 Bolt with 3.42s soon to come!