My time is limited. I basically work on my IROC on the weekends only. This weekend makes weekend #3. I have went to the parts store 3 or 4 times already for things (tools) I have needed. Spent so much time reading and not making enough progress. This will be my last time to work on this car. Next mod/project, a mechanic is getting paid! I have done 2 other header installs before. This is a 5.7L, hedman long tubes 87 IROC. What I have done so far

Spark plugs out. Manifolds off,oil dip stick out, sensors and wires that were in the way unplugged and out of the way. Car battery disconnected. Car up on ramps. Starter is out

I can not lift this motor due to the motor mounts. The easier bolta in the mounts are out. matter of fact...I have the drivers side mounts unbolted. I can't get the drivers side un bolted. What a pain in the ***!! Even if I were, how in the world am I to get the bolts back on??!?! There is almost no room. Its a nightmare just trying to get them off. Little to no room

I have read some people taking off the cross member?? Is that even possible with the front end up on ramps??

 

Wow. I didn't have any trouble unbolting the motor mounts. You just need the right tools.

 

Just unbolt the actual bolt that holds the mount to the clamshell on the block. Don't try and unbolt the motor mount itself... Should be really easy. Then raise the motor, you shouldn't have a problem. Sure you got the right headers?

 

The ONE bolt for the clam shell?? We took that out last weekend. Attempted to raise the motor and the entire car would start raising, not the motor only. So now we have been unbolting the bottom bracket pieces that are inside the cross member (motor mount bolts)

I'm confused

 

That one long bolt is all you need to remove. Sounds like the mount is gunked up real bad if it's raising the entire car.

Give it a good whack or two as you lift the engine. Try heating it as well. If all else fails have some friends weigh the car down as you lift the motor.

And make sure the distributor is out.

 

BIG crowbar in clam shell.

 

+1.

Usually just shake the motor some and it will break loose.

The car will go up some as the weight comes off the suspension. Also make sure the angle you are lifting and causing something to hit and make it bind.

 

Just an update. We did get the motor to lift up. But the trans lines that run from radiator back to the trans are in the way of the header (collector area). The car has been sitting up in my garage for about a month. To frustrated to even try. Hoping like hell someone can come in person and help finish this. Should have simply paid someone from the start

 

You're putting them in from the bottom, right?

 

Sounds like you should have bought Dyno dons shorty headers..

 

This is pretty typical with a header install. Been here myself... ever tried long tubes on a '97 Camaro Z28? Brings back bad memories just thinking about it lol.

If your trans cooler lines are in the way just move them, unbolt them from the radiator and they'll move a little.

The biggest thing is get that car as far off the ground as you can. You should have a good 3 feet off the ground. It may require jacking it up, jack standing it, putting wood on the ground and jacking it up higher. Whatever you gotta do. Just go slowly and when you find something in your way just move it, 1 piece at a time. You'll get it eventually. Helps to have a beer and some good music while you're doing it

 

Nevermind, i see u are installing long tubes.