I'm trying to take my Exhuast manifolds off to install the headers, and the left passenger side is not willing to cooperate. The 2 bolts on 6 and 8, anyone got an easyer way to do this? A 3/8 ratchet wont fit in there. This is the only part holding me back.

 

I just installed headers on my car and i feel your pain. What I had to do was use a socket with a swivel head and a 3" extension. It was tough at first (careful not to break bolt off ) just used some liquid wrench to ease the process. If that don't work try placing a wrench in there and use another as a pry bar. Let me know how it goes.

 

When I did my headers I soaked the bolts in pb-blaster the night before and sprayed more on them the same day, the back ones were loose and the front ones came out easily. I'd suggest trying something similar.

 

For the bolts i used a 1/4in 9/16 socket and a 1/4 drive. and used open end stubby 9/16's or 14mm whichever i had to get those bolts.

 

New,

I'd hate to think it might get that far, but if it goes really badly for you, you could remove the right engine mount through-bolt and raise the engine slightly on that side for better access. Never-Seez, anyone? (Too bad the factory doesn't have time to use that.)

 

14mm wrench 1/8 turn at a time and 45 min later, 2 manifold bolts out of the way. Next week in with the headers.

 

I just did headers on my car too... we had a tough time as well. Are you doing shorties or long tubes? If you ever have to do LT's, it turns out the drivers side header goes in easier from underneath the car.


Hellraiser

 

Nope just a set of shortys TES.

 

do you really have to jack the engine up with the motor mount removed to get the headers on? i have hooker shorties ready to be installed...i hope i dont have to do jacking crap up

 

Getting the manifolds off is the hardest part. You shouldn't have to jack the engine up to get the headers in, depending on brand and size of course. I did my swap during an engine swap so my new engine went in w/out manifolds or headers and then after I had the engine in and the motor mount through bolts installed, I put the headers on.

 

No, I was only suggesting that if he needed more space to reach the manifold bolts he could raise the side of the engine slighly for better access.

14mm? They were a 9/16" hex at one time. I guess they eroded pretty evenly then...been there.

 

As I was removing the bolts I think I used about 3 different size wrenches to remove all the same size bolts. Danm crossion.

 

haha me too.. i think 14mm and 9/16 are almost the same size..

at least when u put the headers on, the passenger side was easier for me then the drivers side. I had to lift the engine when doing the drivers side, but on the passenger side, if you removed EVERYTHING that could get in ur way. A\C compressor\lines\evap.\evap BOX and the air dist. box, its really easy..

good luck

 

What about the header pipe to maniford bolts? Looks like the threads have rusted away. Will these break loose and does it have to be done under the car with long extensions?. Also are most of the headers(shorty) designed for direct head pipe bolt up or does an exhaust shop have to custom fit them? Answers appreciated!!