Today is header install day

[NGOT8R]

@BombZombie, I hear you. I really had fun with mine because I got to do it twice (uninstall the factory headers, install LTHs, discover that there was a major clearance issue with the steering linkage, uninstall the LTHs, and install a new set of LTHs with the proper clearance) on jack stands in my garage.

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[PC_GUARD]

@BombZombie, I hear you. I really had fun with mine because I got to do it twice (uninstall the factory headers, install LTHs, discover that there was a major clearance issue with the steering linkage, uninstall the LTHs, and install a new set of LTHs with the proper clearance) on jack stands in my garage.

I would've set my garage on fire lol

 

[BombZombie]

@BombZombie, I hear you. I really had fun with mine because I got to do it twice (uninstall the factory headers, install LTHs, discover that there was a major clearance issue with the steering linkage, uninstall the LTHs, and install a new set of LTHs with the proper clearance) on jack stands in my garage.

Ha! That sucks.

I had to do mine twice as well. My car only has 6500 miles on it, but figured I could reuse the stock gasket...that turned out to be a mistake since I noticed a definite leak. Uninstalled everything and put in a new gasket, and in frustration, cross threaded a bolt hole. Had to tap it and was able to finally get everything in. Noticing that things were tight from the first failed go-around, I also installed Steeda Heavy Duty engine mounts at stock height to clear the steering linkage. They help keep the engine from moving too much, but are an equal pain in the ass to install given how the bolt connecting the arms to the mount is done.

 

[BombZombie]

I would've set my garage on fire lol

Same!

I reviewed my insurance policy at one point to see if a garage fire would cover a payout of the car...

 

[NGOT8R]

I would've set my garage on fire lol

I was getting close to doing that .

 

[tdstuart]

Please let me know how much of a pain the install is. I did a header install on a 3v about 12 years ago and I swore then that I'd just pay someone to do it in the future lol.

Did my friends 3v and it’s was 100x easier. The challenge of this car is getting the bolts off the headers. In my friends 3v you could see all the bolts.

My friends car was in our highschool shop for 2 days, my 2015 gt was in for over a week. We are not very experienced and figuring out how to get all the bolts off and on the headers of the 2015 was a huge pain.

 

[PC_GUARD]

Did my friends 3v and it’s was 100x easier. The challenge of this car is getting the bolts off the headers. In my friends 3v you could see all the bolts.

My friends car was in our highschool shop for 2 days, my 2015 gt was in for over a week. We are not very experienced and figuring out how to get all the bolts off and on the headers of the 2015 was a huge pain.

My challenge or aggravation was, no second set of hands to, just pass stuff wouldve made things easier. There is nothing terrible "hard" about the job, its just time consuming and requires thinking ahead.

I would not want to do this again, but if a buddy with a s550 said "hey im doing headers" i'd be glad to pass things, show him what to look for, and drink all the beer. lol

 

[tdstuart]

My challenge or aggravation was, no second set of hands to, just pass stuff wouldve made things easier. There is nothing terrible "hard" about the job, its just time consuming and requires thinking ahead.

I would not want to do this again, but if a buddy with a s550 said "hey im doing headers" i'd be glad to pass things, show him what to look for, and drink all the beer. lol

I think I spent 2 or 3 hours on one nut. One of the passenger side middle top nuts. Could figure out how to get a tool small enough that would also be able to break it loose. Ended up using a wrench and just using all my strength to get it.

 

[PC_GUARD]

I think I spent 2 or 3 hours on one nut. One of the passenger side middle top nuts. Could figure out how to get a tool small enough that would also be able to break it loose. Ended up using a wrench and just using all my strength to get it.

Long ext forward of k member leg

 

[tdstuart]

Long ext forward of k member leg

Interesting didn’t even think you could get it from below the car.

Someone needs to make a tutorial showing how to get every nut off.

 

[PC_GUARD]

Interesting didn’t even think you could get it from below the car.

Someone needs to make a tutorial showing how to get every nut off.

I took most off including tops from below

 

[XakwardX]

I installed mine over the weekend. The passenger side was a pain. The ac line got in the way and had to remove all the studs to get it in. The driver side went in a lot easier. took about 4 1/2 hours.

 

[PC_GUARD]

I installed mine over the weekend. The passenger side was a pain. The ac line got in the way and had to remove all the studs to get it in. The driver side went in a lot easier. took about 4 1/2 hours.

It's interesting that other than that bracket stud I posted about, I'm nowhere near the ac line or hindered by it.

I was hindered by other things though lol



EDIT: I'll add the only hinderance with ac in mind was the most forward top bolt fastening the header down, that one was a PITA.


Flex head ratcheting wrenches, LONG extensions (28-32" worth) universal joint, and a second pair of hands, can get it done pretty quickly. Oh an dont waste your money on locking head ratcheting wrenches like I did. I wanted them anyway but they require black tape to get them to stay where you need them too anyway.

Obviously a lift gives more clearance to swing ratchets with cheater bar if needed.

 

[S550Joe]

I installed mine over the weekend. The passenger side was a pain. The ac line got in the way and had to remove all the studs to get it in. The driver side went in a lot easier. took about 4 1/2 hours.

Did mine on jackstands about two weeks ago. Start to finish on the drivers side was only about an hour and half. Really boosted my confidence, until I actually started tackling the passenger side. Spent probably the worst 3 hours of my life on it. But still was able to get it done by myself in my driveway in under 5 hours.

 

[NGOT8R]

Installing LTHs on jack stands is certainly no fun at all, but the end result will make you say it was definitely worth it. Now you can go barking (or howling) like a Coyote, all over town.

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