LT Header install question

[gsperaz]

I installed a set of kooks yesterday, my first time on a s550. I used a quickjack lift, its a little better then jack stands. Its not that bad a job just time consuming. I removed all but one header stud from each side like cjpony suggests, the bitch is getting to some of the header stud nuts/bolts. You will need a good selection of tools for this job (more then some recommend) and some good mechanical skills. Be careful with the aluminum threads, they are easy to cross thread. You may need to chase a few, metric threads. I did not have to remove the rubber motor mounts just the brackets, but the bolts were tight ! A long breaker bar was my best friend, good leverage on your back is a challenge too. I planned on two 8 hr days , took a little less but not much after taking time to double check everything was correct.
If you don't have the experience, tools or comfort level to do this job leave it to a qualified shop. The shops around here wanted close to 1K to install so the decision was easy for me, plus I don't trust anyone these day to work on my stuff.
I've been working on cars, motorcycles and boats since I was a kid (55 now) and I can say this was not one of my favorite tasks. A real lift would have been nice.
Good luck

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[ManBearPig]

I think I can deal with simply raising the motor and taking my time. Removing the intake manifold and/or dropping the K-member sounds like a total racket for this job though. Even rocking the engine left and right makes me raise an eyebrow. Is any of that really necessary????

Removing the intake manifold and k member is no more necessary than removing the rear wheels. I can't see how this would help in the least.

You do have to jack each side of the engine and remove the motor mount brackets, but only because they are in the way. Just do one at a time. I can see how things may go bad if you removed both at the same time. Just don't do that and you'll be fine.

 

[racingmason]

Took me about 10 hours total on jack stands. Get a stubby set of wrenches and a swivel ratchet wrench for the bold behind the ac compressor.

 

[GreyBlur16]

Did it the other day. Took about 3-4 hours on a lift with a couple buddies. Removed majority of the studs to get it to fit. Everything is pretty much straightforwarded just time consuming.

 

[1badrz28]

It's a pretty easy process. Once you remove the motor mounts and brackets the bolts are easy to get. A few on the pass side are tough, but removing the battery and shielding makes it a lot easier to get them from the top. I removed all the studs besides the front ones. I would recommend picking up some ARP fasteners. Smaller sockets/wrenches work better is that area.

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