patmac6075

iTrader: (26)

Forgive me for I am a newb......but I've looked through the archives and done searches for "1st gen header installation" and "1st gen header how to" and have come up with zero useful information on how to install a header on a 1st gen? From what I've read over the last few month, a header is arguably the single best performance mod you can do to a 1st gen. I can't believe there are no "How to's:.
Can anyone point me to a source/tutorial on how to install a header (specifically for an '83 GS)?
Now I have a second question as well, The guy I bought the header from originally claimed it was a Racing Beat (it is a collector style and looks to be the same size as the stock exhaust), after looking at the header flange, I did not see the RB logo so I'm assuming it's not a Racing Beat (he then priced it accordingly), so I'm not sure of the brand. It came off an '84 GS....would there be any big differences as far as "bolt in installation" between an '83 and an '84 (I'm using a brand new RB presilencer)?

patmac6075

iTrader: (26)

Bump.....really? Nobody has some light to shed on this?
Since this is the most common upgrade I thought I'd hear all sorts of tricks/short cuts/"Don't make the same mistake I did" comments.
Since I don't have directions I'm looking for a little guidance.
Here was my plan:

As I had said in the OP, since the old header came off an '84 GS (original owner said it was a direct bolt in), will I have any "fit" issues?
I can follow direction/un-bolt and reinstall, but I have zero "0" fabrication skills/tools.
For me to do this, it must be strictly "take the old out, put the new back in".

Looking for some advice....

BlackWorksInc

As long as it is going on the same engine it came off of you should be golden. i.e. if the header came from a 12A it goes back on a 12A. As for the procedure, do you also have the collector for the header? I am not sure what will conflict, but you may need to remove a cat or two. I have a Rotary Engineering Header that I made a custom collector for, but I am building my exhaust from scratch so I couldn't tell you what will get in the way because the OEM exhaust is long gone. As for the ACV, if you're blocking it off, you'll want to make sure you do the rest of it, search terms like Rats Nest Removal and Emissions Removal, ACV Block Off, ect so you can do the job properly.

Otherwise the actual installation of the part is just bolt on. Hope this helps.

patmac6075

iTrader: (26)

Thanks Demon....zacly what I was looking for...car is an '83 GS with a 12a, original car was an '84 GS also 12a.
The header IS a collector style and looks to be the same diameter as the stock pipe.

Question: Do I need to do the Rat's Nest Removal now, or can it wait? Plan was to do the removal later in the Spring/early Summer.

BlackWorksInc

Not sure, you might be able to get away without it for now, but you'll need to see if you need anything to tap from the exhaust. I can't remember if there's anything like that, but it should be bolt in without anything else.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

you can wait, or never do it at all!

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

It's honestly such a quick and easy mod that nobody ever takes the time to write up a how-to. That's why you can't find one. Leave the rat's nest alone if you don't feel like getting that into it right now.

It's best to bolt the header to the engine first. Less weight to lift and get around the front-most heat shield. Use an OEM style metal gasket (with white stuff in between). Other types don't work, especially the crappy brown ones, which apparently melt.

As for whether anything needs to be blocked off, I don't know. It's is such an easy swap, and there will be no fitment issues, that I think you're worrying too much. It's one of those things where you need to just get out and do it. Then come on the forum if any issues pop up.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

quick and dirty...

1. open hood
2. lift car.
3. remove 4 nuts holding exhaust manifold
4. remove 2 rear nuts holding rear of main converter
5. remove manifold/converter assembly
6. install header/presilencer in the reverse of removal
7a. drive car!
7b. remove rats nest, followed by the thread about how the car doesn't run right now that the rats nest is removed. either buy a polished turbo and never drive the car again, claiming you're still collecting parts, or sell car....

obviously 7b is j/k, but really leave the rats nest alone, more work to have more problems isn't a good idea...

patmac6075

iTrader: (26)

Thanks guys!
I feel pretty confident I can do this install....I just wanted to get some of the more experienced members to give it the once over (make sure I'm not missing something).
My biggest issue is the fact that the header is an unknown brand (although it seems to be pretty high quality...thick walls and heavier than I would have thought) and it's from an '84....was worried that with the R/B presilencer it might not match up. Then I'm stuck with a super loud exhaust that I have to take over to a shop and have them fix my mistake
I guess I just gotta go out and do it!
Thank again

broncoblitz

Make sure you start up the car with only the header installed and take a video. It's a sound you'll never want to forget.