2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

installing headers?

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Old May 15, 2003 | 06:43 PM
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installing headers?

is it that hard to install headers?
what all do i need? when i buy them do they come with everything i need?
do i need a torque wrench?
whats a good way to prop the car up?
will i see clearly what needs to be done when im under the car?
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Old May 15, 2003 | 07:06 PM
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Very easy (except old rusted exhaust bolts)Use Jackstands, don't have to use a torque wrench but I would recomend it. If you have half a brain it will be obvious what you need to do.
And a little hint- get some really good penetrating oil and spray that on the exhaust nuts/bolts, and let it sit for a while, then spray them again then try taking them off.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:04 PM
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what are jackstands and where can i get them?
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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You don't know what are jackstands or where to get them?! Maybe you shouldn't tackle this project.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:08 PM
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well, im assuming you could get these at like autozone or somthing? i just know what they are. i was trying to figure out a way to get the block things under the wheels but it seems too low, is it?
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:11 PM
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You need to jack your car up first. I agree if youve never had your car up on jackstands, you might want to ask someone for some supervision.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:12 PM
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"Block thingies"........
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:15 PM
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the wheel block, but i need something that works that isnt more expensive than the headers.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:15 PM
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im thinking about just driving it half onto a curb, remember, im cheap....
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:19 PM
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Use a jack. You might be Joe Ghetto but a jack isnt exactly expensive, in fact you can use the one in your hatch.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:22 PM
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i have a hydrolic pump but its seems too dangerous to get under the car with only that....what could i put under the wheels after pumping the car up? anyone have any suggestions
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:24 PM
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Jackstands
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:25 PM
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Wow, I don't really even know were to start on this thead. Let me tell you if you can't install a header, you are border line retarded. I can understand a little bit of a delay from a broken stud that holds the exhaust manifold on, but other than that. Youshould have no trouble. And I am even more dumbfounded taht you don't know what jack stands are. Do you know were the jack in you car is??? Some how I dought you do, but if you do, to get those "little block thingies" under your tires you can use you jack. Wow, now I know why my automechanics teacher was teaching really stupid stuff like how to put jack stands under the car. I never really thought that there were people that didn't know how to use them, I always thought it was comon sense.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:29 PM
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You dont know what jackstands are, you dont know how to use a jack to lift your car. For safety purposes i suggest having someone there who has used jackstands so the car doesnt fall on you.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:38 PM
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ok, first thing, i have never seen a jackstand before, im not a retard. second thing, i know where the jack is, but the question is can i get wheel blocks under the wheels with the jack, is it tall enough. if so, that solves my problem, and i guaranty that if i saw a jack stand i would know how to use it. the reason i started this thread is becuase i told my brother i was getting headers and he thought it was hard as hell to install them.since i havent had a chance to get under the car and look, i wanted to ask you. you guys dont have to be such ******** to me because i just havent happened to use or see a jackstand before, that doesnt make me stupid. it makes me ignorant to jack stands.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:40 PM
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I'm saying this in all seriousness, and mean absolutely no offense:

Go buy Auto Repair for Dummies. It worked for my friend. He just wanted to do some basic stuff and it taught him enough.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:42 PM
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And wheel blocks are generally used on the opposite wheel you're jacking to prevent the car from lurching.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:46 PM
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Well I would suggest to use concrete blocks (they cost like 20 cents a piece at home depot new) and use them insteed of jack stands. Jack stands will mess the little flang up that your car jack uses. If you use concrete blocks I think they are much safer to, because thr car is still on it's tires. I really thought it was very dangerous when I put my car on juack stands, and I feel much safer when it is on concrete blocks.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:47 PM
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you only use one wheel block and the jack? or jack it up and put the wheel block on the opposite wheel first? and is there any other thing to take the place of a wheel block? i will be pressed for money after i get my top speed cat back. also, are there and flanges or rings i need to use for the headers, or will everything i need come with it?
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Old May 15, 2003 | 09:54 PM
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All the hardware should come with the header. Just make sure you buy the appropriate presilencer or have a pipe made to fit between the header and the cat back. You might also need a new engine to header gasket, can't remember what gasket comes with and which you have to buy extra.

In all honesty, if you're going to be working on your car a lot, invest in some basic tools before loading on the mods. You can always use the spare tire jack, but I'd suggest a good floor jack and a set of jackstands. Check Sears or any auto parts store.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 10:03 PM
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whats a jackstand?? huh huh
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Old May 15, 2003 | 10:36 PM
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I'm telling you use cement blocks, they are much cheaper, and you don't have to be on pavement or concrete to use them like you do with jack stands. And the gasket that came with my road race heaser was the one inbetween the header and were the presilencers would go. Wow, your going to have like $800 bucks ties up into an exhaust system and I should only have about $250-300, since I am makeing my own side exit exhaust. It will be great all I have to do is mail the money to spintech mufflers tommorrow, and then put it all together.

And also did you order a single or a road race header. Because I remember a while ago that you were talking about this and they told you to get a road race header, and I am just wanting to clariffy that unless you are using a true dual system that you will have to buy or make a collector to bolt to your header if you bought a road race header.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 10:42 PM
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Originally posted by Dan H
You don't know what are jackstands or where to get them?! Maybe you shouldn't tackle this project.
Agreed.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 10:48 PM
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Originally posted by steve's dog
you only use one wheel block and the jack? or jack it up and put the wheel block on the opposite wheel first? and is there any other thing to take the place of a wheel block? i will be pressed for money after i get my top speed cat back. also, are there and flanges or rings i need to use for the headers, or will everything i need come with it?
Get a car jack. Judging from your post, I think you have one. Get some jackstands at your local auto store. (Under $15 a pair.) If you're working on the pavement, I sometimes use bricks and shove it as a wheel lock. MAKE SURE YOUR PARKING BRAKE IS UP!! Can't stress that enough. Then you should be ready to go install the headers. I haven't installed headers myself but from looking at the exhaust manifold, it looks pretty basic to me. Just hope you have a basic socket and ratchet set and some combination wrenches.

I would HIGHLY recommend you find someone else that knows his way around working on cars. Judging from your post, I'd hate to see you get crushed under the car from setting up the car improperly to work on.
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Old May 15, 2003 | 10:54 PM
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"The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?"

That quote comes to mind after reading this thread...
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