Header install tips and tricks??

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

The inner wheel panels need to come out of the way without a doubt. And the dipstick tube issue has been covered unless your running JEALS . Not sure on Watsons buts Dom may have some input on that since hes running them. Can we assume these are stainless works headers Jeff? I only ask as you did not say.

Without a doubt you will need O2 extenders for at least one side maybe both. And the drivers side is the bear due to the steering shaft as the turn.

Sure you can ask.. they are 2" Primary Watsons..

Thanks

[Gunny]

I installed SW headers but found this write up to be very helpful
Jeal Header Install

I did not use the original bolts but went with stainless ... bought a complete set. If you are installing SW headers, study the bolt holes carefully ... you might want to "practice" putting a bolt into each hole. There's either 1 or 2 that you have to "angle" the bolt to get it started which I found impossible to do once I had the headers in place on the engine. i.e. I didn't get all bolts in which isn't absolutely necessary. Notice how many bolts were used in the OEM manifold ... the factory didn't use all the bolts that could have been used. Anyway, if you want to have a bolt in each hole, you will need to determine the tight fitting ones & probably get the bolt in place before you attach the header to the engine. This will probably take more than 2 hands which wasn't an option with me. I did the whole thing unassisted.

A lift would have made the job much easier ... again, not necessary, but I really wished for one.

The O2 connector on the right side is a B****. Impossible to reach the connector unless you are a 4 year old midget with small strong hands. I ended up snaking the connector from the engine harness out toward the front of the engine & adding an extension that was routed around everything back to the right side O2 sensor. Be sure to tie it up & insulate if necessary. The harness will MELT if it touches the header and it doesn't take very long to do this damage ... don't ask how I know.

Good luck ... you're going to love the end result. Headers really help the LT5 come alive.

George

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

Sure you can ask.. they are 2" Primary Watsons..

Thanks

Talk to Dominic XfireZ51, hes the last person who installed a set of Watsons that I am aware of. Doms usually a wealth of info and im sure he might have a few pointers for you Jeff.

[LGAFF]

I think AL did Doms...Jeff and Dom live in the same town.

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

I think AL did Doms...Jeff and Dom live in the same town.

Yeah Al did it Dom helped and burnt his hand..

[zr1don]

I installed SSW headers a couple months ago. As previously stated, removed front tires & inner wheel wells. I also removed engine mount bolts, one side at a time & jacked up the engine on that side to get a little more room. I also moded the dipstick bracket to get it to work with with the SSW headers. Be carefull when you removethe dipstick from the oil pan, it is easy to lose the seal the that seals the dipstick to the pan. (kinda like an o-ring seal)

Good luck witht the install!!!!

[-=Jeff=-]

How many little screws on each side for the HEat shield?

I see 4 ont he driver side.. that it?

[-=Jeff=-]

1 Down, 1 to go

Driver side is removed and Header is installed

I did not remove rear part of fender well, having the Brake Booster out helped a ton..

and the ROOM now.. WOW..

next header later today or this week..

[blackjack]

dont forget to coat your bolts with some sort of sealant or anti-seize,as
aluminum and stainless dont fare well together ,especially in harsh environment
bj

[-=Jeff=-]

Passenger header in but not tight yet.. I think the end of my dipstick tube is goobered up so I Want to look for a replacement

know of a source?