Installing Headers

[mmagnus]

I just put my motor in my 240 yesterday and want to start by putting the headers on now. I have a brand new 6into1 header from MSA. Does anyone know how this thing attaches. It didnt come with hardware and there arn't any holes just "openings" where the studs go thru. Does anyone have any pictures i can refere to .

Thanks

Mark

[Ed]

They require "special" or modified washers to install. They are taller on the header side and shorter on the intake manifold side. If you have the original thick washers you can grind one side down until it fits flush on the stud. I'm sure someone has a picture, there are also some pictures of modified aluminium washers on this site somewhere.

What gasket are you using? If you are using the "special" paper gasket that MSA supplies good luck. I've heard more bad things than good. Some people will apply a coating of copper permitex to both sides of the gasket to hold it together. Unfortunately I was one of the people that had bad luck with the gasket. It developed a hairline crack that ended up getting bigger, resulting in an exhaust leak. I've also heard people using the felpro gasket with good results.

Edit: Found the washers - here

[mmagnus]

Ed,

Thanks for the info. Do you know if MSA sells these washers? IF not, do you know where i can buy them? Where do you buy the felpro gasket from?

Thanks

Mark

[Ed]

I doubt MSA has these washers (I could be wrong). If you still have the thick washers that came with the stock manifold use them. Grind down one side and your good to go. Maybe someone else could knows where to get some. You could also go to a machine shop and tell them what you need, this might be expensive though. I think your best bet is to grind the original washers.

Felpro gaskets you can get at any automotive supply store.

[ecp48]

You need to look at the flange on your headers and see if it is the same thickness as the flange on the intake manifold. If they are the same, use the same washer, no special washer is required.

The special washers are used to make up the difference, if you have the very thin flanged headers.

My MSA 6/2/1 header has the same thickness flange as the intake. My Pacesetter, coated headers have a thin flange but have small tabs welded to it to make up the difference. Neither require the special washers. Examine your header and choose accordingly.

ecp48

[mmagnus]

So, from what i am gathering here is that the headers and intake manifold get installed at the same time using the same studs...is that correct?

[Bambikiller240]

Correct, the same studs and bolts secure both intake and Exhaust manifold/header to the engine.

[dhoneycutt]

So, from what i am gathering here is that the headers and intake manifold get installed at the same time using the same studs...is that correct?

Yes... I have the MSA 6 into 1. I was able to use the original washers but...what I ran into is the collector was about 1/2 inch to high in the transmission tunnel and required either a custom bent pipe to clear the transmission mount or a custom transmission mount. I called MSA on this and pretty much got told I was nuts because they sold hundreds of these with out any fitment problems. So I guess I am nuts and it is all a figment of my generous imagination. (so...where did Cindy Crawford go, you know, my wife?)

[jmark]

dhoneycutt,

Samething happened on my '78 280Z. I called MSA and they reimbursed the money it took to have the additional work done on my car.

[mmagnus]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I better check the clearance on the pipe near the tranny....great, more stuff to worry about.

[Bubbleguinea]

so wait, do we know where to get those washers? i have the same problem...but i just used them anyways..what if we cut a couple of washers in half...no. that wouldnt work....

hmmmm....

[zhead240]

why not do what red green would do- use a full washer and duct tape(crazyglue) a half washer together.trial and error on the thickness.