How do you install headers? Underneath or remove intake?

[PrOxLaMuS©]

I have an extra set of headers lying around.. :devious: some MSA 3-2 headers and I wanted to finally install them. Now in order to install them do I have to remove the intake manifold or can I go from underneath?

I called Midas and Mienike's muffler and exhuast shops as well as a few local shops, and on average... if I PROVIDE the twicepipes exhuast setup and the header's for them, they will charge $400 on average to install it!!!

So obviously it would be easier to install it myself and I wasn't sure exactly how to install the headers...

i tried a search and not alot of luck

[Bambikiller240]

Normally you would remove the intake manifold AND the exhaust manifold. The reason for this is that in almost all cases removal of one manifold ruins the one gasket that is used for BOTH intake and Exhaust (or header) manifolds. The two manifolds share many common studs/nuts securing BOTH to the cylinder head so it isn't like doing this adds much work to the job.

[MikeW]

Originally posted by PrOxLaMuS©

I called Midas and Mienike's muffler and exhuast shops as well as a few local shops, and on average... if I PROVIDE the twicepipes exhuast setup and the header's for them, they will charge $400 on average to install it!!!

So obviously it would be easier to install it myself and I wasn't sure exactly how to install the headers...

Obviously it would be cheaper for you to install the header yourself. If would be far easier to let them do it.

Be prepared for some difficult nuts. The nuts that connect the exhaust manifold to the down pipes can be especially tricky since they're hard to get to and subject to a lot of heat. You'll probably find a lot of rust wanting to keep the nuts from turning. Do yourself a favor and soak everything thoroughly with some good penetrant well in advance.

[Sean240Z]

I concur completely with MikeW (i.e. cheaper but somewhat awkward to do it yourself). My exhaust gasket recently blew apart and I had to remove and reinstall both the intake and exhaust manifolds. Get ready to get elbows deep with you chest on the fender as you attempt to get the last few nuts under / behind the header pipes. There's nothing "technical" about the exercise, it just takes a little persistance to get the nuts on and tight.

Give it a shot.

Cheers,

Sean

[Zrush]

I also agree with Sean240, this will take some patience. I suggest that you get a couple of gaskets. I say this because when I installed mine I tore one. One other suggestion or option that you might consider is using thew Stage 8 Locking fastener system so once you get them on, the nuts will never back out from vibration and creating leaks. Good luck and have fun. LOL

Scott

[240ZMan]

If you don't already have one, I highly recommend a 3/8" flexible adapter along with a deep socket. You have to be careful it doesn't get crooked and damage a nut, but it makes a few of the underside ones a lot easier to get at.

If I were you, I'd be very worried about letting any of the muffler chain shops do this kind of work. They probably won't have the patience to get these bolts off and cleaned up. I used a wire wheel on my bench grinder to get rid of a lot of rust. I doubt the shop would do that.

[seerex]

All good advice said but like Daniel I agree that I would be worried someone would break off bolts then tell you later and not really give a crap , I think the money saved the expierence of it < which in a sadistickinda way is fun > and just knowing you did it would make it worth for you to do it yourself , I actually just did the exact same thing but i stripped my motor to just block and head and rebuilt from there , Good luck