Header Install Question (or two)

[Brazensol]

I just got my Stainless Works headers and I noticed there is no gasket included with them nor do the instructions mention to use one on the install. It's been a long time since I did a header install (30+ years) but I do remember using gaskets... Is this no longer required? All I got was some high temp. sealant.

Also on the diy header install thread it says to jack the car up at 2 feet! Or more!!! Is that really required to install the headers? Can they slip in from above? Pretty sure my jack stands will not go 2 feet (and even if they did I don't think I'd put must trust in them at that height) nor have I ever seen any that will (at least safely).

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[mydreamcar]

You can reuse your existing gaskets or just go buy new oem ones. As for clearance , more is better. I had access to a lift . The jack stands may work but it will be tight

[lownslowss]

Your normal jack stands should be high enough. Mine were. go get a set of oem gaskets. Slipping them up from the bottom is easiest.

[mar10]

I just installed a set of stainless power headers and re used the oem gasket. I don't think the headers will fit from the top. Maybe the drivers side but there is too much stuff on the passenger side. I didn't have to remove the steering knuckle either. It took me about 4.5 hours taking my sweet time from start to finish. The instructions say to jack the car up pretty much right off the start. I would loosen as many of the manifold bolts as possible before jacking the car up. Unless you want to be kneeling on a stool bending in weird positions in order to reach the bolts like I did. I should have lowered the car back down after removing everything from the bottom but I was being stubborn and lazy. Also the O2 sensors have clips in them preventing you from un doing the harness clips and they come un done easier from the bottom. I did mine on cheap jack stands that extend up not sure of the max height but they were smaller than average. I also found that the instructions called for a 12 or 13mm socket but in my opinion the 1/2 inch I think it was fit better.

[MightymouseSS]

I placed a wooden block on my jack to get extra height but I don't think it was 2 feet off the ground. Headers must go in from the bottom and there's plenty of clearance. Make sure you use a penetrating oil on the o2 sensors cuz they strip easily from OEM cats. Use GM gaskets as well not the RTV they send you. I was in a rush the first time and bought felpro gaskets and never had any leaks or issues with those till I scraped my headers in a huge pot hole and it then developed a leak in which I replaced with GM gaskets.

[1KillerSS]

Yea pretty much what everybody has said, ill stress the GM gaskets. Do your self a favor and go get a set for less than 30 dollars. I wouldn't use that RTV. Also I never trust a jack, use jack stands. The "two feet" is basically so you have room to slide the headers up from underneath the car. As stated I just did what I could up top, bolts and sensor plugs, then raised the car and went to work underneath. Do yourself a favor and get someone to help you when you start installing from under the car. One last thing, be careful of the spark plugs, its easy to crack one when installing headers. Some people just take them out.

[cadyshac]

A lot of good advice here, I installed my stainless power headers in my garage with jackstands and it was pretty easy.
-get a new set of oem gaskets
-remove the spark plugs and loosen up everything on top before jacking the car
-put some penetrating oil on the o2 sensors ahead of time to soak, heat them with a torch when you go to remove them
-I did mine by myself and used a rope or bungee cord from underneath to hold the header in place and then started a couple of bolts from the top
Get everything laid out ahead of time and take your time, it is actually a pretty easy install.

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by Brazensol

I just got my Stainless Works headers and I noticed there is no gasket included with them nor do the instructions mention to use one on the install. It's been a long time since I did a header install (30+ years) but I do remember using gaskets... Is this no longer required? All I got was some high temp. sealant.

Also on the diy header install thread it says to jack the car up at 2 feet! Or more!!! Is that really required to install the headers? Can they slip in from above? Pretty sure my jack stands will not go 2 feet (and even if they did I don't think I'd put must trust in them at that height) nor have I ever seen any that will (at least safely).

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Jackstands -- as high as I could get it. I bought oem gaskets and did not take a chance.

Mine fit with no real issues. Had my headers in and out several times during my SC install...

-Don

[hammdo]

Originally Posted by cadyshac

A lot of good advice here, I installed my stainless power headers in my garage with jackstands and it was pretty easy.
-get a new set of oem gaskets
-remove the spark plugs and loosen up everything on top before jacking the car
-put some penetrating oil on the o2 sensors ahead of time to soak, heat them with a torch when you go to remove them
-I did mine by myself and used a rope or bungee cord from underneath to hold the header in place and then started a couple of bolts from the top
Get everything laid out ahead of time and take your time, it is actually a pretty easy install.

cadyshac is 100% on.. Great advice...

-Don

[Schluney]

I definitely didn't have 2FT jack stands... Normal stands will do with some finessing.

[black79ta]

I used 6t jack stands worked fine.

[Brazensol]

Thanks for all the advice gentlemen! OEM gaskets it is and I will pick some up today. Hopefully I can find the time to install them this weekend.