1st time installing header advise please!

[bmorecam]

I am a very handy guy I think. I do all of my own exhaust install but this will be my first time changing out a header. I read some past threads regarding header install including camaromodz but I just want to see if I can get some more important tips on installing the header right. The main thing that I am concerned with is using the right hand tools to get the header bolts off and the oxygen sensor, I am not sure if I should use something like a 2ft breaker bar to help me loosen the bolts on the header. I only have just about 1500 miles on my car so maybe the bolts are still fresh making it easier to get them off.
Let me also mention that I have a v6 and not the v8, I decided to post here since there are tons of you guys that changed out header vs us v6 guys, plus I think the process should be about the same.
So any help and tips to help me with my upcoming install would be much appreciated

[Mark Myles]

Check in the "do it yourself" section. I believe there are detailed directions.

M

[flyby]

Check the diy. Use normal hand tools and try freeze off for the o2 sensors. Also make sure you remove the plugs and wires.

[ULTRAZLS1]

Everything should come off fairly easily being the car is new.

The torque on the header bolts is only around ~25 lbs. A 2 foot breaker bar on a 10mm (not sure exactly but they are small) bolt is a little overkill lol.

When you re-install the o2 sensors put some anti-seize on the threads. Dont get any on the sensor.

It really helps to have another person hold the header in place from the bottom while you put the bolts in/hold the gasket in place. It is a little frustrating doing this by yourself.

It really isnt a bad job at all...and being you are working on a new car everything should come off easily. A 3/8 ratchet without a bar and I got them off no problem.

[Rich1]

If you only have yourself to install the header, then buy some extra long bolts and cut the heads off. Thread a few into the block and then you can hang the header on them while you thread in the correct bolts.

[ScottieBlkSS]

Another tip of advise take it from past experience, Be sure to start your car and let it run for a few minutes to get the 02 sensors hot before removing them, They should just screw right out once hot, unless you have a small torch to heat the threads up before you break them loose, I started my car and I still had (1) strip out as I was removing, thats about 125.00 bucks.
Good luck
Scottie

[Rich1]

One more thing, when you remove the O2 sensors try to use one of these open ended wrenches:





They are made by Great Neck. They have 4 sides versus the typical 3 sided open end wrench

Here is a website:

http://www.greatnecksaw.com/product_...ducts_id=91426

I am sure you should be able to buy them locally at a hardware store.

[SSTony]

I sprayed all the bolts a with wd40 like 2 hrs before i started. The bolts will come right off.

You should be replacing the cats as well. I started from the bottom. then i took off all the header bolts but one on each side. remove all the spark plugs. i broke one so dont be like me. I also removed the exhaust manifold so its smaller pieces and lighter to get out.

[KnightRiderSS]

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eig...ket-95045.html

[Cully]

Make sure you have a helper to get under the car to hand you the header to make your install MUCH easier. The manifold bolts should come off very easy and the new ones i think are torqued at about 17-20 pounds. The O2 sensors on the other hand can be a bear, I had 300 miles on my car and three came out easy and destroyed the third. Take the spark plugs and wires off first to make sure you don't crack the porcelain on accident. Really is very easy and should go nicely. Plenty of room under the hood to work. Good luck and enjoy.