I started my Pacesetter LT install about a week ago, have been on the job probably about 15 hours now. So far I have the y-pipe removed, drivers exhaust manifold removed, and 3 bolts from the passenger manifold. I have no experience working on cars before this, so quite a learning experience.
Questions...The first bolt on the passenger manifold is the one attached to a bracket for the alternator and it has maybe an inch clearance before a rubber hose blocks me from getting any sort of leverage on it. I would just remove the hose, but the little clamp is facing away from the top with no hope of getting it off. Is there a trick to this? The very last bolt is also a PITA, but I think I can get it from under the car, or by raising the motor.
Soon as it's all put together, I'll be sending my PCM to Madz28 for a tune...but until then, will the car run with the O2's unplugged? I can go ahead and extend the wires if it won't, just trying to save some time.
Also, I noticed the back "bolt" on the drivers manifold was just a stud, no nut to hold it on. Is this normal? I called a friend who told me that shouldnt even be there, it should be a bolt just like the rest. If I leave it as is with just the stud, will the header leak?
Last one , I do plan on doing my exhaust when I have more money, but until then I will just roll with the open headers. My dad swear my valves won't last a month if I do that...True or no? I don't beleive it, he told me the same thing about my cutout, last year

Sorry for writing a book for you guys, thanks for your help.

 

Day six, and another 7 hours gone. I have the drivers side header in, plugs and wires connected. It went in through the top, just took alot of pushing and pulling. I spent the first part of the day trying to get the passenger manifold off, still no luck with the first bolt. It looks like I have to remove the steering pump to get to it, but I have never read of that being needed. So I am still awaiting any kind of help. Forget about the stud question, the header doesnt even use it.

 

That front bolt is a PITA. The AC cooling line is in the way and the PS line as well. I just kept at it 1 click at a time with a small ratchet and a small wrench.

 

I got the first bolt on the passenger side from underneath the car, I used a long ratchet and a socket extension. It was the hardest considering all of the stuff in the way.

 

Ok, thanks you guys. Making sure it wasn't just something I was doing wrong. How about those o2 sensors? How would a car run without them plugged in? I'll know as soon as I'm done with the headers, but wondering in the mean time. Is it recommended to tune the o2's out of the car?

 

No, you need the front 02 sensors, do not attempt to tune them out and it is not a good idea to drive the car without them. You may be thinking of the 96+ cars that have rear 02 sensors as well which sole purpose is to monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converters. Obviously with an off-road y-pipe and no cats, there is going to be a check engine light. That is why people either have them rear 02 sensors editted out of the PCM or they plug in 02 simulators.