I'm ordering some Hooker LT headers and I'm wondering if it's possible for me to install them myself. The most car work I've done before is porting my MAF, installing a lid, and the free ram air. Is it possible for me to do it at home? Right now the only tools I have are the ramps to drive my car up on. What else do I need to get besides the headers and O2 simms? Can I do this install? Thanks for you help!

 

first off youll need a floor jack and two jack stands, jack the rear and slide ramps under it and put the front on jackstands, itll need to be higher later to slide the LT in from the bottom, i did it with simple tools but took my time a lil every nite for 5 nites. If you dont mind some bloody knuckles its not hard just gettin to some bolts but its totally doable. You will have to take it to a shop to get the egr and air fitting modified t fit right, in 2000up they changed the manifolds and the fittings are turned 90 degrees and in different locations i didnt have the tools to make it work, cost me $75. Youll also need RTV silicone, anti-seize, go ahead with new plugsand WD-40 for stubborn bolts. tools that made it easier lots of different size extensions, a good swivel, with hand wrenches and a ratchet set. I can walk you thru it if yo want i finished my install last sunday and remember it all. Nick

 

do it your self. in the end you'll feel good about doing it.
all you will need is yours 02 sims, 02 extensions (which will come with the headers), and some zip ties to strap the extensions up.

i my self reuse the Factory header gaskets and the bolts, ive done this several times and no problems what so ever.

The header bolts are 10mm and i would recommend buy a 10mm rachet wrench (helps out a lot)

I would suggest taken off valve covers also. I have done header installs with out doing it but this frees up some room. These bolts are also 10mm. You will also need to remove the oil dipstick bolt that goes into the head, its a 15 mm i think ( a little over kill i think)

This would be a great time to change, plugs and wires if you need 2.

Jack the front of the car up and put on jackstands.
Once factory headers are off then install hooker lts. Both headers will be install from the bottom of car. if you dont have car up high enough it wont work, just raise car higher. It is easier if you have someone under the car holding the headers in place while you try to start the bolts.

i cant think of any problems on the passenger side, however on the drivers side you will need to remove the oil adapter (not sure what actual name is) this is located just above oil filter, remove and after driver header is in place put it back on, its 10mm also i think.

Now the 02 sensor is going to be a tight fit on the drivers side, you may have to remove the heat sheild that is over the fuel lines and after you screw in 02 then place sheild back on.
And also have the egr holes sealed on the headers

thats all i can think of right now, if i think of any thing else that will help, ill post it.

good luck

JJ

 

valve covers can stay but the coil pack rack needs to be removed on the passenger side, on the driver side it stays but you have to disconnect the steering linkage.

 

Yep, i think that covers it for ya'll.

Good luck and enjoy the sound

JJ

 

Wow thanks alot for the posts! I think I'll go ahead and install them myself. If I have any problems I'll post a question or email one of you. But I think I can handle it. I'm excited that I can afford headers since I found a way to go with out cats and still pass emissions in my county.

 

Thanks to everyone with there ideas I didn't post the original message but by reading your replys I have decided to do it myself as well. Only question I have is that everyone else I have talked to says that you have to loosen engine mounts to be able to access the headers. I haven't looked yet but was wondering if you could help it would be appriciated... Also which headers are better long tube or shorties?

 

GO WITH LONG TUBES
i have installed the Hooker LTs on both A4 and M6 cars and have not had to remove motor mounts, Just get car high off the ground.

JJ

 

Do it yourself. I put my longtubes on my car and did not have to undo the motor mounts, take off the valve covers, or remove the coil packs. Just take your time and things will go smoothly.