I need to do headgaskets so I was wondering if this would be a good time to do headers. Would it be a lot easier w/ the heads off ? Im thinking pacesetters.

 

I know my buddy found it to be much easier to get his Hooker LTs in with the heads off.

 

um it should be easier...i mean the heads are the main thing in the way when doing headers.

 

Yes and no. Easier to put the headers in, but not real fun screwing in those bottom headbolts.

But, if you need a reason for you significant other, "Yes, having the heads off makes the headers sooo much easier, baby. I love you so much, sweety."


Ryan

 

I installed my LTs with the heads in, it wan't that big of a deal. Then I swapped my heads out and couldn't even pull the headers out for some reason (and right now as I think about it, they may have been still bolted up to the y-pipe, don't remember. ). Anyways, I guess you could say I've done it both ways and the difficulty level was probably the same.

 

FWIW, I could not pull my driver's side header (Hooker) with the #1 primary still attatched (slip fit) until the motor was pulled - tried with the heads off...no luck.

Ryan

 

Yeah, if the heads were removed, the long tube install will go alot smoother. And to answer your other question, the Pacesetter long tubes are a good choice considering they do make an "emissions" style header that includes the AIR and EGR fittings.

 

Much easier with them off. just make sure you have them out of the way while you bolt the heads up.

 

Anyone ever have install problems w/ pacesetters on a 96?

 

The only problem I had with the Pacesetter was the EGR pipe did not line up perfectly to the EGR fitting on the header. I had to heat the fitting up with a propane torch and bend it about an inch towards the firewall and the EGR pipe bolted right up. Other then that, there were no other install problems.

 

Yes but it makes it a major PITA to stick the head back on. You have to jack the **** out of the motor a side at a time to be able to get to the bottom head bolts.