Hey guys,
Ive done 2 seperate header installs on my transam's with no issues. A buddy of mine asked if I wouldnt mind doing an install on his 97. I said I would and started the other day. The install has been nothing but problems since the start. The manifolds and y-pipe were in terrible condition including the O2's which were pretty much fused to the pipes. Now that I got everything off and bought him some new O2's im installing the new headers. I have managed to get 4 bolts threaded in one header and the other two bolts wont line up, not to mention the entire header wont sit flush with the block. I checked the passenger side and it looks like the same story. Is it possible the block is warped or could something else be wrong? I was thinking maybe one of the bolts is not straight but in my opinion it looks pretty straight and the other header looks like its going to have the same issue.

 

Is it not square with the head up and down or front to rear?
They may be hitting something and not being allowed to pull up square or flush with the head.

Are you sure the are the right part number for the car?

 

Its not right front to rear. I checked for something hitting it and there doesnt seem to be anything in the way. Also If I just try to put the header flush with the block it doesnt seem to be right either up or down or front to back.

The headers themselves are just the SLP dual cat style shorty headers so im just about positive that he got the right kind.

 

Have ya tried putting a streight edge on the flange to see if it's warped?
If it's not warped it almost has to be hitting something. If the bolts were the wrong angle it would still pull up the bolts just wouldn't be square with the flange.

 

I'll try that first thing in the morning. I dont have any more daylight to work with tonight. Thanks for the tip.

Rich