Just curious.

I'm concidering headers. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but am pretty mechanically inclined. Is a header install something I could realistically do in my garage with common hand tools?

I would like to tackle this on my own (obviously I'd get a friend to help), but I don't have air tools (don't know if I'd need that or not), and I'm not sure how I'd tackle the CAT install portion (welding, if necessary).

Right now, I'm just thinking of headers, O2 sensors, y-pipe, and CAT. I may do a CAT back later, but not now.

Header conciderations are SLP or MAC, kinda leaning toward the MAC.

I know this topic has been beat to death, but my main question is the issue of the garage install, not a header brand debate.

Thanks in advance for any advice
PS I did use the search function

 

With those, you wont have to get the car nearly as high as you would if you were doing longtubes. I'd say its more than possible with normal hand tools (you might need abnormal hands at times though)

 

As long as you have a good set of tools...you should be fine. Ratchets...extenters...etc. I did my long tube install in a garage with a friend in 16 hours. The most uncommon tool we used was a sawzall to cut a few inches off my cat-back exhaust. Also, SLP makes a great spark plug socket for headers...came in very handy.

 

I got a question about this. How hard is it to get the bolts removed from the heads and stuff? Did they come out easily for you guys? Or did you need to use some sort of torch to heat them up and then remove them?

 

You will need a professional grade penetrant...like PB Blaster. You have to spray all the bolts down good and let them soak for a while...preferably overnight if possible. If not...a few hours at least. If you do this...its not so bad. Most of my bolts came out with minimal fuss after a good soaking.

 

Ok, cool! I have heard horror stories about those bolts. My friend is all anti doing this because of the bolts, so hopefully I can persuade him into helping me out when I decide to do this! Thanks!

 

Thanks, I appreciate all the advice.