Just wondering how I would tackle this install if they're better fit going from the top or going in from the bottom? How's the oil dipstick issues? How high do I need to get the car up on the stands? I currently have a Borla YPipe in there now... would this straight bolt-in to the header itself?

and lastly, any tips or tricks that I should know about when unbolting them darn bolts as I'd heard of alot of horrow stories of people stripping them off.

Any comments welcome....

Thanks!

Jeff

 

I installed mac 1 5/8 shortys on my TA... It is not fun! you will have to take off the dipstick, starter, alternator and have fun working around the ac lines on the passenger side! it is best to come up from the bottem... don't even try it from the top. Trust me on this one... That's about it, don't forget to re-torque after a couple thousand miles b/c they WILL come loose. Good luck...
PFC Powell

 

You will need to get the car up on ramps/jackstands. Plan on removing the oil filter and separating the steering shaft. Also, I had to remove the oil pressure sensor plug. Both headers go in from the bottom. Soak your manifold and y pipe bolts and EGR/AIR fittings with PB Blaster tonight. The Borla y pipe won't go on the headers, they come with their own y pipe. You will need to lengthen the O2 sensor wires or get extensions. I could not make the dipstick tube fit so I got a Lokar.
If you have access to them, air tools make it a much easier job.

 

I put my car up on ramps all the way around and dropped the drivers side in from the top after removing the plugs and steering linkage. The passenger side had to go in from the bottom after removing the dipstick and starter. Getting the bolts in on the passenger side is a PITA.....I used stage 8 bolts and got a allen head socket to get the front bolt in...that one was a real pain.

 

When you remove the steering linkage, do you have to worry about the steering getting misaligned?

 

No.

 

Hey Bud M - sent you an email with a few Qs about your setup...

 

I did not remove the oil filter or disconnect my steering linkage to install Hooker shorties. I did remove the dipstick and tube and replaced it when the headers were on.
Buy some good gaskets and bolts, don't use the ones that they come with. I got Fel-Pro gaskets and Stage 8 locking bolts, I've never had any leaks and never had to re-tighten.
Also, I burnt 2 of my MSD wires immediatly after putting the headers on. I have since went with the Made For You over the valve cover looms, made life much easier.

 

Get a lot of bandaids and have a lot of patcince. Soak the header bolts in wd40 tonight. They are major pita to install, but are worth it in the end. Good luck.

 

use some emery cloth or sandpaper on the dipstick tube before you try to put it back in. I have heard horror stories about trying to fit back in. Mine was nice and clean and went in rather easily.

 

I have used Jordon Musser's install guide for Mac Headers when I was install headers in my 93 z28 and I will be using the install guide this weekend to install headers in my 95 Z28. It is a very well written install guide and I recommend it. Here is the link for the install guide. http://www.fastblackcar.com/camaro/mac_headers.html. Hope that helps. Good luck.