After much research (on this site and others) I finally decided to get the coated MAC midlength headers from Jet-Hot. Some will probably say that I should have gone with LT's, but I understand the compromises and think I will be quite satisfied with these.

My plan is to eventually have a set up much like stereomandan on this board, with a highflow cat that is replaceable with a bullet style muffler, so I ordered some ball and cone adapters from Dr. Gas to have welded to the high flow cat that I got off of eBay. I also ordered Felpro gaskets and stage 8 locking bolts from Thunder, and will be getting an LT4 KM sometime prior to installation.

I've read most of the threads involving the MAC mids that I can find, but if anyone can think of anything that I'm missing, I would appreciate the input. Also if there are any good tips or tricks to get the install to go especially smoothly, I would appreciate it.

Thanks and wish me luck.

 

Sounds good.

Don't forget to pick up some antiseize for the header bolts, and plugs.

Some Permatex Ultracopper RTV is good for the ball/flange connections and the slip fit tube on the #1 primary.

In my opinion, the Stage 8's are not necessary and can be a hassle from what I've heard. I used the standard header bolts that came with the MAC's and they haven't backed out at all, and are easy to tighten and reach with a normal closed end or open end wrench.

Dan

 

I've heard pro's and con's of the stage 8's, but they look like they can be tightened with allen wrench giving me another option to tighten in tough places. I'll probably end up using the supplied bolts if the stage 8's are too difficult to deal with in tight confines.

What about the dipstick tube? Should I order another one of those whlie I'm at it?

 

I was able to reuse mine. I was careful though. And I slightly sanded the tube portion that goes back into the block before I reinserted it. The thing is a major pain to get out/in. When putting it back in, I found that an open end wrech works great to slide over side of the tube. It rests on the lip on the tube near where is goes into the block and gives something to pull the tube down into the block with. You'll understand what I mean when you see it.

Dan

 

You shouldn't need a new dipstick tube if you take out the old one correctly, just pull straight up on it, it will take a bit of effort. I also have the MAC headers and so far I've had no problems other then the EGR tube (from intake manifold to exhaust manifold) not reaching the headers.