I got some Pacesetter LT's...and a NX wet kit (but thats another story)....

And... I was looking at my engine bay, and saw that the passenger side exhaust manifold seems damn near impossible to get out. So I know it is possible, but what tricks would speed the process??

If you guys got any for the driver side, that'd be super sweet as well!!

 

well if you take the starter off and the oil dip stick tube out.........it comes out of the bottom extremely easy


Plus when i went to put my passenger side header on it was sooo easy to slip in with the starter out, oil dip stick tube out and all the plugs out.................and the alternator has to come out for the front bolt on the manifold to come out.

 

drop the starter, and get the dipstick tube out of the way. After that, you'll just have to remove the bolts. Get the ones you can get out from up top, then get the ones out from underneath. It's a PITA but not near impossible. Kinda easy but time consuming. I actually enjoyed doing my header install. But I had mids. Good luck getting those LT's under there

 

Yea removing old stuff is pretty easy - I hate reading header install threads because mine was a nightmare - worst luck ever for me.

 

My passenger side header was a PITA to get in , but we got it in alright, just needed a little persuation

 

I got the passenger side header in from the top, I did not need to loosen or remove the motor mounts or jack up the engine. I did, however, have to remove the alternator, starter, oil dipstick, and the valve cover.

 

damn, i think the easiest way is just in from the bottom...................that way you dont have to remove the valve covers and get new gaskets.

just my $.02

 

Just make sure you clean up and polish the dip stick tube, or it will be a PITA to reinstall.

 

My passenger side was actually the easiest to get the manifolds out. And of course it was a lot easier to get the header in also (mid length). That's of course because of all the fun involved with the driver side 2 piece header.


Now getting to the bolts is a completely different story. Passenger side is a bitch, drivers side is a breeze.

 

Both of my headers went in from the bottom in a matter of minutes.

 

You don't have to get new valve cover gaskets when you pull your covers. They're thick rubber. I've had my valve covers off probably 3 or 4 times, no problems.

That being said, I also went via the bottom.. granted, with Hooker LT's, but shouldn't be that much different.

 

Yeah I went through the bottom with my mid-lengths also. I couldn't find any other way, really.

 

Okay, I've been keeping up on everyones reply and a bunch of you are subscribed so now comes the next question. What kind of studs or lock nuts did you guys use? I am blind on this subject so any help would be appreciated once again.

 

I just used the bolts that came with the Pacesetter, no locks or anything. All I had to do is retighten em a couple times after a few heat cycles and here I am several months later and no leaks. However I did use buy some Fel Pro gaskets from the parts store(cant remember the part #) I didt trust the paper ones they sent with the kit. didnt want to replace em a couple months later

 

Get Fel Pro gaskets and Breslin self locking bolts