Header Install Tips
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 687
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From: Medford, OR
Header Install Tips
My new ceramic Bassani headers are on the way, and I thought I would drop a line and see if you guys have any tips on the install process as I have never done any exhaust work before. Is it easy enough a novice mechanic such as myself would be able to do it or is it worth it to pay someone? Any special tools or techniques? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 208
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From: Burlington, NC
It makes it alot easier if you remove the plastic fender wells. Also soak all the bolts with PB blaster. Dont forget to get some header bolts if they didnt come with the headers, regular bolts are a PITA to get a wrench on and just forget about geting a socket to fit. Have fun.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,483
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From: Northern California
Wakeboarder...I personally like using the "Stage 8" brand header bolts. These are designed so they cant back out like regular bolts. You'll have less possibility of future leaks if you use these bolts.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 208
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From: Burlington, NC
I think there are spacers you have to use with the Bassani headers and your stock y-pipe. If you are using the Bassani y-pipe you don't need them. I have not used Bassani's so I'm not sure. Stage 8 bolts are good but I had problems with them not fitting on my 78's 1-5/8's headers but they were cheap headers, should fit Bassani's fine.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
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From: MA
Bassani provides all the bolts you will need, plus some super slick gaskets. They have a graphite crush sleeve that is set around each exhaust port. This guarantees a super seal. Plus, if you ever have to take the headers off, you only need to buy those little graphite rings. There is no welding involved with the Bassani headers. I believe you will only need the special donut gaskets if you use their high flow Y pipe to the stock manifolds. I believe the collector on the stock Y will fit fine with the collector of the headers.
Rich
Rich
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 687
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From: Medford, OR
Well, I received my headers tonight and am excited to tackle the install tomorrow. My question is this; there are a few of these small white beads stuck in some of the little crevices around the outside and inside around the primaries. Are these something I should get out or are they ok? A few were able to pry lose easily, but some are lodged in pretty tight. They are just very small white beads that are made of some very hard material. Maybe some time of ceramic left over from the coating? Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
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From: Monterey bay area
I would consider using Antisieze on the stud or bolt threads....the last thing you want is for a fastener to break inside the thread upon removal...
The headers should bolt right on.....remove the plastic well covers as specified and disconnect the routing hoses for the air injection system.....
Also label and remove the hard plastic vacuum lines in that area....these are easy to break.
then bolt em in!!!
you should feel an immediate difference upon driving it....perhaps a Bassani Y pipe is in the future?
The headers should bolt right on.....remove the plastic well covers as specified and disconnect the routing hoses for the air injection system.....
Also label and remove the hard plastic vacuum lines in that area....these are easy to break.
then bolt em in!!!
you should feel an immediate difference upon driving it....perhaps a Bassani Y pipe is in the future?
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Medford, OR
Ok, so I spent all morning getting the rusted bolts off the Y pipe and now have the manifolds removed. Now my question is; There are some random brackets, oil dipstick, etc that were mounted to the manifold and now have nowhere to mount. What am I suppoed to do about those?
Capone: Y pipe will defiintely be in the immediate future as funds permit.
Capone: Y pipe will defiintely be in the immediate future as funds permit.