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Header Install Tips

Old Mar 10, 2004 | 09:40 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 10:01 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 10, 2004 | 10:23 PM
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Forgot one thing, I think the bassani's need a special collector gasket. Maybe someone who knows will tell if this is true.
 
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Old Mar 12, 2004 | 01:32 AM
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Do the header bolts and all needed hardware normally come with Basanni headers?
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 12:05 AM
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Anyone? Anything I need to pick up before these arrive tomorrow?
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:10 AM
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Most send the header bolts and gaskets,you may want better quality bolts or different head patteren for easier tightening.Lock tight for the bolts.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:07 AM
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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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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:41 AM
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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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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:54 AM
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Is there any welding involved in the installation of the Bassani headers or is it bolt on?
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 12:49 PM
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The Bassani headers are meant to be a bolt on installaton and should fit without any modifications, even with yur factory Y pipe.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 01:08 PM
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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
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:08 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:11 PM
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It sounds like ceramic coating. So long as it doesnt affect the mounting surface, I wouldnt worry about them.


Rich
 
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Old Mar 17, 2004 | 12:28 AM
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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?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2004 | 02:11 PM
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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.
 
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