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Old Nov 5, 2008 | 07:57 AM
  #1  
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Header install questions

I'm thinking about doing my headers finally this weekend and the rest of the exhaust.

being my first set of headers I have some questions....

How much time is this gonna take? I realize every situation is different, but if all goes OK? Can I do the headers in a solid day?

The gaskets that came with the headers....are they good enough? I've read about the copper gaskets. What about using the copper sealer on the gaskets that came with the headers?

Should I invest in the locking header bolts? I saw a thread on them in the 90's truck section.

I need to tap for my 02 sensor and the EGR. Anything special needed? I was going to use my stepper drill bit and just go slow.

Thanks for any thoughts or advise, really need to get it done and over with, my manifold is cracked bad, the cat and muffler with the old piping is just shot with holes.

Thanks

Blair
 
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Old Nov 5, 2008 | 08:23 AM
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I have always used the gaskets that came with the headers with no troubles. I don't think locking header bolts are necessary. Just remember the bolts need to be snugged up several times after the install because of gasket compression and from many heat cycles. Timewise it could take up an entire weekend depending on what you run into with the EGR and removal of the old parts.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2008 | 01:01 AM
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Also, use plenty of PB blaster on the old bolt studs and let is soak a while. If you have an impact wrench, it tends to break the bolts less often too, really good at loosening stuff. Other than that, should be straightforward.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2008 | 07:31 AM
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I've soaked everything I can see with PB at least 3 times. Then I try and drive it hoping the heat from the motor and the PB will help loosen the bolts.

I do have a impact, will try it.

Here's hoping it goes well............Thanks for the replys, looking forward to hearing your muffler and cat Bear River!
 
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 05:56 PM
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Don't have any advice for this thread exactly, but could someone link me to a thread or perhaps a guide as to the easiest way to remove the stock exhaust manifolds? I have an 86 F-250 with a 460 in it, and wasn't able to see a clear path to the old bolts from underneath.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 06:00 PM
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I was going to remove my inner fenders and go that way.

As usual this still isn't done, other projects have popped up and needed the truck running.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 06:50 PM
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What headers did you go with? I can't decide if full length will be best since I have a 4x4 and am planning the 6 speed tranny swap.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 05:51 AM
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I bought the cheaper Flowtech longtubes. I've been told the longtubes build torque best, so I picked them up along with a big cat, new muffler, all new tubing and will make it all here at the house.

My truck is a 4x4 also. Auto tranny though, not sure if it matters.
 
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 10:20 AM
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Actually the best headers are triple-ys. Triple y-giv you more peak torque and top end performance. But I don't think you'll notice the difference between the two anyway.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2008 | 10:18 AM
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Any specific brand of triple-y that you'd recommend for the 460?
 
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