Installing new performance exhaust

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Jun 21, 2010 | 02:57 PM

mint350

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Joined: Jun 2010

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Installing new performance exhaust

About to order some performance header, high flow cat, muffler and pipe assembly and throttle body spacer. Ive always done my own minor repairs to my trucks. Like breaks, suspension. Is there anything i should be aware of before removing old parts. Especially the old headers??

Thanks a lot!

Jun 21, 2010 | 03:13 PM

CS45

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: SWFL

Just had this done. At a bare minimum you should have a oxy/acetylene torch, drill bits and easy-outs handy...................

Good Luck.
CS45

Jun 21, 2010 | 07:33 PM

86F150302

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 3,052

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From: Jacksonville FL

Dont waste your money on a TB spacer.

Use that money you save from the spacer and to do a good tune up. That way you will actually gain something.
FullSizeBronco.com - 78 - 96 Ford Bronco offroad club, forums, tech, installs

Soak header bolts for a few weeks.

Jun 22, 2010 | 02:01 PM

broozerthehoundog

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Joined: Oct 2009

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I just removed my stock exhaust manifolds 100,000+ spun right out.
Spray some pb blaster on it for a few days before you start.
On the day you remove old exhaust, start truck for about 2 minutes and shut off ,then loosen all exhaust manifold bolts while engine block is semi warm and bolts are cold.
Work fast to crack them loose before heat transfers to bolts.
This method usually prevents any broken bolts.

Jun 22, 2010 | 06:55 PM

TexasGuy001

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Joined: Sep 2001

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Yeah, TB spacer is a waste of $.

I would soad the header bolts multiple times for at least a week. Even if you do that you still might break one off.

Jun 22, 2010 | 07:33 PM

khadma

Carpenter Local 745

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 5,794

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From: on da beach

My headers came with a new engine

.

I went with JBA shortie stainless steel units. I kept the stock cats, but I am in the market for some high flow units. A 40 series Flowmaster finishes off the exhaust.

All the O2 sensors were kept.

I agree, soak the manifold bolts for a few days.

Jun 22, 2010 | 09:41 PM

BRay09

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 2,308

Likes: 1

From: Elyria, OH

Like said above, TB spacers are a waste. I agree to soak all your bolts for at least a week with PB and do the 2-3 minute engine on time.

Just some advice on the exhaust... Spend the extra money for the JBA stainless steel headers. Painted from summit doesn't last very long. Mine did for about 3 years in great Norther Ohio weather. After that they started leaking at the welds. The JBA has a thicker flange and better hardware with locking washers so they won't keep backing out on you. Finish the exhaust with a high flow cat and your choice of a free flowing muffler. a 3" single will do the motor some good.

I wouldn't try wasting your time with the studs connecting the manifolds to the old Y pipe. Just cut em. They probably will break off anyways...