KcMstang

I'm toying with the idea of trying to install these myself with the help of a couple of friends and wife. I do NOT have an engine hoist to raise the engine but could possibly rent one. Is there a way to raise the engine with just a hydraulic floor jack and jack stands? If not that isn't a big deal, what other obstacles might I run into. Want to create a check list to make sure I have all tools available! I've been searching for a writeup but haven't found one.

Out of curiosity, what did the shop charge to install long tube headers and o/r mid pipe for comparison?

Thanks

mx07gt

You dont need an engine hoist to raise the engine.

I raised it with a regular floor hydraulic jack and a piece of wood (on the oil pan), no damage done.

On a scale from 1-10, 1 being air filter change and 10 auto tranny rebuild, I would put LT Headers on S197 right on a number 6. Itīs almost mandatory to have an extra pair of helping hands or you will end up with suicidal thoughts...

It took me like 5 hours, with me alone, to tackle the job, but my hands ended up all bloody and it was like 500 trips from under the car to the top of the engine compartment.

Itīs an ok job if you have the right tools and a handfull of patience.

IIRC any shop charges at least 300 for an install.

jahudso2

Here are the instructions I used for my JBA shorty install. http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1338

Mandatory parts list:
2 ramps and 2 jack stands or 4 jack stands. 2 ramps in front makes it easier b/c you have less to worry about when you take the steering shaft off.

Gloves! I survived with no cuts or scrapes on my hands b/c i had some mechanic's gloves to use

Ratchet wrenches. You can get a set of 7 of these from advance auto parts for like 50 bucks. Make sure you get whatever size you need for your header bolts. The ratchet wrenches are also a must.

I used phone books and a hydraulic jack to lift the engine from the oil pan. The oil pan isnt flat, so using wood places uneven load on the oil pan. I put a piece of plywood on top of the jack and then a phonebook on top of the wood. That way, the weight of the engine is evenly distributed across the oil pan.

You will also need some good penetrating oil. Make sure you soak the hell out of the header studs b/c if the nut backs off without pulling the stud, its going to take hours of extra time to get them out - I know from experience.

Other than that, its just assorted sockets and such that you will find in the writeup. It is more tedious than difficult and the only part I needed a partner for was to start the header bolts while I held the new headers in place on the side of the cylinder head. Good luck!

KcMstang

I didn't realize I would jack the motor from the oil pan, guess I was scared of causing a dent or warp of some kind. Believe I might go this route. I'll probably have at least 1 other mechanically inclined person and then my wife and another friend for the basic, "hand me ____ (insert tool)!" I don't have the ratcheting wrenches but I'm make sure to pic up a set beforehand. What size are the header bolts?

zkiller

ratcheting wrenches are a must for the header bolts. There is very little clearance for wrenches in there.
6 hours for me to install Kooks headers and x-pipe with a friend in the driveway.

jahudso2

For ratcheting wrenches, the stock size is either 1/2" or 13mm. I bought the standard sized ones and used the 1/2" wrench, but it might actually be a 13mm head. Make sure you get ones with flexible heads as well so that you can bend it to the right angle for installation ease. The ones I got were GEARWRENCH brand and i would definitely recommend them. They have a lifetime warranty as well and are less than 1/2 the price of the craftsman ones.

KcMstang

Just tracked the headers/midpipe and they should be here by Wednesday so it looks like I'll start the install sometime this week or weekend. Also got hotrod cams coming so I'm going to be pretty busy!

scoots

When we installed my shorty headers I was worried of jacking under the oil pan so I went a different route. I took my floor jack and a piece of 2x4 and jacked up one side of the engine at a time using the small ledges on either side of the pan.

bonestang

Good luck. Get the metric ratcheting wrenches. 13mm for header bolts/nuts.

Make sure you totally remove the bolts from the steering shaft, I wasted 2-3 hours trying to figure out why I couldn't get the steering shaft disconnected from the slip joint (shaft is notched so the bolt actually holds it in place even when it is loose).

Allow extra time since if this is your first header install. It took me over 12 hours the first time. Now I can do it in 4-5.

shanec

Double check that wrench size. Bassani header bolts are 8mm. Don't know about others.

Into my install, I discovered my set of ratcheting wrenches stopped at 10mm

Not having this part wrench doubled the amount of time needed for the install.

...and make damn sure your ratcheting wrench angles like this