Did a little recon of the engine bay to see what I would need to do to get the old manifolds off before I put on the shorties (I've got a 2003 GT). Looks like a b*tch, but I've got the time and patience, but some 'pearls of wisdom' would be appreciated. Looks like I'll need to remove the steering shaft and the starter, at the very least, with the possibility of raising the motor and making it so I can shift the tranny (manual) back and forth to help with the install. Does this sound right? Am I missing anything? I searched for install instructions but didn't come up with anything usable.

 

Not a 4.6 guy, but people who are around here tell me its not even worth the money on those cars unless its full length. 300$ for 4 hp is what i heard.

 

Too late. Already got 'um. Either way, the old ones have to come off. The tips to get them off should apply to the install, also. Was hopin' I could get some good pointers before I attack. Otherwise, I'll do what I always do-jump in with both feet and start rippin' things out and make a list, afterwards, of what I could have kept on the car for the install.

 

*Update* Spent every bit of Sunday and Monday installing the headers. Unbelievable. Every nut and bolt was an exercise in contortionism and ingenuity. If any shop quotes you $200 or less for the install, let'um do it. Found a good website that had detailed instructions that were very helpful, but if anyone needs additional info on the 'Gotcha's' that you should look out for, I'd be happy to help out.

 

What was the line of thinking behind the shortys? Why not long tubes? And wouldn't it have been easier to pull the engine with the tranny still attached? I don't think I'd even consider trying to replace the headers without doing that.

 

headers are ridculous - if i was smart when i did it the first time i would have installed a new k member

 

LOL, I will definately keep that in mind.

 

it will make your life ALOT easier ... and a DIY turbo to!

 

Why not long tubes? Just tryin' to stay within budget. Long tubes were more $$ (maybe not much more), but then I'd need new cats, etc. I'm not noted for doing things right the first time, though, and may get the long tubes later on. I had them on my '96 Impala, and they worked great. As for pulling the motor, if you'd suggested that at the beginning, I would have said you're crazy. Now, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. You wouldn't need to pull it all the way out. Just enough to reasonably get at all the header bolts-probably about a foot or so. Sure would have saved some skin on my knuckles!

 

just put lt on my 03 gt automatic what a b### my hands are still feeling it,i went with the hole system,do it once and get out, if was to do it again i would pay someone,