How hard is it to change headers? I know the steps involved, just like i know the steps involved in rebuilding a transmission and pouring apple juice, but one is a lot harder than the other. Is it something i could do with basic hand tools in one afternoon once the WD-40 soaks into the bolts, or am I better off taking it to an exhaust shop? I have an 03, so i don't think any of the bolts would be rusted on too badly.

 

I don't know if you can do it with basic hand tools and in an afternoon. There could be fair amount of work involved. I had a local board member do mine and he did a great job with them.

If you do plan on tackling it your self, I think you will need the following....

car jack and stands
torque wrench
assorted sockets - see instructions for exact sizes
socket wrench
maybe a breaker bar
you may need a torch in case some of the bolts are being a problem
liquid wrench
and a rubber arm to get in between the hard to reach places.

Good luck. There are a couple local guys I know that can help you for a small fee. If you're interested PM me.

 

It's a pretty easy job IMO but I had to have two bolts cut off at a local shop. I used your basic hand tools really. The hardest part for me was getting the bolts off the cat. If I remember correctly, I think I only used like 3 different size wrenches and sockets, maybe only 2. 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm??

Make sure you place the jack stands in a good place so the car doesn't fall!

 

And use the PARKING BRAKE.

Those tough bolts is why it would help to have a breaker bar and a torch.

 

yeah the PITTB positioning of the headers and bolts are the only thing holding me back right now from getting them.

 

I'd suggest using PB Blaster. It's a ton better then wd40. Soak all the bolts for 1 week first. A little each day, I did every night for 1 week & the bolts weren't too hard to get out. Still needed a breaker bar. I suggest using 1/2" sockets also.
I did it in a day. Hardest part was getting the old bolts off.
If I had to give a rating I'd say 5. It all depends on getting the old bolts out.

 

+1 for the PB Blaster.

You need 12 and 14mm sockets as well as some extensions, a swivel socket(to have a friend hold the bolts on the rear header bolts in place while you tighten from the bottom) and two rachets. The hardest part of the project is removing the old bolts, after that it is pretty easy. I soaked mine for two days and the bolts were still hard, I have an 03 with 32K miles on it.
I used the rhino ramps to lift the car instead of jack stands, but either would work I suppose. The only part of the car we had to remove was the alt plug because it was in the way of the far left(if you are looking at it from the front) bolt on the front header.

ALSO, be careful with the stock header heat shield, it is sharp as FU¢K!

 

If I am correct your understanding of abbreviations is totally fucked up.



Ant: DId you get my PM? about brett?

 

6 out of 10 difficulty... 4 or 5 out of 10 with two people.


fuckin cat bolts

 

its worth ur time if you enjoy doing car stuff. i did it myself and it was pretty straight forward. imo, if something were to go wrong at least you are aware of the situation rather than a shop trying to cover it up. i'd prefer doing as much as possible myself for that reason. but, if you have a guy you can trust and you don't want to waste a day away then have someone do it for you.

 

you can also try using a torch on those bolts. I dunno why nobody else mentioned. I did the install twice and still have my stock one on because of a "friendly" vendor on this forum and crappy manufacturer. 1st time it took me 11 hours, 2nd time putting stock one back on 4 hours.

so I'd say the first time you do it is 8 out of 10
second time 5 out of 10

 

The manifold in the rear is a pain in the ass but not too bad if you follow the steps the fellas have mentioned above. Have some band aids handy just in case, oh yea, and don't plan on doing your nails that afternoon, not going to work. Good luck it feels good to see it working after you DIY

 

The biggest pain for me was the the bolts on the cat, then the rear header. The front header was pretty easy. You'll definately need a breaker bar for the bolts on the cat...

 

or a really strong friend....

 

with really skinny hands and who could use his hands to unbolt the bolts without any use of tools

 

^^^Second that....strong friend....+ skinny hands. lol

 

[QUOTE=Titand19]If I am correct your understanding of abbreviations is totally fucked up.



QUOTE]
lol oh damn i didnt even realize i put two T's in there, oops thats not what i meant.

 

lol oh damn i didnt even realize i put two T's in there, oops thats not what i meant.

 

whatever im stupid dont mind me....i meant to say pain in the butt. but. whocares.
i cant think.
i think i might order the XS this weekend hopefully
sorry for the hijack

 

He talked to me already. Unfortunately I couldn't help him out due to my physical health.

If you do plan on doing this, pick up a bottle of MAPP gas. I got it in a kit with a push ignitor for $40.

Touch it to the bolts on the cat for about 10 seconds and they will come right off with a breaker bar. The ones from the manifolds to the collector should be able to come off with just a breaker bar, but some rust buster stuff will make it easier.

You can easily do the job with a jack stands, a floor jack and hand tools. You will need a breaker bar with some extensions though.

 

Hope you feel better soon boss.

 

Just a minor difference in the abbreviation.