Okay so heres the deal. I picked up a pair of dc headers for 75 bucks shipped or something like that off a guy on here and now I'm looking to install them. I talked to my dads friend who's worked on cars all his life and he told me that i should have it done at a shop only because I would need to use an impact wrench. Said that since the bolts are so rusty that they'll likely break using a regular socket where as an air wrench will not break it. So how much should I estimate spending at a shop and should I just do it myself or pay the cash?

 

the only problem bolts are the 3 that connect the a-pipe to the cat. get a breaker and a cheater and just have at 'er. i was able to get them off without much difficulty, but mine's an '03 that was abused in salt and snow..

try those ones first.. if you can't get them then take it to a shop to undo.. if you can then you don't have to waste time/$..
and if you do take it to a shop, you can have them simply loosen the bolts for you and not do the whole installation as well..
otherwise, for a full install i've seen prices from $150 - $300

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I've paid $160 to have my header installed 3 yrs ago.

 

So you dont think I'll break the bolts off with trying to get them off?

 

i put my dc sports on by hand power and leverage. your going to have to loosen the rear motor mount to slide the rear header to the head stud. i did mine in 20deg weather with no heater in the garage. make sure u get some pb blaster and soak the nuts and bolts prior to taking them out.

 

were yours rusted like crazy as well? I just dont want to start this and end up breaking my bolt off and being screwed lol

 

i live in chicago where all of the water, snow, salt and shit start to rust and corrode everything, and i only broke the top bolt of the cat.

 

what did you have to do to fix that?

 

throw in another bolt with a locking washer, no problems with it.

 

So now I'm questioning if these headers are 1) going to make my car loud and 2) will prevent me from passing inspection in NY. I've searched around and found that it seems like it will be fine but if anyone can throw some extra support to that it would be much appreciated.

 

it wont be louder, not sure about ny inspections but dc sports are 50state legal

 

It's only louder when the RPMs are really high.


+1 on the PB Blaster.. made my install a breeze. Spray some on a few times a day for like a week before install (make sure exhaust is not scorching hot) to let it really work in there. Get the car up as high as you can so you have room to work down there. Use a breaker bar if you have enough room.

 

So I finally got someone to pick up at DC and they told me it might not pass smog. Probably sound like a total n00b but smog testing is not dont in NY correct?

 

you will pass smog, im not sure about the visual inspections, or if u have them in ny

 

If you decide you don't want them PM me, no checking of any kind here.