Headers on engine install

[tnbandit]

I have a set of summit full length headers on my 400 going in my 78 T/A. I'm trying to drop it in but it seems to be hung up. Is there any trick to getting this to drop in. I really don't want to take the headers off being its a PITA to put them on. i've got the motor sitting at a pretty steep angle, maybe i need more? HELP!

[slownova73]

well,,heres a dew thought. put the header in the engine bay and strap them to something to hold them in place then putin the engine, or try puttin the headers in from the botom after the engine is in?

[BAD68GTO]

As a Pontiac guy running HUGE headers, slownova73 is doing exactly what I would do. Otherwise, you might be fighting for days on end.... Pontiwrecks suck for headers, and I am referring to the 350-455 models.

[Yoda4561]

I'd just unbolt them from the engine and deal with the hassle if it won't fit installed. Maybe try partially unbolting them so they can hang at an angle then tighten them back up when it's in. Installing headers on my olds 350 (72 cutlass) with the engine in place was a similar headache. They "almost" fit but hit a few things, tried hammering on the tubes a bit for clearance but no go. Even pulled the dipstick off since it was getting in the way. Ended up unbolting the trans and engine mounts and jacking the whole assembly up a few inches to get clearance. Then ran into issues tightening everything back down because the motor mounts were too worn out, new mounts got the engine noticably higher and we might have been able to do the install without jacking the engine up.

[406 Q-ship]

well,,heres a dew thought. put the header in the engine bay and strap them to something to hold them in place then putin the engine, or try puttin the headers in from the botom after the engine is in?

This is how I would do it. Pontiac's (along with other GM off brands) can be such a PITA when installing headers.

[novaderrik]

just because all the car magazines show an engine hanging over an engine bay with the headers installed doesn't mean they can be installed like that. i think only the NASCAR guys can do it that way.
i'd probably do as has been suggested and lay the headers in the engine bay and drop the motor in between them. a couple of helpers would be nice to have to hold the headers up and help guide the motor in..

[BAD68GTO]

Try doing slip fit headers on a Viper, it is NO FUN, but honestly my GTO is the worst car to ever put headers on. Between the scattershield, AC and huge Hooker Super Comps (maybe 1 7/8" if I remember), it is a TOTAL bear....

[b-man]

If you somehow manage to get that engine installed with both headers bolted to it you'll be the first guy ever to do it on one of those cars.

At least one will have to come off, and I wouldn't recommend trying it with one still on it.

Lay them both in the engine compartment (use some wire to hold them in place) and drop the engine down onto them.

It's never a bad idea to bolt them both on to check fit, but putting the engine in with them already bolted on isn't going to work.

Good luck.

[tnbandit]

I've already taken them off....gotta wait til the weekend to give another try at the install. first i gotta get a cross threaded bolt out. UGH! Never ending battle! BTW, has anyone tried the Percy's header gaskets and bolts?

[slownova73]

I've already taken them off....gotta wait til the weekend to give another try at the install. first i gotta get a cross threaded bolt out. UGH! Never ending battle! BTW, has anyone tried the Percy's header gaskets and bolts?

i had the percys aluminum crush gaskets and bolts on my old 350, i never had one problem!

[novaderrik]

Try doing slip fit headers on a Viper, it is NO FUN, but honestly my GTO is the worst car to ever put headers on. Between the scattershield, AC and huge Hooker Super Comps (maybe 1 7/8" if I remember), it is a TOTAL bear....

the unknown brand headers of unknown vintage that i used in my V8 Vega weren't very much fun, and neither were the Flowtech long tubes in a friend's 89 5.0 Mustang.
both headers on both cars were 3 piece contraptions with slip joints in about the worst places they could think to put them.
in both cases, they got easier to work with and around after repeated remove/install sequences.

[tnbandit]

yeah i have the crush gaskets.....is it normap for them to look like the flange is not seated all the way against the head? Are they that thick?

[tonykim]

I have a 78 Firebird with a SBC and long tube hedders and I've had this car apart and back together a bunch. The only way is to do it is with the engine already installed. Jack the car up high in the air (secured with good stands) and come in from the bottom. My recollection on Pontiac-powered cars is that it helps to remove the accessory brackets on the front as well so that you can slide the hedder forward as you come up from the bottom and then pull it back towards the firewall.

[notagn]

High in the air is the key!!!!

[tonykim]

I forgot to mention that it also sometimes helps having the engine hanging from a hoist with the car on jacks. that way you can adjust the car, engine, and hedders a little at a time. hope this helps.