header bolts are kicking my a$$

[Redsnake2]

Ok guys I dont know it you have any tips on installing the headers but these bolts are kicking my A$$. Drivers side.. I have flipped headers and they seem to line up but getting the damn bolts in are kiling me.. at first I thought it was the copper gasket provided by MAC so I opened up the holes..

Then as I studied it a littles closer I noticed the first tube is slightly misaligned. I fought for 3 hours and got 3 bolts installed.

Tomorrow I'm going to walk them down from the rear tube forward and see if that will work. JUST CAME UP WITH THIS AS I'M TYPING. I can use a pry bar to align the forward tube like I was doing all morning with no problems..

Wish me luck... I'm going in!!!!!!

 

[urban96]

my BBK's went on with no problems

 

[drakesdad]

Just be careful Tony.....I used cheapies before getting my BBK's and snapped one off in a brand new head..........I have all 3/8 bolts except 1 7/16.........good luck...
Will

 

[4Jenna]

I get the front/rear bolts in then work in
Worked for me with mis-aligned Macs

 

[R.J.]

Get some BBK's, really thick mounting flange will always stay aligned!

 

[Stanger007]

Easiest way to do it is to get some long bolts or cut some all-thread and use that to get your first and last header bolt started.

Work off of that - I had to move one of the primaries a tad with a screwdriver to make it line up but everything went in fine after that.

Another tip - use lockwashers to keep those header bolts in and retighten them after a few heat cycles.

 

[Zero Signal]

I don't get why any company would even produce a header without the flange. Every time I hear these stories, I'm glad I went with the BBK's despite their lack of build quality.

 

[Redsnake2]

thanks guys I will give the longer bolts thing a try today....

 

[final5-0]

Been foolin around with hot rods for many years and when it comes to headers ... that kind of thing is not uncommon.

Get one bolt in the middle started or one on each end started ... whichever location is easier to access is fine.

The trick is to only turn the bolt in a thread or two ... then get the others started the same amount.

This will allow you to wiggle the header around if you find one is a little off which is not uncommon. With extreme cases where you have one that is off a good bit ... you may need to pull out the die grinder and remove a wee bit of material.

Stainless lock washers will keep the bolts snug but you may need bolts 1/4" longer.

Snug up the bolts farily tight but not super tight when putting the headers on for the first time.

Check em all again after two heat cycles as you WILL find some loose.

You're then ...... good to go

Grady

 

[mackey]

I use a big screwdriver/prybar. Pull the header up into place. I usually look into the bolt hole through the header hole with a mirror to make sure it is correctly aligned before I start putting the screw in. Makes the job much easier. Also you might want to try tapping them out just to clean them.

 

[mo_dingo]

One thing most people forget is to attach the h/x pipe last. get them bolted to the heads first.

Sometimes you need some prybar action, sometimes some big channel pliers (20"), etc...

But bbk = teh win...np putting those bad boys on.
Scott

 

[Pokageek]

One thing most people forget is to attach the h/x pipe last. get them bolted to the heads first.

Sometimes you need some prybar action, sometimes some big channel pliers (20"), etc...

But bbk = teh win...np putting those bad boys on.
Scott

DING DING DING DING DING! Dunno if you did this but takes all the PIA out of the equasion mostly. B4 I did that, it was a nightmare putting them on!

 

[Redsnake2]

My inspection mirror was at home, but tonight i will bring it home.. But the H-pipe is disconnected.

 

[Redsnake2]

here is what I'm trying to do.... the bottom pic is when i temp installed everything to check for clearance.....

 

[mo_dingo]

DING DING DING DING DING! Dunno if you did this but takes all the PIA out of the equasion mostly. B4 I did that, it was a nightmare putting them on!

yeah i learned that the hard way, as I do in all of my endeavours.
Scott

 

[Redsnake2]

thanks guys I got all of them in today except 1. I brought my inspection mirror home with me and lined up everything except the 3rd bolt from the front.. But i will take out the pencil grinder a lil later and then tighten them down..

 

[94-302-vert]

I bought a round rasp and opened up the holes in mine a little...