Question from an Amateur

[Savior]

Don't flame me for asking what is probably a really basic question for the mechanically-inclined, but...

Does one have to pull the entire engine to install a set of MSDS headers?

I have a new transmission to be installed, but I'm wondering if I should have my headers installed with it (since the engine must be pulled anyway right?), or at a muffler shop along with my Magnaflow res and hi-flow cat...

What would be the best approach here?

 

[Lt_hailBob]

Have the headers installed when the tranny is. Headers are supposedly a to install without removing the enigne though it can be done.

 

[enduro]

Yes, for sure do it at the same time as the trans install. Not sure how your trans is being pulled, but if the whole engine is coming out, headers are an easy 15minute job. If installed later it will be a minimum 8+ unpleasant hours out of your life.

 

[Savior]

Awesome, thank you guys for the helpful input.

 

[Savior]

Hell yes! I ordered my MSDS Shorty headers today. Like ten minutes ago. Now I'm experiencing Buyer's Remorse... Hoping the sound and performance boost will alleviate this ailment... 0.o

 

[BrApple]

if you drop the subframe the headers are not hard to replace at all. this would have already been done if the trans was pulled from the bottom.


but if the engine and trans is being pulled together then yes install the headers when the engine is out, no better time really.

 

[Savior]

I have also decided to get a Torsen T2 Differential. I guess that should probably also go in with the transmission and the headers...?

 

[DemonSVT]

Headers are a 6 hour install for "most" people. They are ~4 hour install for "inclined" people. Less time even for multiple repeat customers. None need to move the powertrain in any way.

I did them in around 4 hours the first time. (seized top alternator bolt) Now it might take 2 hours depending on how much of a PITA the headers nuts are. Mine are well loved and are easy to take off with gear wrenches. I do not recommend changing the studs to bolts for the headers. Studs are both better to retain torque and less likely to pull out the "aluminum" head threads.

 

[Savior]

Headers are a 6 hour install for "most" people. They are ~4 hour install for "inclined" people. Less time even for multiple repeat customers. None need to move the powertrain in any way.

I did them in around 4 hours the first time. (seized top alternator bolt) Now it might take 2 hours depending on how much of a PITA the headers nuts are. Mine are well loved and are easy to take off with gear wrenches. I do not recommend changing the studs to bolts for the headers. Studs are both better to retain torque and less likely to pull out the "aluminum" head threads.

Damn! If I lived nearer to you I would offer to just pay you to do the work; I'd rather have my hard-earned bucks go to someone efficient and specifically Contour-savvy than some random mech that will charge me $800 for 8-9 hours of work and won't even take the time to add those little CEG details that only experience can bring.:blackeye:

 

[enduro]

Its funny how the time for header installs keeps getting shorter and shorter on CEG. A year ago it was taking people a full day or longer, now its down to a couple of hours. I imagine before 2009 is over CEGers will be claiming it a 1/2 hour job.

 

[Harrry]

Its funny how the time for header installs keeps getting shorter and shorter on CEG. A year ago it was taking people a full day or longer, now its down to a couple of hours. I imagine before 2009 is over CEGers will be claiming it a 1/2 hour job.

ummmm....demonsvt is not part of the norm. Please resist on commenting on his reply's:laugh:

It should take anywhere from 6-7 hours. Thats the average any person here on ceg took to install a set.

 

[Rara]

ummmm....demonsvt is not part of the norm. Please resist on commenting on his reply's:laugh:

It should take anywhere from 6-7 hours. Thats the average any person here on ceg took to install a set.

LOL, yeah, Demon is far from "normal" regardless of how you look at it

Personally, I've never done a header install with the engine still in the car, but I can say its a cakewalk with the engine out and on a stand. Except when certain CEG'ers are over and manage to injure themselves in the process. (coughtodrascough)