Header Advice

[White95]

Does anyone have any advice on the best/easiest way to install Pacesetter Headers before I attempt to do it this weekend???

Thanks,

[camaro_dakota]

It might be helpful if people read the post, he has a 3.4 not a 3.8, but thanks for trying to help someone out its kind of hard to notice what v6 people have sometimes. Its most likely not that different but im sure somethings are different the drivers side will be a snap but the pass side i the PITA still after you take your egr and alternator off you should be pretty much in the clear. Good luck.

[White95]

A lot of people seem to have problems with the gaskets leaking. Is there anything I can do before I put the headers on to prevent this from happeneing so I won't have to go back and do it all again???

[nikkev]

I used locking bolts and re-used the stock gaskets and had no leaks.I did go back and re-torque everything after 2 weeks though.It's a real pain in the butt,but the mid-level gains are very noticable.Good luck man,the best way to do it is just to jump right in.
Kevin

[KBeezy]

haha - I have met a few people whos gaskets leak because they don't put any gasket sealant/sealer type **** on them [img]graemlins/rofl.gif[/img]

Be sure you don't forget to do that ;)

[White95]

I searched the borad for some more help and I have another question. A lot of people seem to use LS1 manifold bolts, why is this a good idea???

[viper98885]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by White95:
I searched the borad for some more help and I have another question. A lot of people seem to use LS1 manifold bolts, why is this a good idea???<hr></blockquote>

First, you cannot reuse your stock manifold bolts with headers because they are WAY too long. So, you will have to use some kind of aftermarket bolt, whether it's from your local hardware store or a LS1 manifold bolt.

I tried installing the headers with bolts from the hardware store with the correct thread pitch and all, but the hex head on the bolt used a 13mm socket. This didn't leave much room between the primary tubing and the socket/wrench. It main installtion a PITA.

Then, when installing headers on our WS6, I noticed that the thread pitch of the LS1 bolts was the same as ours and used a 10mm socket/wrench...it's a flanged bolt. This means that you could fit a socket on the bolts MUCH easier. Using these bolts cuts my installation time in half on 3.4L V6 headers...I would definitely suggest that you look into getting some.

They are also the perfect length for the Pacesetter or RKSport headers. Only setback is that they will be more expensive that a standard bolt from a hardware store mainly because you will have to get them from the dealership.

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: viper98885 ]</p>

[StegsRide]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by viper98885:


I tried installing the headers with bolts from the hardware store with the correct thread pitch and all, but the hex head on the bolt used a 13mm socket. This didn't leave much room between the primary tubing and the socket/wrench. It main installtion a PITA.

[ October 09, 2003: Message edited by: viper98885 ]<hr></blockquote>

i had the same prob. Some of the bolts i couldnt even get a socket on all the way. Don't think i got the bolts as tight as i should. I think its leaking. Need to fix some day.....

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Rachet ended wrenches!!!!!! Very worthwhile investment when installing headers. I used a regular socket/ratchet combo and it was a PITA! When I retorqued with the ratcheting wrench, it took like 15 minutes.