DIY: Shorty header install

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04-18-2008, 08:47 PM
!@#$%

DIY: Shorty header install

[Disclaimer: I own the intellectual property to this in case you think I stole it from k-series.com. I am Alex as noted on K-series.]

Tools needed:
1 floor jack
2 jack stands
1 Ratchet
12mm socket, 14mm socket
14mm open end wrench

Procedure:
1. Look behind the engine near the firewall to find the stock header.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...heatshield.jpg

2. To remove the stock heatshield, there are 4 bolts (two top and one on each bottom side as shown above) all are 12mm. Take it off.

3. The stock header will now be exposed. There are 3 bolts and 2 nuts that connect the header to the engine itself. Remove all 5 now. (two of them are hidden on the ends-one on each side) All are 14mm.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...eaderbolts.jpg

4. Jack the car up and secure it with both jackstands.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...jackstands.jpg

5. Underneath the car there is a green plate with the VIN# on it. Directly to the left of it are 2 screws which secure the header bracket. Loosen these 2 with the open end 14mm wrench but DO NOT remove. LOOSEN ONLY.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...cketscrews.jpg

6. Underneath the car at the bottom of the header there are 4 screws. The two upper screws are spring loaded and the ones below are not. The Spring loaded screws are 12mm and the larger two screws directly below are 17mm. Remove these four screws now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...npipebolts.jpg

7. You will now be able to remove the header. To remove it, pull it out from above the engine. (TIP: It is a tight squeeze but can be done easily if wiggled to the driver's side right next to the engine valve cover.)Compare:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...0/comparo2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...00/comparo.jpg

8. Remove the donut gasket from the bottom collector of the stock header and place onto the end of the new header, and make sure the metal gasket is still on the back of the engine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...onutgasket.jpg

9. Insert the new header down behind the engine the same way you removed the stock one.

10. Once the header is in place, go ahead and put on the 2 nuts (14mm) that held the stock one on. The other 3 bolts can be added later.

11. Back underneath the car go ahead and put in the two spring loaded screws (12mm) and the two larger screws below them (17mm).

12. Now insert the other 3 bolts used to secure the new header to the engine. (14mm) Tighten all 5 from the middle outwards. Double check and make sure the spring screws and bottom bolts are tight.

13. Tighten the bracket screws that you loosened earlier. (See step 5 for pic)

14. Lower the car and let it warm up. Take it for a spin. Congrats you just installed the header.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...nstalled-1.jpg
04-18-2008, 11:55 PM
supercivician

nice write up...i remember when i did my headers it was 30 deg outside and dark and me and my friend some how did it.
04-20-2008, 03:07 PM
Unknownally

Sweet write up!
I can't wait until I get some headers... =)
04-20-2008, 03:16 PM
Ep3T0n3y

make sure you dont over tighten the springy bolts when you reinstall the cat to the header.... :mfrown:

The bolt from honda it $16
04-20-2008, 03:25 PM
supercivician

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ep3T0n3y

make sure you dont over tighten the springy bolts when you reinstall the cat to the header.... :mfrown:

The bolt from honda it $16

mine snapped after i uninstall and install the bolt about 30 times because damn cheap megan downpipe
05-11-2008, 01:51 PM
black05ep

header bracket

i just installed my header last nite.but the bolts that attach the bracket were rusted and wouldnt come out.so we unbolted the bracket that holds the bracket to the header.right now the header bracket and bracket that holds that one are not on the car.it doesnt seem nessasary to have them but i want another opinion on if it will or not.
05-11-2008, 02:25 PM
lostep3

Nice write up, very helpful. I love your avatar:mbiggrin:
05-11-2008, 06:15 PM
wil524

Quote:

Originally Posted by black05ep

i just installed my header last nite.but the bolts that attach the bracket were rusted and wouldnt come out.so we unbolted the bracket that holds the bracket to the header.right now the header bracket and bracket that holds that one are not on the car.it doesnt seem nessasary to have them but i want another opinion on if it will or not.

It's not really necessary to have the bracket. I have a Borla header and it doesn't have any bracket to hold it.
05-11-2008, 06:54 PM
black05ep

wells its not just the bracket to the header..its the bracket that holds that bracket if that makes since.thats what im kinda worried about
05-12-2008, 01:18 PM
civictype_r04

Nice write up. I remember when I did mine the bolts in the going in the head were so tight but was easy after that.
05-13-2008, 12:03 PM
Drew1d

Did you re-use the same exhaust gasket? From what I read you have.
05-13-2008, 01:52 PM
!@#$%

I'm pretty sure I did. This was 5 years ago, and I'm still using it.
05-16-2008, 01:14 PM
the JigGa mAn

nice write up "alex"
lol
05-30-2008, 05:40 PM
Unknownally

Quote:

6. Underneath the car at the bottom of the header there are 4 screws. The two upper screws are spring loaded and the ones below are not. The Spring loaded screws are 12mm and the larger two screws directly below are 17mm. Remove these four screws now.

Mine weren't 17mm, they were 14mm. The spring loaded springs were easy, but the 14mm screws were real tuff to get off. Even tried WD-40. It helped but it took about 2-3 hours to man-power them off.
06-01-2008, 02:19 AM
rd02SiR

make sure you get new spring bolts, cuz they will break