Let me start by saying I knew this install was not going to be easy and I know there are better headers out there there that I could have bought. So we dont need to go there. I did it becuase only a few of us have tackled this install and Im the type of person that is will to go through some pain to help other out. So with that said..................Here my help.... dont bother getting these headers.
WOW what a PITA. Not really sure where to start with all the issues.
#1 NO HARDWARE WAS INCLUDED. Only crappy gaskets
#2 They use the same flanges on the front and rear header which have EGR provisions on both of them. On the rear that is fine you can use it or block it off. However, by using the same flange on the front you have to cut it off otherwise the flange its the coolant hose connection on the passenger side of engine. Now it can be cut with a saw zaw BUT YOUR GONNA GO THRU ALOT OF BLADES cuz the flange in 3/8" thick. I just took mine to a local machine shop and had it cold cut with a band saw.
#3 The crossover pipe does not fit correctly either. I had to cut it in half and test fit it until it was right and then have my buddy re-weld it.
#4 The Y-Adapter was expanded about 1/16" to much so I had to rent a pipe expander and expand the end of the crossover pipe to get a good seal
#5 Once the front header was on I notice it was only 1/16" away from the cooling fan harness. I had to rotate the fan and re-mount it so the harness was not by the header. I then had to trim the fan shoud down so it would not be melted.
In the end my opinion is.......The quality of the weld and steel is nice but if you are a driveway mechanic with limited access to tools DO NOT GET THESE HEADERS. Its just not worth all the messing around.
Did I mention I had to replace the head gaskets too? I bought the ZZP engine gasket kit and replace a few gaskets along the way. I also forgot to thank my new friend JEREMY aka 03impala19c he was a huge help. When we had the rear head off we just dropped the rear header in and put the read head back on that was nice.
Originally Posted by riceburner
