As above. I'll be changing/removing headers on my V2 Sti 96 and would like to know what should I start from without much hassle if possible. I've got Harvey's ported headers with matching uppipe to put on. These come in one piece. I will be doing it on Saturday so please, as much GOOD tips is better.
I'll be using Plus Gas for seized nuts.
I'll have no problem with disconnecting downpipe because I've changed it a couple of weeks ago so nuts will come off easily plus there's no heat shield.

Thank You

 

Anybody ?

 

hi scooby.

the biggest prob, is getting the heat shields off, to gain access to manifold to head bolts,i had to disc cut mine off, just make sure u get a nice fit on nuts, dont round um, or you be there forever,
my advise just take ur time and spray all nuts and bolts with plenty of releasing oil.
hope this helps
scoobymike

 

Thanks a lot Scoobymike :-)
What about the turbo? Do I have to disconnect it or not ?

 

I done mine without removing the turbo

 

Good to hear :-)

 

Did you fit the headers mate?

 

No, I Didn't yet. I'll be doing it tomorrow. I'll let you know guys how it went :-)

 

Swapping uppipe.

Drop the D/P.
Undo the bolts, headers to uppipe.
Loosen but do not remove three nuts on each header to cylinder head.
Now undo the nuts holding the uppipe. 5# in total if they are all there.
Remove U/P.
If it will not come loosen the two bolts, collector to the rest of headers/cross pipe and it will fly out.
Alternative : Least preferred option.
If it will not come out with lots of twisting, slack engine mountings. Do not totally undo. Jack engine and pipe drops out.
Try to get pipe out first before undoing mountings for engine.

Your headers are in one piece because you bought them secondhand like that.
Fitting headers AND uppipe is much the same job but obviously instead of loosening the three fasteners to cylinder heads X 2, you actually remove them.
As pointed out above, avoid rounding any bolts/nuts. This is crucial to your easy success.
If doing it on the drive at home it helps to apply releasing fluid to the fasteners the noight before and again before starting the job.
it also helps to run the engine for a short while before starting. Not to fully warm, just to take the chill off everything.
Good luck.

 

Th

 

They on now mate?

 

After 8 hours under the car I can say... It's DONE :-)
To take the heat shields off and undo the headers is REALLY easy, problems starts when it comes to undo the uppipe nuts. I've done 4 really easy and quick but fifth one got rounded and have to go to Homebase to get one of these sockets for rounded and damaged nuts. Unfortunately they don't sell them as single, so have to buy a set - £22 less in the pocket :-(

I put the new headers on and started tightening nuts when... one of the uppipe studs snapped.
My question is: Is it safe to run without that one or not ?

 

I would say it will leak mate. Its a shame ive been busy today with PJs and doing me bathroom as i would of given you a hand as i think you only live up the road from me 2 minutes away

 

So in that case I'll have to replace that broken stud with new one :-(
My hands already look like after a fight with mad cat...

jdc1,
I hope we could meet one day and talk about our beauties :-)

 

Yes mate we'll sort something out