Header install

I got a good deal on some brand new BBK Shorty Tuned Length headers. I plan on doing the install myself in the driveway (help is more than welcome).

What all should I make sure I have?
It comes with gaskets but I think I heard that I should ditch those and get a better set of gaskets...if so, which gaskets?
Should I get the welds by the ports cleaned up?
I will plan on making some ramps like John or maybe borrow some from someone?
Plan for 2 days for the install?

Any/all advice would be appreciated!!!

How about you practice by putting those on my car and then I will by you a new one of same and equal value that you paid.

JK, I wish I was closer I would love to see it go down to see if it's worth doing my car too.


Good luck man. Take pictures if possible.

I would say I would take pics of all the empty beer cans/bottles but this job may require the purchase of a keg...haha!

Not sure if yours will be the same, I did JBA headers on my 01 cobra and just just dropped my K member out, and lowered the engine. That made the install so much easier. I also didn't not use the gaskets JBA supplied and purchased the ford copper gaskets.

jeostang wrote:Not sure if yours will be the same, I did JBA headers on my 01 cobra and just just dropped my K member out, and lowered the engine. That made the install so much easier. I also didn't not use the gaskets JBA supplied and purchased the ford copper gaskets.

I've heard you can either drop the K member and lower the engine or raise the engine. Not sure which is easier. Are copper gaskets the way to go?

After I installed they never leaked. I was running 12psi of boost though it.

With 4valve head I'm not sure if I had the option of raising the motor I think it would have made thing even tighter. With a 2v head it may work better.

Oh yeah

Shorty wrenches really helped out.

Where's a good place to pick the copper gaskets up? Sweet...I have a set of shorty wrenches...just hope I have the right sizes

If I remember right I got them from Academy ford. Any dealer should have them.

DO NOT USE COPPER GASKETS! The only gaskets you should use are ford, or the percy crush gaskets I've heard good things about.

Drop the K-member, it's really the only way to go to do the headers properly. Use the stock studs, not bolts. Don't use ramps because you will need to remove wheels to drop k-member. I can probably come give you a hand since I've done it 3 times now. Also put money aside for an alignment afterwards.

Where are you doing this and what is the tool situation like?

Note to self, talk to Paul when I decide to do headers...

Smokeurhonda wrote:DO NOT USE COPPER GASKETS! The only gaskets you should use are ford, or the percy crush gaskets I've heard good things about.

Drop the K-member, it's really the only way to go to do the headers properly. Use the stock studs, not bolts. Don't use ramps because you will need to remove wheels to drop k-member. I can probably come give you a hand since I've done it 3 times now. Also put money aside for an alignment afterwards.

Where are you doing this and what is the tool situation like?

I'll most likely do this at my house in my driveway so that if something goes wrong, I'm still at home
As far as tools, I think I have pretty much all the standards sets (wrenches, sockets, etc.). No air tools although Skip offered to let me borrow his air compressor and stuff if I needed it. I have a jack and a couple set of jackstands (I may need a bigger jack to get the car as high as possible as I only have a 2 1/4 ton jack). When you say use stock studs, not bolts, which bolts are you talking about? Do you remember what size and how many?

Keep the advice coming! I appreciate it! I want to make sure I have everything I need before I start so that I can get tanked while working on it and not worry about having to drive to the parts store

So far:
Ford gaskets
Bolts
Beer
Ramps

More Beer......Never hurts...

pikuoff wrote:
So far:
Beer
Ford gaskets
Beer
Bolts
Beer
Ramps
Beer

Fixed

pikuoff wrote:
So far:
Beer
Ford gaskets (headers and manifold to midpipe)
Beer
Bolts
Beer
Ramps
Beer

Just thought of something else I think I should replace during this: The passenger side manifold to midpipe gasket. I reused my stock one when I put on my midpipe. Get that from Ford too?

I did it a while back, but from what I remember my gaskets were OEM ford. I got them from a Ford dealer. For some reason I remember them being copper.

The ones from ford a a MLS style. They work for stock applications.

For Turbo I have blown them out, and now run Ultra Copper RTV. The stuff doesnt blow out, and if it works with the backbressure of a turbo car, it will definetly work in a NA configuration.

How easy is it to apply that stuff with the motor in the car?

I aplly it to the inside of the header weld and bead it up. Then let it sit for about 5-10min. The Ford MLS header gaskets will work fine for your application.

Right on...thx. So I'm at:

So far:
Beer
Jack and jackstands : check
Shorty Wrenches : check
Assorted sockets (deep and regular) : check
Probably need a 3/8 and 1/2 knuckle for removing the midpipe.
Ford gaskets (headers and manifold to midpipe)
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts (I read this on another forum. Is this right or necessary?)
Should I drain the Oil and remove the oil filter?
Rags/blankets : check
Safety glasses : check
2x4 blocks : check

Keep the advice flowing...thanks!

pikuoff wrote:Right on...thx. So I'm at:

So far:
Beer
Jack and jackstands : check
Shorty Wrenches : check
Assorted sockets (deep and regular) : check
Probably need a 3/8 and 1/2 knuckle for removing the midpipe.
Ford gaskets (headers and manifold to midpipe)
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts (I read this on another forum. Is this right or necessary?)
Should I drain the Oil and remove the oil filter?
Rags/blankets : check
Safety glasses : check
2x4 blocks : check

Keep the advice flowing...thanks!

Hey man what happened to the other beer

yea it should say beers... i dont think one beer will cover the install

I did mention a keg earlier...

well what day are u going this?