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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
11/27/2001
20:49:29
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 Subject: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
I am about to install a set of edlebrock headers on my 1990 3.9L 2wd, Dak. I have all the gaskets, headers, and a ton of liquid wrench on hand to tackle this project this weekend. Any tips or hints on things to do, or not to do, or anything would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
Joe E.
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
11/27/2001
21:12:08
|  RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
I have found this site to be of some help:
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/techpage.htm
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
11/27/2001
21:43:43
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
You may want to consider some locking bolts for your headers, too. They have clips on the heads that butt up against the header or the block and help keep the bolts from loosening up. True, you still have to retorque them but not as often as you would without the locking clips.
They sell 'em at places like summitracing.com or performance automotive parts places.
Also, make sure you retorque them after a few warm up / cool down cycles
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
http://shakin-notstirred.tripod.com
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
00:11:51
|  RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the advice. How much do those locking bolts/nuts run? And I have seen a spec of 15 HP from these headers, is that true? Thanks again.
Joe E.
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
11/28/2001
07:36:28
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
The locking bolts ran me about $32 dollars for a v8 application. I'm guessing it'd be less for a v6.
I've read about the 15 hp gains from headers too, but don't get your hopes up. I'm sure my exhaust flows free with the headers, but aside from a little beefier exhaust tone I don't think I gained much performance. Next step will be larger throttle body to open up the other end.
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
http://shakin-notstirred.tripod.com
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
13:33:32
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
The headers will be a blessed and welome upgrade, as long as the rest of the exhaust is free flowing, like custom pipes and a free flowing muffler.
You might consider welding the header pipes into the Y-pipe rather than a standard gasket. I've had my headers for two years, and for the third time the gaskets have blown due to the high heat. People are telling me to just get them welded and prevent that altogether.
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Dakaty
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
14:03:17
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Be sure to re-tighten your header bolts after several heat/cool cycles to prevent blowing the gaskets. I post this advice every time I see someone that is going to install headers. You will not believe how loose they will get. I had to re-tighten mine three times before they stayed tight.
Bill
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
21:37:08
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Thanks guys, I will try my best to get all this right. By the way, how much would a perf. shop charge to do this installiation? I dont want to try to install these things and have to go back and replace them due to a stupid mistake. Thanks again.
Joe E.
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Dakaty
GenIII
11/28/2001
22:03:03
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Joe
I had my Gibson headers and an ASP under drive pulley installed at the Dodge dealership for $394. I'm looking at the receipt and about $300 was for the headers (including tax, EPA fee, shop supplies and all other BS).
I had a lower install price of $250 from a local speed shop. Since my truck was still under warranty, I wanted the Dealer to install to prevent any warranty issues.
However, I believe a speed shop (with experience) would do a better job of installing headers than the Dealer. The Dodge Techs are trained to install/remove stock parts, not custom stuff.
If you got the tools, the time and the know how, do it yourself. If you don't have all three, you're better off having it done by someone who does.
Picture yourself twisting off a couple of the old manifold studs that have been in there for 11 years. Not a pretty story.
It seems like everytime I attempt something beyond the scope of my capabilites, it costs me more time, money and head aches than if I would have paid the price and had it done by someone who was qualified to do it. The other side of it all is that every time you do something outside your scope, you learn alot.
If you decide to do it yourself, have some help and line up a ride to work for a few days in case it doesn't go smooth.
I'll shut up.
Bill
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andrew
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
22:11:23
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Dakaty, you sound just like me. I dont know of a worse feeling of being driven to work while you dak sits at home because of something I f*cked up.
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
11/28/2001
23:54:24
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
I was charged $300 for my Edelbrock's in my 1989 4x4. Its about a 5-hour job, done professionally. If you have GOOD power tools, with an air compressor, you might be able to do it yourself. You're not attempting this alone are you?
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Donald
Dodge Dakota
11/29/2001
12:50:19
|  RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
I was charged $60 for my header installation. Of course, the guy who did it was a friend of the family. It took him almost 5 hours to install them, and he used the kind of bolts that don't loosen like regular bolts..
Donald
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Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
11/29/2001
15:51:27
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Wow, yall are really freaken the sh*t outa me here. The biggest problem I for see is the room to work in. The is not alot of space down there. But I might give a local shop a call and see if they can get me in soon.
I am the type that likes challenges, but I am also the type that doesnt like to screw something up! I gotta think about this one for a while. Thanks for the warning guys!
Joe E.
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Dakaty
GenIII
11/29/2001
16:13:43
| RE: Header Installiation tips?
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Message:
Donald -
Header bolts generally do not loosen. After several heat/cool cycles, the exhaust manifold gasket shrinks, leaving the bolts loose. It sounds like yours never were loose. Have you cheked them?
My Gibson instructions and the Dodge Tech said to be sure and re tighten them.
Bill
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