Installing Headers?

Im planning on Installing my Headers soon, and was wondering how long it should roughly take me? I have never done it before, and from what I hear, its a real PITA to do on the 3.4L.

I just want to be able to have enough time to get them on, and get the flange welded onto the cat, all in one day... Is this possible?

 

No one knows!!!

shucks! I think Im ganna try and start it on friday afternoon after work, and then finish it saturday, and get it welded up saturday afternoon. Atleast thats my plan!

 

I can't speak for the 3.4l, but mine was simple!

Hope this lifts your spirits at least.

 

What headers did you go with? My truck is getting up there in age and I was contemplating a brand new exhaust system as well. Let me know any advice you got on this project you got going on. Where is the welding involved in the installation?
What rod are using? 309 or 308?

 

I got the TRD headers, and I believe there a 309.

A flange needs to be welded to the cat, so it can bolt up to the y-pipe. But I will let you know how the Install goes. I hope it will go smooth and wont be a huge Pain.

 

so i am guessing very thin metal somewhere between 11 and 14 gauge?
Is it stainless?
I am thinking probably going at something like that with the TIG torch rather than using the stick welder. Al though...........
is this something that can be done before it is installed or does it have to be done under the truck itself?

 

yeah, its stainless. And there a great product, IMO.
But the cutting/welding needs to be done during or after the Install.

 

yeah, thats what ive heard too, but I also heard it can be done by yourself. But I really think Im ganna have a shop tackle this job.

 

I just hate spending 4-500 bucks to have a shop do the install, when I know that I could probably do it myself.

 

I installed doug thorley's on my 3.4L. It wasn't to bad (worth the $500 I saved) but I had the tranny out for a clutch replacement. That made it a lot easier to remove the old manifold and put the new one in place. The drivers side was harder than the passenger. I had to access manifold studs on drivers side through the wheel well a lot. If you don't have one already get a weeble extension. I found those very helpful. I also used a universal several times. Have fun

 

Thanks! its post like yours that make me feel like I can do the Install, no problem!

I would love to see some pics of your headers?

 

sure thing give me a few minutes

 

What I did instead of weld the flange onto the cat was I had an exhaust shop bend a piece of 2.5" so that it was the same angle as the cat. I removed the 1st cat entirely. No CEL at all. Don't know what emissions are like in your state but if you can pull it off go for it. 2nd cat I replaced with a high flow from magnaflow. That tripped the CEL though. If you ever do that do not get a magnaflow cat. They are not obdII compliant as they say and they will not honor their warranty.
Ceramic coating is great. My s10 was just stainless (no coating) and the engine would get crazy hot, and it was only a 4cyl. I don't think trd headers are coated. I found a used set when I was looking to buy but I wouldn't get them bc they weren't coated. Also I lost the shine on mine (as they said I would) just something to think about. Any questions give me a holler

 

verry cool! thanks alot... they look awsome. I think Im ganna go ahead and try to do the Install this weekend. I hope things go smooth... and I will probably get the flange welded to the cat at my local shop.

I will keep ya'll posted!

 

I thaught about getting them coated, but was told that the TRD's dont get that much hotter then stock. But i'll see later, when I get them on.

 

Make sure to keep us posted on your progress and take pics!

 

Well after looking at my manifold, and try to soak all the bolts down with PB. I decided that its ganna suck and be the biggest PITA tring to get those things off. So I might just save up and let my local shop do the Install.

Unless I can find someone to help me out with the Install.

 

I soaked mine down with pb blaster about twice a day for a whole week before I did the install. I got a 16inch steel pipe that fit over my wratchit. (cheater bar) with that much leverage it was a piece of cake. I was worried that I would snap a stud but I made sure I didn't twist the socket at all when I was applying pressure and I didn't have a problem. An alternative to that steel pipe is the handle to your floor jack. that usually works.