5VZ headers removal

Hey guys does anybody know if the drivers side header can be removed without pulling the motor? I tried when initially did my turbo kit but was only able to get the passenger side off. I am ubgrading to the cxracing turbo manifolds this winter. I considered removing the skid plate and trying to cut it out from underneath because the main point of my frustration is the point where the drivers side header meets the pipe that goes around the back of the engine toward the other side of the engine bay. The bolts on that point are probably fairly rounded from my first attempts (why I considered cutting it out). Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

wut. I was able to remove the factory manifold in my 96 without issue as-is.


To install the aftermarket header I had to pull the hood and lift the engine about 3".

 

You can also back the exhaust studs out of the head.

 

I don't think the exhaust studs in the head will be an issue but I can't move that header if I can't get the header off of the pipe that wraps around the back of the engine. What all did you have to do to raise the engine those 3"?

 

All I did was unbolt the engine mounts.

 

guys have gotten away with removing trans crossmember and tilting engine back. could also lift body an inch or 2 (il be doing this as im replacing body mounts anyways)

 

If I remember correctly, I removed the studs and slide out the headers

 

just noticed your the guy on insta rocking the ebay turbo.

 

This is probably the most straight forward approach if you can get the right socket

 

I don't remember having many issues getting the old manifolds off when I installed my Doug Thorley headers. The hardest part was the crossover pipe which required cutting. Didn't have to lift the engine or anything. Took a good day to get it all done.

 

I removed the studs using a star socket. Even then I ended up sawzalling the crossover into pieces. And then to install the CX manifolds get ready for a whole new level of hell I swore if I did it again, I'd pull the motor and trans. Would have taken way less time.

 

Yeah I didn't have any issues pulling the old manifolds either, had to cut the upstream cat off because it was completely seized to the crossover but other than that it's just about wiggling it out the right way.
Same thing for installing the TRD headers, they go in without removing anything but there is a very specific way to do it.

 

Haha why was it bad to do the cx manifolds? I've been toying with the idea of pulling the motor but I'd like to avoid it if I can.

 

in retrospect I think pulling the motor would have made it a much easier job and saved time in the end

 

remove the 6 body mount bolts and steering column bolts (trans linkage if auto). lift body up on pieces of 4x4. that will give you loads of room and doesn't take much time.

 

This will save you hours of pulling the wiring harness. PITA.

 

hmmm, when I pulled the engine it was really easy to remove the glovebox and just unplug the engine harness at the computer. I don't remember having to do anything else

 

lol good point. I guess that's the difference between a smart guy and... me lol

 

you're right though, disconnecting everything engine-side takes an eternity... and you have to pull the intake to disconnect the injectors