Header Install;Pics

[hodgepodge79]

I installed a Doug Thorley header that I got from Summit Racing ($183). I had several hang-ups on this project.
The stock manifold came off great!
With a little finessing, the new header installed well into place. I began by torquing all the nuts to 10 ft/lbs then 20 ft/lbs.
At about 18, however, two of the studs began to pull themselves out of the head. At 20, another began to pull out.

 

[hodgepodge79]

Made me sick to my stomach.

 

[hodgepodge79]

I ended up buying a Heli-coil kit from Napa, 10M-1.25 ($63). Rather than installing Heli-coils in all the holes, I only did it in the three failed ones. After installing the header for a second time, with a new gasket, all was good untill I got to about 25 ft/lbs. Then the rear lower stud stripped out, and two other began to pull out of the head.
I finally installed Heli-coils in 6 of the eight locations (all but the center, lower two)
I purchased new studs from Car-quest ($11) and another new gasket ($23 x 2) and lock washers and nuts ($12).
Every stud got a shot of red Locktite before being installed into the head, and then a heavy treatment of Red RTV on the manifold-side of the gasket (as seen in the image). I applied blue Locktite to the studs before torquing the nuts with lock-washer to 33 ft/lbs.

 

[hodgepodge79]

It runs great now. No leaks. I have to say that the sound is not as pleasant as with the stock manifold. After all was said and paid for, I think it cost me at least $100, and MANY hours more than I had anticipated.
If I could go back two weeks, I would have just left it alone. My 4r was running great, with a top speed of about 85 -90 mph. I can't feel any increase in power and it feels slower as I try to approach 80, but I haven't tried pushing it beyond 80 yet. I guess we'll see.

 

[Gh0st]

looks good, notice any difference in power? I dident notice any difference in my paseo.

 

[hodgepodge79]

looks good, notice any difference in power? I dident notice any difference in my paseo.

see previous post..."I can't feel any increase in power and it feels slower as I try to approach 80..."

 

[Gh0st]

yea i dident notice a difference either when i put a header on my old car.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Did you strip the holes with the stock studs or did the header come with new bolts?

I'm thinking the old ones may have been corroded a little and too small for the holes they came out of.

I've been wanting to get a header too. That sounds like a decent price for what you got there. I have heard that there aren't too many increases to be had from using one though. The stock manifold flows pretty well.

I think engnbldr said the best increase was from adding a larger downpipe and catback exhaust.

If I do add a header, I want to wrap it in exhaust wrap to lower the under the hood temps. My manifold glows orange when it gets dark out. That can't be too good for everything under the hood.