Header Install Tips

Well, being a long time viewer of this site I finally decided to join. I have ordered some stainless headers from e-bay, I think there copies from another company, maybe dynatech. The ones with the hump on the drivers side. I picked up some ls1 Fel Pro gaskets and Stage 8 locking header bolts for the install. I have been spraying the stock header bolts with PB blaster, preparing for the install. I know I need to start in the middle and work my way out on the torque sequence on the new headers. Do I need to soak the new gaskets in water overnight to help them seal better??? Or is this just an old myth?? Antiseize the new bolts? These headers come with dummy cats and y pipe I've got a re-tune ready to go from Nelson to turn off the rear sensors. Any tips on removing and re-installing the sensors. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Next Level

Well, being a long time viewer of this site I finally decided to join. I have ordered some stainless headers from e-bay, I think there copies from another company, maybe dynatech. The ones with the hump on the drivers side. I picked up some ls1 Fel Pro gaskets and Stage 8 locking header bolts for the install. I have been spraying the stock header bolts with PB blaster, preparing for the install. I know I need to start in the middle and work my way out on the torque sequence on the new headers. Do I need to soak the new gaskets in water overnight to help them seal better??? Or is this just an old myth?? Antiseize the new bolts? These headers come with dummy cats and y pipe I've got a re-tune ready to go from Nelson to turn off the rear sensors. Any tips on removing and re-installing the sensors. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

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Best advice I can give you is that you will make life easier if you remove the heat shields on the bottom of the firewall, prior to installing the headers. Have a buddy help you. On the torquing... We always just tightened them down hand tight. If they leaked while running, we tightened them more. Until they didn't leak. Dont break the bolts off, but they need to be snug. You'll know. Different years/models need different methods of install. My 04 chevy/ and my friends reg cab 99 we went from bottom on both sides. But his we had to either remove tranny cross member, or shorten the y pipe. We shortened the pipe. A lift makes life easier too LOL.
Take out the spark plugs before you start banging the headers around in there. And take your time and do it right. If you need help post up.
o2 sensors can be plugged back in if there is a port for the down stream ones. If not, leave them plugged into the harness but zip tie them out of the way. And make sure the tips don't touch any thing that will melt.

Also once you get the headers let us know what you think about quality and how easy they mount up and what not. I was looking at those ebay ones and im just wondering if they are a good buy!

This is what you're looking for: Ebay/OBX style header install w/plenty of PICS (LONG, but detailed) - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums