i just got a set of topspeed headers and the labor to install at a local shop is more than the headers which makes it hard for me to justify paying....so i was wondering, besides some ramps/jackstands what tools are required to install the headers...i have an alright setup of tools and im not a sissy so i would rather enjoy the bloody knuckles and the sense of accomplishment of doing the install myself...any helpful informaiton would be greatly appreciated...thanks

 

I just heard it was a nightmare and involves a lot of stripping of other parts...I once was told from a guy who works on Infinitis it takes about 4 hours....I don't know how long it would take for someone who's not as experienced with the car. And the steps, I don't have a clue but someone will respond shortly...I know it GOOD LUCK!

 

If It only takes 4 hours from a professional then thats not that bad.
On my camaro, it takes professionals around 11 hours and just regular guys 2-3 days, up to a week.

I've looked under the hood and it cant be as bad as a camaro :P

 

I've heard its a major pain in the ***....................

 

I looked at this http://www.350zforum.com/tech/NISMOR...neheaders.aspx
and decided I would rather pay $300-400 for someone to do it. It would take me all weekend, when I can just drop it off, have them do it while I work, then pick it up and drive away. Also, if anything gets FUBARed, the shop or their insurance pays. If you mess it up, you pay. Not to mention if you FUBAR yourself and have to miss work due to injury. DIY is not much of a bargain me thinks.

 

It's not easy man....extremely tight under there. You need to work under the car, forget jackstands. I also started DIY too but gave up after realizing it's just too tight to work...even my mechanic took like 4 hours.

 

I installed headers DIY and it is not for the squemish. It took all weekend on my back with the car on jack stands. However I was prepared for this and it was no big deal. I enjoy DIY and would do it again, just not too soon .

 

if it took a guy 11hrs to install headers on a camaro/firebird he's a fricken moron

 

how do you like the headers?

 

You are going to need some ratchet wrenches, those helped me especially in the spaces a regular socket wrench wouldn't work. It is extremely tight. The only thing I had to disconnect was the steering column. Just be sure you mark exactly were it was before you disconnect it. Besides that your normal tools. Jack, jack stands, ratchet, sockets, regular open end wrenches, swivels for your ratchet and extensions. Oh and don't forget a bucket to kick when you start to get annoyed. It took me a whole day and into the night to get done.

 

Don't be so sure. The K-member on my brothers Cobra needed to be dropped when they did the headers on his car. Install took my dad and brother around 6-8hrs, but I could see it taking people longer if they ran into a snag or something.

For the G35 they are doing my headers so I am not overly worried. When we did my test pipes if you pull the airfilter tubing and have the cats out it seemed to have a fair bit of room.

You will need an open ended wrench, which you might want to heat up and bend to make getting on the nuts easier. A ratchet with a handle you can move will probably get on most bolts. New gaskets, never seize, and an impact will just speed up busting the old manifold bolts that hold the cats on off(there are three down there) You should be fine doing it and will save yourself a good chunk of money you can put towards something else, even if it takes you two days to install them.

 

It took my 14 y/o stepson and I 16 hrs over 2 days. This was my first time wrenching around the VQ, but I am mechanically experienced. We also installed a Topspeed engine damper, which tacked on an extra couple of hours.

The time killers for me were removal of the front header bolts on each side and getting the freakin' hoses off the the water pipe. I did not have a 3/8 breaker bar - I only had a 1/2 drive breaker bar, and with a 1/2-3/8 adapter then a deep well socket, it was too long to fit over the bolts without hitting something. To get the water pipe off, I ended up disconnecting the coolant line that runs from the bottom front of the hose to the oil cooler sandwhich adapter. I was then able to angle the water pipe (I removed the bolt underneath the water pipe first) to be able to get a good grip on it and twist the hoses enought that they would break loose. These three issues sucked up 4-6 hours alone.

You almost have to have a 3/8 and a 1/2 inch breaker bar. Ratcheting wrenches would certainly be helpful, but not necessary. If you don't have a creeper, GET ONE!!! I got one (first time I've ever owned one) just for this project, and I have so happy I did.

Also, drain as much coolant as you can before you start. There is a drain plug on the pass side towards the rear that will drain more coolant than doing the radiator alone.

Oh yeah, It's been a week since we installed the headers, and my hands and forearms still look like I stuck them in a meat grinder. You know what? I would not have it any other way.

Good luck!

Edit - Definetely get the O2 sensor removal attachment. I got mine at Advanced Auto Parts for $10. Get a torque wrench if you don't have one yet. Don't get lazy or cheap. Do it right, or do it again.

 

http://www.350zforum.com/tech/NISMOR...neheaders.aspx


check that out...should help you quite a bit