Right now I'm trying to decide who to have install my topspeed pro-1 headers (engine doesn't have to be lifted off its mounts)

2 possibilities

Shop 1 - has installed about a dozen headers or so on various 350z/g35s, so they know what they're doing

Shop 2 - works primarily on volvos, but is owned by a friend so I can get ~50% reduction in the cost of labor

Obviously I like the cheaper rate that my friend can offer me, but I"m curious - if his staff has never worked on a g35/350z before, is there anything 'tricky' about the header install........they've been in business 25yrs or so, so it's not like they're newbies doing this..........obviously you ask them and it's like 'yea, we do it, no probs', but i'm curious from anybody on here whose done the header install, would a seasoned mechanic be able to do it w/o problems, or are there twists&turns that you'd only learn from doing previous models.

 

its not hard just time consuming...a good mechanic can do it...

 

this is probably a stupid question ( ) but what type of header installs are there? I was talkign with him and he asked if it was a bolt-on header install or the other kind..........what's the other kind? I figured that all headers were bolt on?

 

I cant imagine what he means other than some heads use a bolt threaded through the header flange into the head, while others have a stud threaded into the head with a nut to secure the header flange. I guess he is just trying to guess how many studs he breaks off and or how many aluminum threads he has to helicoil. All part of the labor estimate.

 

I think they need to tilt the engine as well. I believe on Strupt headers will allow you to install with the engine in place.

 

i've never read anything about topspeed pro-1 headers needing the engine lifted....given that people with these headers have said the engine doesn't need to be lifted, i don't think it has to, lol

 

There are some non-bolt on headers that you have to weld the collector to your exhaust - typically they are longer than stock and require custom exhaust.

Bolt on headers will already have a flange to bolt on to the catalytic converter.

 

only the crawfords require tilting the motor...i went with strup headers for design and price...also they have dyno proven results

 

http://zchickz.com/garage1.htm

There is a header how-to here.

 

i like borla's better - it looks much simpler ^_^

http://www.borla.com/media/installations/17221.pdf

 

I tend to go with the people that have knowledge
and experience to do the work. They have the
ability to do the job correctly. You won't have to
be concerned about them $crewing up your car.

 

There are so many steps missing from those instructions it's hilarous. They act as if you're installing these headers on a motor connected to an engine stand.

 

Installing headers is a pretty simple work. It's just time consuming. Experienced shops can get it done quicker, but it is hard to screw up on header install unless you take it to a real shady place.

 

i know, but the instructions make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside - almost like i could do it myself ^_^