Tools for Header Install

dnguyen826 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 05:32 PM

Hey, I tried searching and can tell that I need a socket wrench for header installation. I have a cheap one that's part of a home repair kit, but if I wanted to install a header into my Fit is it good enough? Should I get a torque wrench instead? Is there pretty easy access to everything or will I need an extension?

Thanks

Evotech8 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 03:44 AM

I found installing headers on Fits a few times it helps to have a socket wrench with a adjustable head (that tilts at angles) and is at least 10-12" long for leverage. A 14MM 6-sided deep socket and a short 3" extension should make your header install job MUCH easier.
Because of limited space behind the engine your gonna have a tough time getting a torque wrench down there. Just re-tighten with the socket wrench evenly using your best judgement.
Good luck.

drzenitram · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evotech8

I found installing headers on Fits a few times it helps to have a socket wrench with a adjustable head (that tilts at angles) and is at least 10-12" long for leverage. A 14MM 6-sided deep socket and a short 3" extension should make your header install job MUCH easier.
Because of limited space behind the engine your gonna have a tough time getting a torque wrench down there. Just re-tighten with the socket wrench evenly using your best judgement.
Good luck.

with correct tools, how long would it take a mildly experienced person to install the header?

Evotech8 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 03:06 PM

Taking the stock one off and installing the new header took me a hour. That was taking my time since it was my first Fit header install.
The tools I listed will save you a lot of frustration and time.

Oh, almost forgot you will need a 12" extension to reach the bottom two spring bolts on the header.

Sugarphreak · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 03:12 PM

You may want to use an air ratchet, some of those bolts can be VERY hard to get off and expect to get a bloody knuckle or two if you choose the path of the breaker bar. Just a word of caution, some people have broken the studs.

Install shouldn't really take more than 30 mins if you have a set of ramps and a socket set.

Also, make sure the header has a crush gasket on the bottom or you will have to pull it apart after to put it in.

ghibli99 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:51 PM

If you don't have air tools, do yourself a favor and get some PB Blaster to make loosening those nuts/bolts much easier. If they're anything like the turbo/downpipe ones on Subarus, this will save you a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (from freezing them, stripping them, or breaking them off completely).

-Mike

gmayronne · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 01:08 PM

im also interested in this because if i pick up a header, more than likely i see myself putting it on. anyway, i got a ???......ive heard a impact gun works really well at loosening those "hard to deal with" bolts.....but, wouldnt it need to be small to get it underneath the header where the more "PITA bolts" are located. ive heard those are the more diffacult to deal with and get off so before i run out and buy a impact gun and air ratchet (which i heard makes stuff like this 10 times easier), does anyone know a good set of these tools to get???

Flinttownpoker · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 01:43 PM

When you do finally get all the bolts loosened and taken out does the header get removed from underneathe the car or can it be removed from above. Sorry for the noob question but I hate dealing with all that plastic underneathe the car.

ghibli99 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flinttownpoker

When you do finally get all the bolts loosened and taken out does the header get removed from underneathe the car or can it be removed from above. Sorry for the noob question but I hate dealing with all that plastic underneathe the car.

You pull the header out from above, but you'll have to get underneath your car to get to some of the bolts. It's a pretty small piece, and after you take a look at how it sits relative to the catpipe, you'll understand.

-Mike

Evotech8 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 04:34 PM

You really don't need air tools to do this.
Use a short breaker bar or 12" long socket wrench. All the 14MM bolts can be loosened from the top. The 12 MM springs bolts from the bottom with a 12" extension.

GD3-Fit · #11 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 11:41 AM

i tried all last night and couldn't break my top header bolts.
put a lot of wd40 and used a 3/8 ratchet with 14mm deep socket + ext

going to the auto store to pick up a breaker bar and some pb blaster

-Ricky

GD3-Fit · #12 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 12:38 PM

bump.......

GD3-Fit · #13 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 10:50 AM

phew...
finally got the header in
pb blaster works well
looks/sounds good now
can definitely tell a difference

-Ricky

drzenitram · #14 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3-Fit

phew...
finally got the header in
pb blaster works well
looks/sounds good now
can definitely tell a difference

-Ricky

lucky ;-P

what kind of header did you get?

GD3-Fit · #15 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 11:17 AM

T1R Response Header

wonderful looking piece

-Ricky

Arisenfury · #16 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3-Fit

phew...
finally got the header in
pb blaster works well
looks/sounds good now
can definitely tell a difference

-Ricky

PB Blaster is quite possibly the greatest thing ever invented.

ghibli99 · #17 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 12:41 PM

Glad the PB Blaster worked for you, Ricky -- I had planned on installing my headers yesterday, but with it being 115 outside (my wife's car thermometer was reading 117 at some points), I decided to wait until temps drop at least ten degrees before I try it. Looks like that'll happen this week when the high pressure system moves away from AZ. How was it getting to the springbolts?

-Mike

Sugarphreak · #18 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmayronne

im also interested in this because if i pick up a header, more than likely i see myself putting it on. anyway, i got a ???......ive heard a impact gun works really well at loosening those "hard to deal with" bolts.....but, wouldnt it need to be small to get it underneath the header where the more "PITA bolts" are located. ive heard those are the more diffacult to deal with and get off so before i run out and buy a impact gun and air ratchet (which i heard makes stuff like this 10 times easier), does anyone know a good set of these tools to get???

I suggest an air ratchet becasue I don't think you will be able to get an impact gun in there. I might be wrong, but when I did mine it seemed pretty tight.

GD3-Fit · #19 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghibli99

Glad the PB Blaster worked for you, Ricky -- I had planned on installing my headers yesterday, but with it being 115 outside (my wife's car thermometer was reading 117 at some points), I decided to wait until temps drop at least ten degrees before I try it. Looks like that'll happen this week when the high pressure system moves away from AZ. How was it getting to the springbolts?

-Mike

ouch too hot to work on car weather

yeah the spring bolts were killing me dude i picked up the pb and let it soak in and tried the ratchet + ext + scream at the same time and it broke loose lol
the top ones i got off easily with pb + breaker bar

but the thing i'm concerned about is i got everything installed and i still think it's quiet w/ t1r header -> bpipe -> spoon n1
like cruising it's almost near stock which i don't like at all and around 3-4k rpms it picks up in sound but not like uber loud like the spoon fit race car

so i was beginning to think there was an exhaust leak but i don't hear any hissing or weird sounds
idk i think i'm going to get a test pipe so i can be satisfied because i'm coming from an ap1 s2k w/ invidia headerback for the past 3 years and i was very used to the obnoxious sound and loudness of that exhaust so i guess i'm not used to it.

i was also thinking about selling and buying the invidia catback
idk i'm just not satisfied w/ the sound right now

-Ricky

ghibli99 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3-Fit

yeah the spring bolts were killing me dude i picked up the pb and let it soak in and tried the ratchet + ext + scream at the same time and it broke loose lol

Haha! I know the scream technique well. As long as you're squealing, you're OK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3-Fit

but the thing i'm concerned about is i got everything installed and i still think it's quiet w/ t1r header -> bpipe -> spoon n1
like cruising it's almost near stock which i don't like at all and around 3-4k rpms it picks up in sound but not like uber loud like the spoon fit race car

Weird... again, I think the 50s v2 is pretty loud just w/ the b-pipe, and I'm pretty sure the N1 is louder. From 3500-6500, I can't even hear my stereo if I have it floored.

If I get a chance, I'll film a few runs to see how loud it is. I have a sound level meter too, so I might put that in my other thread. Mine is pretty much silent at cruising speeds/minimal load, but I prefer that since droning just gives me a headache.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD3-Fit

idk i think i'm going to get a test pipe so i can be satisfied because i'm coming from an ap1 s2k w/ invidia headerback for the past 3 years and i was very used to the obnoxious sound and loudness of that exhaust so i guess i'm not used to it.

Yeah, that'd be a big change.

I had one of the quieter exhausts on my WRX and STI (Genome muffler), so compared to that, the 50s v2 is definitely louder. Guess it's all relative!

The test pipe will likely make it damn loud, but it sounds like that's what you're going for. I say give it a shot if you don't mind the smell. I like the sweet smell of 91/93, but not so much with the 87.

-Mike