Header Install

[TeeWX98GST]

Well I am about to install a tubular header which i got used (only about 300 miles on it) from a local DSM owner who totalled his 1gb, of which I have never done before. I'm not really sure how to go at this one. I've been soaking the nuts connected to the studs on the head and the 3 turbo bolts and the 1 nut and stud on the turbo with rust eater. I have never done this before and I am wondering, do you use the stock 3 bolts and stud or do I have to buy 4 studs and 4 lock nuts? Because to me it just looks impossible to do it with the stock 3 bolts and stud/nut combo where it connects to the turbo. The clearances on my header are just so small and I'm pretty sure the OEM turbo bolts are too big to fit. Whats the correct way to do this? Can it be done using OEM hardware?

Heres what my header looks like (sorry, low quality cell phone pictures)

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Thanks guys.

 

[qiklitltsi]

Most after market headers need shorter bolts to work. Mine came with the bolts needed to fit right. I would ask the person you bought it from if he needed diffrnet bolts and what ones.

 

[jakeachy]

take your bolts to a hardware store and get shorter ones. grade 8 of course.

 

[kahl23]

OK, 1st off you need to realize that the OEM turbo bolts are ridiculously strong. I sheared one off in the turbine housing and my machinist had a really hard time getting it out. That alone should tell you not to use hardware store bolts, just not something I would do. What I ended up doing was getting 4 of the studs that are listed as belonging on the stock o2 sensor housing, 4 of the stock turbo bolts, and 8 conical lock washers. These are washers that are shaped like cones that act as a very strong spring when you install them back to back. They ensure that the nuts won't come loose over a few heat cycles. Hope that answered your question.

 

[meliketoball]

What's a header? I thought they're called "exhaust manifolds"?

 

[bacalhau16]

It is really. Some people just choose to call them a header. As long as well all know what we are talking about, it should just be ignored.

I would also try and use oem bolts for the most part. If you go to the hardware store, make sure the bolts are strong enough to withstand the heat.

 

[meliketoball]

It is really. Some people just choose to call them a header. As long as well all know what we are talking about, it should just be ignored.

I would also try and use oem bolts for the most part. If you go to the hardware store, make sure the bolts are strong enough to withstand the heat.

The OEM turbo to manifold bolts are way too long! Bring your exhaust manifold, and bolts to ask the guy to match this bolt to a shorter one along with a nut as well. Get good quality ones that are made to take a beating.