Header can be replaced without pulling anything.
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:47 am
I'm 2/3 through the replacement of my header, and I had some input from the community. Some suggested I would need to remove the alternator, and one person thought it required an engine pull (or at least a "lift").
I was able to remove the header in 1/2 hour without removing anything (other than the exhaust system South of the header). The magic tool is a ratcheting 13mm box wrench. There's no room for even a low profile socket.
The four top header bolts were accessible from above, and the four bottom bolts from below. The bolt under the alternator is the toughest, but working by feel, and being patient, it wasn't bad.
Once loose, the header pulls out the left side of the car, with a 90 degree, counter-clockwise twist to clear some obstructions. New header should be good for 30-40 HP.
I was able to remove the header in 1/2 hour without removing anything (other than the exhaust system South of the header). The magic tool is a ratcheting 13mm box wrench. There's no room for even a low profile socket.
The four top header bolts were accessible from above, and the four bottom bolts from below. The bolt under the alternator is the toughest, but working by feel, and being patient, it wasn't bad.
Once loose, the header pulls out the left side of the car, with a 90 degree, counter-clockwise twist to clear some obstructions. New header should be good for 30-40 HP.