any tips for lt1 header install?

[LoudLT1]

going to install pacesetter mid coated headers. any tips to make it any easier. jack car up ? what about wire looms ? i want the wires safe from the headers. going to install msd 8.5 wires. any and all info very much appreciated.
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[Joe 1320]

PBlaster.

The only stuff to use. Don't drive the car for a few days prior to the install and twice a day hit the bolts with the stuff and follow the directions. I even start the car the day before to let the heat expand and contract the metals, then let it cool and one more shot of PBlaster. The fasteners come apart much easier, there are fewer problems with breaking bolts, damaging threads, etc. Make sure you use anti seize on the header bolts going into the head and use locking header bolts.

[raroZ28]

I didn't use PB on mine, it didn't need it. All the bolts came off fairly easily.

Just get in and throw down, not many tips I could offer, personally. I just went in and did it. But when you're routing on the passenger side, you will have to put your wires the same way the stockers get, behind the ac pulley, it's a PITA, and you gotta get every wire through there and get them clamped down so the belt doesn't rub them.

On the drivers side, watch the plug second closest to the firewall. Mine took a lot of heat. I put some header wrap around that one. And if you plan on reusing your spark plugs, make sure you're careful when you're pulling the headers. Any plugs that you can pull, PULL THEM. You will break them when you drop the new headers in.

I broke a brand new NGK doing my install, because I put all 4 in on one side before I put the header in. Big no no, you gotta put in 3, clamp the header down, then install the fourth and final one.

Have fun. I enjoyed doing my header install.

[blackthunder50]

We fit the 8.5 mm wires into the stock wire holders fine. I sprayed the bolts down with penetrater the night before which helped out a little bit. Also, make sure you get a good set of Fel-Pros or Percy's header gaskets to make sure you have no leak. Im in need of doing this because the kit gaskets were crap and they have a slight leak. (very annoying under throttle) Im going to be installing the dead soft aluminum percy gaskets soon. They're 39.99 at summit racing.

[Joe 1320]

They're 39.99 at summit racing.

I got mine at Advance aka discount Auto Parts.... $34.95 plus tax.

[wrd1972]

Since you are installing headers, dont use anything other than OVC plug wires.
I went with the Elite wires and could not be happier with them.

PB blaster the manifold bolts, mine came out rather easy.

Good gaskets a must, I got Fel-pro 1406's for $16 at Autozone.

High temp anti-sieze on the new bolts.

Remove the dipstick befor installing the new right side header. This varys from header to header but I had to with mine.

Make sure the right side header does not come real close to the K-member or get the grinder out.

Lots of beer and Bandaids.

[JL8Jeff]

I'm using the MSD 8.5's on my car with the Pacesetter longtube headers. No problems, just make sure they're tied back so they won't contact the headers. You'll be spending plenty of time under the car so look at all the wiring and heat wrap what you can if you think it will come close to the headers. Take out the plugs, the starter, the oil dipstick, the oil filter, you might need to unbolt the steering linkage(no big deal) and have some new hacksaw blades ready to go just in case.