My Labor Day Weekend Project

[Z Ya Later]

Ok, time for another update. Sorry, no pics...camera on my phone doesn't work too well in darker areas.

Thanks in large, large part to Craig (and the Big Man upstairs of course), we got the mounts in!! Let the install begin. I've got the driver's side in place with 2 bolts and the gasket set, plus I had to adjust my intake elbow. From here, I need to get the last 4 bolts in the driver's side, get the passenger side header in, new plugs, starter, O2 sensors, Y-pipe, alternator and the cat (but not the dog hehe). Hopefully everything else goes at least semi-smoothly.

Oh, and I got new tools. Got a bench-vice for free last weekend and picked up an angle-grinder today from Ace

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Oh I'm all over that like a cheap suit from Sears on a fat guy . Bought 2 packages of the stuff when I picked up my PB Blaster (which also works great BTW). You can rest assured there will be anti-seize in the picture lol

Just so you know - Real men own the 12 oz jar with a brush in the lid

[Z Ya Later]

Just so you know - Real men own the 12 oz jar with a brush in the lid

Blah blah blah! Hey, if Kragen would've had it when I picked up the PB Blaster, I'da bought it. Sheesh lol

Also, I can definitely see why you said the studs would be much harder than the bolts.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Yeah the ARP header studs can be a pain - the first time doing heads & cam when I found out they were too long to get the header flange over the tips due to no clearance in the engine bay and again this last rebuild when the new ARP head studs were sticking up far enough so I couldn't get the Earls gasket onto the header studs without taking them out first. But it all works so well once it's on there, that I have never regretted using them.

BTW, congrats on the progress - looks like you're getting there

[Z Ya Later]

Yeah the ARP header studs can be a pain - the first time doing heads & cam when I found out they were too long to get the header flange over the tips due to no clearance in the engine bay and again this last rebuild when the new ARP head studs were sticking up far enough so I couldn't get the Earls gasket onto the header studs without taking them out first. But it all works so well once it's on there, that I have never regretted using them.

BTW, congrats on the progress - looks like you're getting there

Hence the reason I'm really glad I went with the bolts instead. I just wish it was done already lol. But, I know it'll be done soon enough.

Any tips on getting the pass. side header in? Pacesetter said nothing about pulling out the oil dipstick, so I didn't. It looks as if there may be enough room to get the header in there, but not sure yet.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

I have different headers from you (SLP), but I just stuck it in from the bottom. I had to remove the dipstick, then bend it up and re-insert it. It wasn't too bad - you just don't want to put a kink in the part that goes in the block or you'll never get it in.

[Z Ya Later]

I'm hoping I can finagle it in without having to pull the dipstick tube. At this point, I just want it all in lol

[Joe 1320]

I'm hoping I can finagle it in without having to pull the dipstick tube. At this point, I just want it all in lol

If you can manage to install the header without pulling the dipstick tube, you will be the Grandmaster Goodwrench.

[Z Ya Later]

Update - Driver's side header is in!!!

I've got the driver's side header installed and torqued. I also reconnected the sensor below and between the #1 and #3 primaries (can't remember what its for lol) and plugs #1-3 done. I figure I can probably get #5 and #7 from under a little better, and I put #2 to save myself some headache (and the hardlines off the PS pump should be adequate protection). And yes, anti-seize is on everything going into the heads . I'll see if I can snap some pics tomorrow morning.

[Z Ya Later]

Ok, here's some pics I managed to snap before I had to go to work. I know, noth the greatest quality...pretty poor lighting, as I've said. Anyways, here's the driver's side...



...and a close-up thereof...



...and the passenger side...



...and, just for comparison purposes...



Definitely a big difference. I'll be under the car again on Fri., so hopefully I'll have better news (and pics) then

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Can't see why you'd want those rusty old pea-shooters outa there?

BTW, that sensor between 1 & 3 is your temp gauge sensor. The oen in the water pump goes to the PCM.

[Joe 1320]

Enjoy the finish, they look great for a bit. Here's what they will likely look like after a few years:



The integrity of the ceramic coating is still good, it's just lost it's luster over numerous heat cycles and engine cleanings.

[Z Ya Later]

Zaino won't fix that, huh? lol!

So, is there any way to keep the luster there? I mean, if the integrity is still there, that's great. But, I wouldn't mind putting in some elbow work to keep them looking good as well if need be (not to say you haven't Joe).

And, anyone interested in some pea-shooters? Sell 'em to ya cheap lol

[Z Ya Later]

Time for an update. Got the passenger side header installed, all passenger side plugs installed and plug wires attached. But, I'm gonna have to pass on the title of Grandmaster Goodwrench...I had to pull the dipstick tube . Oh well, should be easy to get back in.

I will say this though, Pacesetter did NOT do their homework on the A.I.R. tubes. The pass. side is going to require some finagling to get it to connect properly and the driver's side is just a pain.

In any case, tomorrow is another day...and the day the beast comes back to life .

[Z Ya Later]

IT LIVES!!!!

SHE'S ALIVE!!!!

Craig came over today and we went at it like gangbusta's lol. All she needs is the dipstick secured, the Y-pipe adjusted and the new cat welded on. So, she goes into the shop on Mon. to be buttoned up...then back on the prowl .