New Headers for my '04 S

[j.fro]

For both of you who just installed headers, did you have any issues with the header bolts breaking? Anything that you did to help getting the bolts out?

[Jaxonalden]

A heavy dose of penetrating oil, WD-40. Any lightweight oil will do then let it set for a day or two to work into the threads. Then prior to loosening and removing the bolts, fire up the car and allow the bolts to heat up. This is done to severely corroded bolts, mine just took a couple of shot's of WD-40 and the bolts popped right out.
One thing to remember, the heads are aluminum so don't over torque the bolts when tightening.

P.S. Give the O2 sensors a shot also.

[heyjae]

Originally Posted by Jaxonalden

A heavy dose of penetrating oil, WD-40. Any lightweight oil will do then let it set for a day or two to work into the threads. Then prior to loosening and removing the bolts, fire up the car and allow the bolts to heat up. This is done to severely corroded bolts, mine just took a couple of shot's of WD-40 and the bolts popped right out.
One thing to remember, the heads are aluminum so don't over torque the bolts when tightening.

P.S. Give the O2 sensors a shot also.

I did exactly the same thing and the bolts came off without a problem. In my case though, I did install headers about 4 years / 40,000 miles ago, so there may have been less corrosion.

[pacific986]

I saw your post, followed your links, and pulled the trigger immediately on getting a set for my 2001 S. I agree that for $160 it's tough to go wrong (that includes tax and shipping). I'm sorry to see you ran into a hiccup (sp?) in your install. I have an appt. with Alex at Integrated Performance in Gardena (Southern California) on Tuesday. I'll try to take some photos and post them if I can figure it out. If I have the time I may get baseline dyno numbers from Integrated as well. (they have a chassis dyno (all wheel drive for anyone who may be interested) to compare with the post install set up. I doubt the horsepower will increase, but I suspect the throttle response should improve and the sound my change a bit.

[Jaxonalden]

Thanks bro, hope all goes well with the install. If you get a CEL, remember it can be cleared easily.

[Topless]

Just curious, if it's a street car how do you get your car to pass smog in California??
Remove the headers and reinstall cats every 2 years or find a crooked smog station?