Questions about the V6 headers

**Knightmare65** · 09-04-2007, 08:42 PM

I want to pull the trigger and get the headers, but I have several questions before I make my final decision. Is it worth the bang for the buck? I have Magnaflow single cat back exhaust, will the headers easily bolt up to it. Does the kit come with all bolts and gaskets that are needed? There is a heat shield on the stock exhaust, how much is heat a factor to the engine compartment without the ceramic liner? Do the headers sound good? I want more of an aggressive sound. Performance wise, I have heard dyno tests haven't proved that the headers improve anything, but have you done runs at the track and noticed improvements? What about kills? If I do get the headers, is there anyone that lives in my area (Annapolis, Maryland) that can help me install them, I'll buy the beer of your choice, unless you are under 21. Anyone who has the headers on their V6 LX car, please reply.

**NC-SXT** · 09-04-2007, 09:27 PM

Bolts are included, gaskets are not. The gaskets are metal and are reuseable. I opted for new ones at less than 20 bucks. It takes about 3-5 hrs to install. The only heat shield that is used is the small one around the starter. You will need to get some antisize for the bolts and some RTV for the hook-up between header and cats. A bit more low end power but nothing that sets the world on fire. Nice mod to do.

**Knightmare65** · 09-04-2007, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by NC-SXT

Bolts are included, gaskets are not. The gaskets are metal and are reuseable. I opted for new ones at less than 20 bucks. It takes about 3-5 hrs to install. The only heat shield that is used is the small one around the starter. You will need to get some antisize for the bolts and some RTV for the hook-up between header and cats. A bit more low end power but nothing that sets the world on fire. Nice mod to do.

Thanks. What is antisize for the bolts and RTV. I think I may be capable to install these headers, but will need help.

**NC-SXT** · 09-04-2007, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by Knightmare65

Thanks. What is antisize for the bolts and RTV. I think I may be capable to install these headers, but will need help.

The block is aluminum and the bolts are steel. 2 different metals , so to keep one reacting with the other you need this. RTV (high heat that is sensor safe) is used instead of gasket . Be advised that the headers are a very tight install. There have been several write-ups on these.

**His 'n' Hearse** · 09-05-2007, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by NC-SXT

Bolts are included, gaskets are not. . . .

Manifold gaskets (and bolts) came with the ones I got 2 weeks ago. They were shipped straight from JBA.

My question is: Are the supplied bolts & lock washers good enough or would I be well advised to use something else? If using the supplied ones, do they need to be re-torqued and if so when?

**MooNDoGGie** · 09-05-2007, 01:48 AM

My JBA Headers came with bolts and gaskets also. However I chose to dump the bolts and go with the stage 8 locking bolts. With these there is no need to re-torque them. Period.

**ChargLex** · 09-05-2007, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by NC-SXT

A bit more low end power but nothing that sets the world on fire. Nice mod to do.

A bit more in the low end is exactly what I'm looking for.. this is good news !

Is the antisieze compound (in a crayon-like stick) that I used with my LH's 3.5L's spark plugs (with its aluminum heads) sufficient ?

Anyone know if I can get Moondoggie's locking header bolts from NAPA ? And the RTV compound ?

Anyone feel like scanning the JBA installation instructions so I can begin to prepare ?

And finally, I thought there were heat shields on both sides that some have had to completely remove...

**tlrche** · 09-05-2007, 03:52 PM

There are heat shields on both sides and on top and bottom of headers.A good offest open/boxed wrench would help!

like this would be a good help:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...sName=Wrenches

**Charger - SXT** · 09-07-2007, 03:02 AM

The headers have improved the low end pull of my car. I also noticed a little louder sound with the exhaust.

The install to me was not to bad, put the car on ramps and did the work. The manifolds and headers will go out and in from the bottom, plenty of room to get them by the exhaust system.

Make sure you get a set of metric ratcheting wrenches, it will make the job a lot easier, my cost about $ 40 from Pep Boys.

Hardest part of the install is the removal of the old manifolds, after that the rest is easy, you can tighten most of the bolts on the headers from the bottom.

I left my sensors on the manifolds and removed them with a wrench after they were out of the car and then installed them in the headers before putting them back from the bottom, the instructions say to remove while on the car but there is not much room to do that unless you have a tool for it.

I removed the big plastic cover from the bottom of the engine compartment to let hot air escape from the engine compartment, have had the cove off for almost 2 years with no problems, when the fans run and you stand by your drivers door you will feel how much hot air is coming out of the area.

One of the great things is when you go to a M&G and pop the hood.

We may not have a HEMI but I have noticed with the headers people will now take a second look at whats under the hood and finally talk to you about what IS under the hood.

**reconwench** · 09-15-2007, 10:42 PM

so .....i take it these headers are NOT an option for a 2.7 ??

**NC-SXT** · 09-15-2007, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by reconwench

so .....i take it these headers are NOT an option for a 2.7 ??

No! sorry to say

**reconwench** · 09-15-2007, 11:48 PM

bummer , thanx

**Knightmare65** · 09-20-2007, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Charger - SXT

The headers have improved the low end pull of my car. I also noticed a little louder sound with the exhaust.

The install to me was not to bad, put the car on ramps and did the work. The manifolds and headers will go out and in from the bottom, plenty of room to get them by the exhaust system.

Make sure you get a set of metric ratcheting wrenches, it will make the job a lot easier, my cost about $ 40 from Pep Boys.

Hardest part of the install is the removal of the old manifolds, after that the rest is easy, you can tighten most of the bolts on the headers from the bottom.

I left my sensors on the manifolds and removed them with a wrench after they were out of the car and then installed them in the headers before putting them back from the bottom, the instructions say to remove while on the car but there is not much room to do that unless you have a tool for it.

I removed the big plastic cover from the bottom of the engine compartment to let hot air escape from the engine compartment, have had the cove off for almost 2 years with no problems, when the fans run and you stand by your drivers door you will feel how much hot air is coming out of the area.

One of the great things is when you go to a M&G and pop the hood.

We may not have a HEMI but I have noticed with the headers people will now take a second look at whats under the hood and finally talk to you about what IS under the hood.

Great post, helps me a lot. Had to hold off on the headers because a the garbage guys hit their truck into my car and had to get it repaired. This has pissed me off severely. Since they wouldn't admit their wrong doing, I had to cough up the deductible in order to get the car repaired.