Installed JBA Shorty Headers

**bklynmag** · 05-27-2007, 08:42 PM

I know it's been done before but I wanted to drop a couple of pics showing the exhaust manifold versus the JBA stainless steel header and also add my two cents about the install.

All in all not bad. As others have stated the top middle bolts on both sides are a ROYAL PITA. Getting the thread started on those took the better part of two hours (I contemplated killing myself a couple of times while working on the driver's side).

Tip 1 - To anyone contemplating having heads done, that is the ideal time to install headers. It is SOOOO much easier attaching to the heads while they are out of the car.

Tip 2 - I think one of the reasons I was able to do this is I am not a big guy. My hands are not too big and contorting yourself in ridiculous positions to gain access for some of the bolts is necessary. Consider hiring a double jointed midge . . .little person if the budget allows. I was actually able to do it without pulling the motor mounts or raising the motor though I was cursing like a sailor most of the time.

Tip 3 - I purchased a set of ratcheting wrenches prior to the install figuring they would be a big help. I went to Home Depot and picked up a 9 - 15 mm set. Well as my luck would have it, all of the JBA header bolts are 13mm and the f'n Home Depot set included 9,10,11,12,14,15. It wasn't missing a wrench, this is how it is sold!!!! I can't even begin to describe how much that sucked. I survived with an open end wrench and ratchet with multiple extensions/swivels.

End result - They sound sweet. I haven't had a chance to really drive her yet. I promised to take the little one to the park and the wife to dinner as soon as I finished.

Thank you HHP!

Later

**HemiLover** · 05-27-2007, 08:48 PM

Congrats! Let us know how they feel after dinner

This is perfect, because I just picked up a "slighty used" set of these off Obiwan....and he also suggested maybe taking the heads off to install them. Question, did most of the work take place from the top, or up from underneath? Did you have the car in the air?

**bklynmag** · 05-27-2007, 09:10 PM

The front was up on ramps and 100% of the work was done from underneath.
I was on my back which I think would be easier than on a lift (obtaining leverage and such for tightening bolts).

**Hemi31** · 05-27-2007, 09:15 PM

I can't believe you got them this quick John.Congrats on getting them done.The small hands is definately a bonus for that job.You must have been swearing up a storm after having the heads off two weeks ago.......d'oh!There will be a noticeable difference for you.

**bklynmag** · 05-27-2007, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Hemi31

I can't believe you got them this quick John.Congrats on getting them done.The small hands is definately a bonus for that job.You must have been swearing up a storm after having the heads off two weeks ago.......d'oh!There will be a noticeable difference for you.

I had no reason to wait, as the HHP prize money from E-Town helped a bit

Believe me, if I could reach around and kick myself in the a$$ for not doing this while the heads were off I would have.

On the upside, my forgetting to put back the driver side heat shield when we FRI'd the car was a plus . . . one less item to remove!!

I was swearing something awful!

**JonzMgnm** · 05-27-2007, 10:04 PM

Glad to hear it's all behind you now, John! Enjoy the new power, buddy!

**HemiLover** · 05-27-2007, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by bklynmag

The front was up on ramps and 100% of the work was done from underneath.
I was on my back which I think would be easier than on a lift (obtaining leverage and such for tightening bolts).

Thanks for the help!

**bklynmag** · 05-28-2007, 11:59 AM

No prob and good luck!!!!

**bklynmag** · 05-28-2007, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by JonzMgnm

Glad to hear it's all behind you now, John! Enjoy the new power, buddy!

Thanks. Hopefully I will be able to make OBI the next time you guys meet up!

**Hemi31** · 05-28-2007, 12:05 PM

So,hows it feel now?

**RacingRev 1320** · 05-28-2007, 01:12 PM

on your back & doing that job. question, were the tubes on your headers centered in the flange? mine weren't and it really added some headaches and !@#@$%^)(*&%%$#@. great addition to the car and with your other mods you should see some real improvements!!

**mcshocks** · 05-28-2007, 01:17 PM

What's the butt dyno say? Trying to decide if I wan't to get these and slap them in while I put on my JBA mids/cats that I have coming.

**bklynmag** · 05-29-2007, 12:13 AM

Took her for a ride today and damn they woke the car up!! I turned onto a deserted street and floored the car while in autostick 1 (with the traction button off) and the car almost went sideways on me. Much more torqey. I tried to egg on a stock charger RT (solely for comparative research purposes

but he didn't want to play. To be fair the car has a superchips, Air Hammer, Frank's Racing sidewinder cam and econo heads. I felt the stock exhaust manifolds were a bottle neck for flow at this point. I already had the HHP high flow cats and Blastin Bob's resonator delete so with the headers my exhaust is now in decent shape.

I can't wait to hit the track again and see what she does on motor and then spray!

**bklynmag** · 05-29-2007, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by mcshocks

What's the butt dyno say? Trying to decide if I wan't to get these and slap them in while I put on my JBA mids/cats that I have coming.

Butt dyno says DO IT!!! I don't know if it's a concern to you but the car is not much louder with the headers but sounds downright evil when you put your foot down!

**bklynmag** · 05-29-2007, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by O-Town Magnum

on your back & doing that job. question, were the tubes on your headers centered in the flange? mine weren't and it really added some headaches and !@#@$%^)(*&%%$#@. great addition to the car and with your other mods you should see some real improvements!!

I didn't notice anything that seemed off on the headers themselves. That sounds like something that would have been quite aggravating!