JBA Header Install for 5.7 - Questions

[PlainAndSilver]

I just purchased some used JBA Shorty Headers for my 5.7. They are not coming with bolts or gaskets.
Do I need to purchase new bolts or will the stock ones work? If I need new bolts, where do I get them - from JBA? The dealer? I have heard that Mopar gaskets are good to use - I assume I need new gaskets as well - do I just order new stock gaskets from the dealer?
As far as install goes - can anyone let me know how difficult this is and how long it should take? My father in law is a mechanic and he has his own shop with a lift. He also put the JBA Shortys on my old SXT in about 3 hours. Is the install similar on the Hemi in terms of complexity and time to do?
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[Hemi31]

order 6.1 manifold bolts,get a 1" steel sleeve to reuse 1 stud from the 5.7 manifold for the oil dipstick tube.Go get new 5.7 manifold gaskets from the dealer.....JBA gaskets are terrible.will take anywhere from 6-10 hrs for the install .

[65standard]

^^^Exactly what he said^^^

[PlainAndSilver]

order 6.1 manifold bolts,get a 1" steel sleeve to reuse 1 stud from the 5.7 manifold for the oil dipstick tube.Go get new 5.7 manifold gaskets from the dealer.....JBA gaskets are terrible.will take anywhere from 6-10 hrs for the install .

^^^Exactly what he said^^^

Thanks for the info. I am not sure what you mean about this: "get a 1" steel sleeve to reuse 1 stud from the 5.7 manifold for the oil dipstick tube" - can you elaborate?

Also would you recommend pulling the heads or will this not be an issue since I have a lift to use?

[marshall9779]

Thanks for the info. I am not sure what you mean about this: "get a 1" steel sleeve to reuse 1 stud from the 5.7 manifold for the oil dipstick tube" - can you elaborate?

Also would you recommend pulling the heads or will this not be an issue since I have a lift to use?

The JBA kit comes with a 1" long by about 1/2" diameter steel sleeve that spaces the dipstick bracket out so it will the in the same location. The dipstick attaches to the stock manifold, and the stock manifold at that point is a lot thicker than the flange on the JBA header. That is why you need the sleeve, and you reuse the stock bolt in that bolt hole location. Ive heard pulling the heads is easier, and a little quicker. If you choose to go that route, you'll need new head gaskets, bolts, and anti freeze, and should doa n oil change after.

If you do it with the heads on it is a hell of a job. It took me a good 7 hours on a lift and then another 4 on jack stands. That includes moving the car and getting set back up. Just make sure you double check every bolt. I missed one that was started and cross threaded. I had a guy helping me and didn't check his work. Good luck with the install. Go to JBA's website and get a copy of the instructions. I've heard you can do it without removing the motor mounts, but I couldn't get the heat shields for the stock manifolds out without doing so. If you can, that it will be a much easier job.

[TheMoparKid]

order 6.1 manifold bolts,get a 1" steel sleeve to reuse 1 stud from the 5.7 manifold for the oil dipstick tube.Go get new 5.7 manifold gaskets from the dealer.....JBA gaskets are terrible.will take anywhere from 6-10 hrs for the install .

Once again, Erik is spot on.

Our input is only so valid because we can do it pretty quick but the lift is the only true factor that helps. Otherwise, a set of skinny arms like my own help alot lol.

[PlainAndSilver]

Thanks for all the help so far - I really appreciate the input.

I called JBA today about the spacer and they said they don't sell the parts individually. Does anyone know where I can get the spacer from?

Also, in addition to the 6.1 bolts I know I need, the JBA manual also lists the following hardware as included:

(4) 3/8 x 2 _ bolts
(8) 3/8 flat washers
(4) 3/8 lock washers
(4) 3/8 nuts

Does anyone know if I also need the above bolts/washers/nuts or can I reuse the stock ones?

Thanks!

[marshall9779]

You will need those. The 3/8 bolts and nuts are for the header to mid pipe connection. The stock manifolds have studs built into the flange, so those go with manifold when you remove them.

[sfeld02]

Here was my experience.
-note: I also used 6.1 bolts, mopar gaskets, and nordlock washers.

http://www.300cforumz.com/showthread.php?t=65173

[PlainAndSilver]

You will need those. The 3/8 bolts and nuts are for the header to mid pipe connection. The stock manifolds have studs built into the flange, so those go with manifold when you remove them.

Great explanation! That makes sense - thanks for the info!

[ezridr95]

I installed my JBA headers last year and just replaced the gaskets with Mr. Gasket ones, blew-out both rear cylinder on the JBA gaskets, don't waste your time. Put the good ones in now.

[PlainAndSilver]

Here was my experience.
-note: I also used 6.1 bolts, mopar gaskets, and nordlock washers.

http://www.300cforumz.com/showthread.php?t=65173

Good info! Thanks for sharing!

[The Unabomber]

Here was my experience.
-note: I also used 6.1 bolts, mopar gaskets, and nordlock washers.

http://www.300cforumz.com/showthread.php?t=65173

What size Nordlock's do we need for the 6.1 bolts? Also I read that you had to run a tap into the heads due to the bolts binding. What caused this? Where the threads chingers/striped? Or was there a bunch of crust/junk in the threads from assembly, possibly thread locker?

[HerDaytona]

The stock 6.1 bolts have threadlocker on them over the parts counter.

[PlainAndSilver]

Thanks for all the help and info so far.

The only part that I can't locate is the 5/8 x 1/8 dipstick "spacer". Does anyone know if one of these can be easily made out of something, or can someone post a picture of what it looks like?
Or if anyone knows where I can order this please let me know.

Thanks!