Installing TM Headers, Running into Some Problems

[Turdle]

Well I finally got the last bolt out. Of course now I can't get that damn spark plug heat shield off. It's like someone welded it to the block or something, all the others came off fine.

I have the drivers side all hooked up but I can't see where the dipstick hole is, does anyone have a picture of the engine block bare so I can see the hole?

problem 1 hammer

dipstick hole is almost straight down from the #7 tube, 3rd tube drive side

Use a flashlight down there, youll see. Remove dipstick from tube first. If you hang it from its header bolt, it will hang near hole for you to see. My camera won't focus there, all blurry sorry

 

[410Fortune]

the heat shield should come off, try squeezing the sides and pulling at the same time.

I have a picture:

 

[duke16]

Ahh.. lovely, found it, thanks. Alright, stupid question, which bolt is for the dipstick in the picture below and what's the other bolt for?

 

[410Fortune]

the double sided stud is for the dipstick, good luck getting it in there, the friggin header tube is too close toget the dipstick then the nut on.

the other bolt is extra or for the other style dipstick, I had the same result with my TM headers on both trucks.

 

[Turdle]

yeah, I quit fighting it and just bolted the tube on with a bolt. Why not?

 

[duke16]

The spark plug wiring bracket, is that particularly important? I can't seem to get it back on, the header looks like it's in the way. It goes into that bolt next to the last tube, at the back right?

 

[410Fortune]

wow are you talking about two different things there in that one sentance? Because the spark plug routing clips mount into the valve covers.
the dipstick mounts onto the bolt with the double sided stud, which also attaches the header.

Routing the plug wires is VERY important after the headers, in fact all things that come within an inch or so of the headers should be routed carefull, heat protected, etc.....or you will melt it

Did you get the TM instructions?
because they are very good....

JT I used a bronze collar that fits snugly over the double sided stud to retain my dipstick, it is pressed on with light taps from a hammer, I can remove it by pulling lightly. Works great!

 

[duke16]

No no, sorry. I got the dipstick sorted. I have the instructions, it just wasn't clear where to put this mounting bracket, because I can't see how to fit it around the header.

 

[410Fortune]

not sure what bracket you are talking about.
I used Autozone style spark plug seperators and zip ties to route my plug wires, because my valve covers have no more clips (mustang valve covers)
the rear two drivers side plug wires are clipped together and zip tied to the fuel rail, the passenger side route up near the AC canister and are zip tied there.
I also purchased some spark plug booties rfom the local speed shop to protect the boots and wires around the headers.

 

[Turdle]

Nice Jamie
I routed mine over and around, using the angle boots to direct wire direction I want, then up from underneath. This keeps them FAR away, but Jamies way looks cleaner, and I'm sure it will work.

yeah I know-pics

 

[410Fortune]

On the BII:

 

[Turdle]

Mine doesn't look as good, but keeps them away without the seperators

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Here is mine, not nearly as neat or as good of a picture, but it works.

The heatshields are a must, you can get them at Autozone for $35.

 

[410Fortune]

Autozone sells those suckers? Is that $35 for 8?
friggin A I was getting them at my local speed shop for $8 ea, not bad but alot further across town the the Zone!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Autozone sells those suckers? Is that $35 for 8?
friggin A I was getting them at my local speed shop for $8 ea, not bad but alot further across town the the Zone!

Yeah, when I put on my headers they had just started carrying them. I thought that it was pretty good getting them for $35. $4.25 each is cheap enough.

 

[410Fortune]

YEAH GEE I wonder where my local speed shop is getting them now making $3.75 each

 

[duke16]

Well unfortantly I've run out of time for now, I'll have to get back to it on the weekend. Right now I'm slowly working the two bolts for the engine mount down, but I can't seem to get any good angle at them.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[duke16]

Hey mountaineergree, in your writeup does it say you did not tighten the inside engine mount nut? I can't seem to actually get to it, so is the engine safe with just the one nut?

 

[410Fortune]

no
get that sucker tight
I dont see the need to loosen it, why do you have to lift up the engine?
I was able to install my headers with the engine in place more then once....

It is okay to drive around with one nut on there but you should plan to get it installed ASAP

 

[duke16]

no
get that sucker tight
I dont see the need to loosen it, why do you have to lift up the engine?
I was able to install my headers with the engine in place more then once....

It is okay to drive around with one nut on there but you should plan to get it installed ASAP

Were you installing on a truck with a body lift or stock?