Header installation • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **turbocal** » 15 Jun 2004 4:47

I just bought a set of tti headers for my 1970 challenger wih a 440 and would like a few pointers on installation. First, what's the best way to get at the header bolts on the passenger side, and any other tips that anyone may have. Thanks, Calvin

by **dave-r** » 15 Jun 2004 7:50

Sorry. Maybe it is just me but I don't quite understand what it is you need to know?

You just put a spanner on the bolts and turn them. I don't understand what the problem is?

Are you wanting to know the full procedure for fitting headers?
Are you replacing existing headers or do you currently have original type exhaust manifolds?

If you have not done headers before tell me if which type you are replacing and I will write out a set of instructions. Although usually you get instructions with the headers.

by **turbocal** » 15 Jun 2004 9:36

I know the procedure. I have the original manifolds on now, but just by looking at the passenger side, I can only see about two of the bolts that the exhaust manifold is attached to. It just appears that the rest of them will be very hard to get a wrench on.

by **dave-r** » 15 Jun 2004 9:47

It is a LONG time since I had cast iron manifolds on my engine!

I am trying to remember what I used to use. I am sure a 3/8 drive socket set will sort it but I kind of remembered that a normal spanner would go on?

Unless someone has removed/replaced the special long extended nuts that go either side of the down pipe with something non-standard?

by **dave-r** » 15 Jun 2004 9:50

It might be more clear when you jack the engine up off its mounts to fit the headers. You will certainly be able to see the problem better.

The original iron manifolds fit onto studs NOT header bolts.

Remember to fit the drivers side first. Jack the engine up as high as it will go on the side you are working. Get the front wheels a good height off the ground as well.

by **Philthy** » 15 Jun 2004 12:15

You will also need to remove the starter motor and then juggle it in with the TTI's. I put TTI's on early last year on me own and found it quite straight forward once I got cracking, and the fit was spot-on. One mistake I made was to NOT clean the headers before firing the engine up. You can still make out smear marks and thumb prints even now! This is even more important if you've gone for the la-di-da coating (I could only stretch to the chrome coating, even with the cost of the headers being shared via several Birthday gifts and me own cash!).

by **dave-r** » 15 Jun 2004 12:23

Yeah a mini-starter is a big help here.

by **turbocal** » 15 Jun 2004 15:23

Thanks for all the help, me and a friend will tackle it today, will let you know how we come out

by **insuranceguy** » 15 Jun 2004 16:14

TTI has install instructions and photos that help quite a bit.

http://www.ttiexhaust.com/Headers-Big_Block.htm

Todd

by **Caparco** » 17 Jun 2004 1:53

I had to drop some of my Tie rods out to get my Dynomax in...real pain. maybe the one reason keeping me from changing them again.

by **turbocal** » 22 Jun 2004 8:01

Since my friend did not show up, I decided to take the car to an automotive shop to tackle this job. After looking at the car the guy at the shop tried to convince me that the headers would not fit on the passenger side because it was too tight of a fit. I could see his point, at the tightest spot next to the shock absorber, i cannot get my thumb between the exhaust manifold and the body of the car, though this is the tightest spot. He told me that he would have to fit the car with a taller motor mount on that side to make the header fit on that side. I told him that the headers should fit without him having to do that. Meanwhile I have decided to bring the car to another shop that is more experienced with header installation, but I would appreciate any additional help from someone that has done this installation.

by **dave-r** » 22 Jun 2004 9:29

They should fit as you say. They fit on that side easier than on the drivers side.

What help do you need? I thought you said you knew how to do this?

Remove the old exhaust and headers.
Drain the water out of the engine.
Remove the exhaust manifold studs.

Unbolt the engine mounts, jack up the car so you have at least a couple of feet of room under it (more is better) then jack up the engine one side at a time starting with the drivers side. Fit that header (you may have to remove and re-fit the starter motor at the same time) using header bolts with plenty of gasket or thread sealer on them (because they go into the water jacket).

Then do the passenger side (easier).

Job done.

Don't use cheap gaskets. Use the soft alluminium or copper header gaskets and they will seal better and for longer.

by **Philthy** » 22 Jun 2004 11:57

Sounds like the bloke at your shop didn't want to know. As said, read the instructions provided in the kit. These headers WILL fit - I have done it. Once in and everything bolted down again there will only be about an inch clearance to the pass. side shock tower just at one point, but that is still more than enough. As Dave said, once the drivers side is all bolted down, the passenger side installation is a walk in the park. Just give it a go yourself, you'll be so pleased with the result when done and that YOU did it!
Good luck!