Those who have installed headers-please advise me...
 

I just got my new B&B headers in. I'm 90% sure I'm going to drop the motor for a rebuild the end of the year. Do I wait until then for the headers, or do I take my chances now, assuming the risk of breaking studs, etc?

Breaking exhaust studs is not too common. Just make sure you spray them in rust penetrate a day before hand, and you shouldnt have any problems. If they get stuck, most of the time the stud will come out with the nut.

Easier when the engine is out.....

I figured they'd be easier when engine is out, but I figure I've got 2 DE's before I pull the motor, and they SHORE IS PURDY!!

I just went through the same ordeal a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't wait. So I bit the bullet and installed my B&B headers with the engine in the car. I sprayed some penetrating fluid on the studs an hour or two before I started removing the nuts. The nuts came off without any trouble at all and the new headers went on perfectly. YMMV, of course. Best of luck to you, whatever route you take.

Make sure you got the headers that allow you to adjust the valves when their on. I had a set of B&B's that would not allow the valve covers to clear so you had to drop the whole system to do a valve adjustment :-(...

Cheers, James

Thanks Brian: I'll stay positive on this. I've got plenty of PB, and oxy-acetylene, and time. What muffler did you go with? I'm going with a Fabspeed piece made for B&B headers. I've heard to much bad on B&B mufflers.

Breaking a stud, although maybe not "common", does happen. I have done it before and also know a few who have as well. Soak in some form of penetrating oil and use a torch to get the nuts good and hot and then get a wet rag on them to quench them and break the rust free. Also, I have had success just using a 1/4 inch drive ratchet so that I do not get too much torque on the nuts. The allen head barrel nuts should not be a problem. The fact that you are concerned about this is a good thing, you will probably be careful enough to not have any problems at all.

Jeff

Ed - I went with a Fabspeed muffler too. Great choice. I absolutely love mine.