S50: Removing head with long tube headers?

[PutterMcGavin]

So I think I might need to remove my head to fix a cooling issue and was curious if anyone has removed the head WITH headers attached (eBay long tube reps of some kind). I'm a bit concerned I may not be able to pull them off before removing the head. It looks pretty tight, especially against the strut tower.

Also when installing head studs do you install the heads on the block, then lower the head onto the block OR can you put the head on the block, line it up then lower the studs?

Thanks!

[MyE30]

Also when installing head studs do you install the [head studs] on the block, then lower the head onto the block OR can you put the head on the block, line it up then lower the studs?

You install the head studs in the block then put the head on. You can see how how installed my ARP head studs in my S52 rebuild thread. The link is in my sig.

[jeffmn8]

Yes, leave the headers attached. I had the ebay SS rep headers on my s50 when it was in the car and ended up having to pull the head and didn't touch a single exhaust nut to do it.

[JMPAuto]

I recommend taking the headers out. Removing the head is easy but putting it back with the headers on will be a challenge. Getting it to align will be a problem and you'll risk scratching the head surface trying to align it with the stud. We've done it many times and ended up always taking the headers off when its time to install it back. Do it right and you will not regret it. One thing I learned in 5 years that I have my shop open is that taking a shortcut always ends up being the longest.

[nrubenstein]

What I strongly recommend is having an air ratchet, a ratcheting wrench, a bunch of extensions, and U-joints. It's honestly not that hard to get the headers off if you go this route. If you need clearance getting them out of the bottom, just disconnect the FCAB. (You may be able to just pull them off and leave them in the bay.)

The air ratchet is not necessary, but I'm usually able to zip off/on about 80% of the fasteners in a couple minutes which just makes it a lot less unpleasant to deal with the fiddle ones. With some manifolds (E46 M3 euro headers, M50 cast anvils), I can do the whole thing or all but a couple.

[PutterMcGavin]

Thanks all for the responses! I pulled it out with the headers on but will be reinstalling them without the headers. I'll be using some shorter studs than what I have now which will make them easier to reattach. Still looks like it'll be a pain but worth it!

Also I decided to not go ARP. Not going boosted or anything too crazy as the car will be a DD.

[PutterMcGavin]

FYI following the advice of others up there and installing the head and THEN the headers. Also bought some pretty nifty exhaust studs from the newer E82. Have a torx head and are shorter so it should make the install MUCH easier.

Part number for those is 11127593376. $0.46/each at my local dealership