Header Installation question

[joonsup]

I recently got the Topspeed longtube headers from ebay, and once the y pipe is welded to connect to my single 2.5 inch exhaust, it will become one piece and I am wondering if it is possible to install longtube headers as one piece or is there not enough room to wiggle it in.

The plan is to initially put the headers on to see how much piping is needed to attach it to the exhaust and even though it was 2 pieces it was tough to wiggle them in from the top to temporarily mount it to the head. Once we take measurement we will have to remove them to do the welding thus making it into one piece. If I had more time I would order vbands where we could do the welding while the headers is on the car but since I am trying to get this done by tomorrow, it will have to be welded with a y pipe. Is it possible to install the headers as a one piece? Thanks

[frankie591]

welding them outside the car you will get warping of the pipes. Then IF you are able to install them as one piece, the welds as well as the head studs will be under constant stress, and eventually something will crack. Sounds like a bad idea.

[sweet6e30]

you should install a flex pipe after the headers, preferabley before the mid pipe. This will allow some play in the entire exhaust to avoid the "prybar" action stressing the headers and or weaker points in the frontal exhaust line where temperatures are higher; ie ex ports- header flange and runners.

Without a flex, the weight and entire exhaust will act like a long prybar from the rear of the car inducing stress on the hotter end, where colling and heat cycles occur as well as torquing issues during regular/spirited driving.

also make sure that your exhaust hangers and or supports are good.

hope that helps.

[joonsup]

So finally getting these installed this weekend after putting it on hold since last november. Any suggestions on the best place to add an O2 bung for the sensor?

[MR 325]

I recommend putting the o2 bung in or just after the Y pipe.

[joonsup]

I recommend putting the o2 bung in or just after the Y pipe.

Then I would probably need to extend the wire to reach down there yes?

[fatsooo]

extending the wires for the o2 is simple
you can use this DIY for reference

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=256671&highlight=o2

but instead of using a new one, i would go grab a junkyard o2 and just use the CONNECTING end of it
pretty straight forward, all the wires are different colors so its kind of hard to mess up

i would try to pick one up before you throw in the headers just to be safe

[joonsup]

Thanks fatso ill definitely use this DIY tomorrow when I install the headers. Thanks