Drivers side header installation (351w)

[Usudno]

We got the engine installed Saturday. No big issues other than the driver side header installation. I'm looking for tips/ideas on how to get that guy in there. I'll attach a picture to show my setup. From looking at it. I believe i will have to remove and reset or move my brake fluid reservoir, Possibly remove the valve covers, probably removed spark plugs, and get the oil filter out of the way as well. Any help and knowledge on this would be greatly appreciated. Also, the header bolts supplied with my hooker headers seem rather underwhelming. I'm sure there is a better bolt to use. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Usudno]

Afternoon bump.

[Bob Cowan]

Yeah, the driver's side is a PITA. I found it easier to come up from the bottom, between the frame rail and the body. Also, take the valve cover off, it's a lot easier to tighten the bolts.

For bolts, I just used the ones that came with the headers. They work just fine. Put some copper silicone on the threads so they don't ever come loose.

[Usudno]

Thanks bob. I will try to tackle it tommorow.

[boat737]

My 427w was tight, but didn't have to remove anything. I even used a couple of studs to hold the header while I threaded the rest of the header bolts. I bought 3 or 4 different style of header bolts (gee, I may have to add those to my list of parts for sale in the classified section...) because of the tight fit next to the exhaust tube, but ended up using the Percy's vibe lock locking bolts. On a lot of advice here, didn't use the header gasket, and just went with the Ultra Copper RTV. I used a snap on 3/8" , 3/8" drive torque adapter, ground down a little bet to get it to fit. Managed to get a torque wrench on all of them.

Which brings up a question, is the 4 into 4 gasket (header to side pipe) the way to go, or should that be left out and replaced with the Ultra Copper RTV too?

[AC Bill]

If you use Remflex manifold gaskets, you don't need to really torque up the header bolts a lot. The gasket is resilient and designed to not be crushed. With a set of Percy split-lock bolts, (to ensure retention,) I only needed a small closed end ratchet wrench, with a 1/4" drive extension adaptor, and a small socket, to tighten all the bolts. Worked great in such tight confines.

The Percy Vibe Locks that boat737 has pictured, are the same as what used to be called the split-lock bolts.

[Bob Cowan]

Which brings up a question, is the 4 into 4 gasket (header to side pipe) the way to go, or should that be left out and replaced with the Ultra Copper RTV too?

Through a couple of sets of headers, I didn't find the fit of that joint to be very good. I tried silicone there, but it never lasted. After a couple of times, I never used anything there. No silicone, no gasket. Never leaked, either.