Header bolts/ to remove the engine or not.

[tr6forme]

I recently purchased a Cobra Roadster and just discovered that on the driver's side I have header bolts
only in the front two tubes, the rest are AWOL. So here's the question, can new bolts be installed with the engine in the car, or do I need to pull the engine. There just doesn't seem to be enough room to get a hand in there to put the bolts in.
Is there a trick to performing this bit of work?
If I need to, or simply decide to, can the engine and tranny be pulled as a unit, or do they need to be separated?
Thanks,

Tom

[Toy4me]

Don't you have a massive exhaust leak? I have lost just one on previous cars and had a big leak. So you have only 4 of the 8? I can get to all of mine with the motor in the car. My motor is also a 408 based on a 351.

[Jeff Kleiner]

In the car is the only way---it's not possible to install the engine with the headers installed. Yes, engine & trans can be installed and removed together.

Jeff

[CDXXVII]

Get the roadster up on jack stands. On the drivers side you can get at the most difficult bolts from the bottom.

Patience is key. Good hardware also.

I used reduced head style bolts. 3/8" wrenching.

Purchased them from www.totallystainless.com

These have the locking washers built in


83977

[mike223]

So here's the question, can new bolts be installed with the engine in the car, or do I need to pull the engine. There just doesn't seem to be enough room to get a hand in there to put the bolts in.


In the car is the only way---it's not possible to install the engine with the headers installed.

+1

Somebody had to get their hand in there to install the bolts in the first place, or they built it too hurriedly to worry about such details.

Let me guess - something bigger (broader) than 302?


If you can't get your hand in there, you might be best served by pulling the engine and redesigning the shape of the footbox.


Or, in some cases buying, later model footbox sheet metal from FFR...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27632-Engine-to-far-to-Drivers-Side&highlight=2bking

[Ducky2009]

Make sure you use a new gasket!

[CraigS]

The 3/8 bolts w/ a 3/8 hex work for me. On a few of the bolts you may need to pull the header away from the head a little by loosening all the other bolts. The bolt needs to go in on an angle to clear the header tube, bit, if all the other bolts are tight, it is still at a bit of an angle when it contacts the head so it won't thread into the hole.

[Avalanche325]

You will likely need to back the existing bolts out and pull the header away from the engine to get more bolts in. However, doing this means that you will need either a new gasket or to re-seal it with high temp copper RTV. I recommend the RTV method.

You need the proper bolts as people have stated.

[tr6forme]

Thanks to all who replied to my request for help.
Tom