Installing headers

[jrust]

I'm trying to install a set of Doug's in a 72 B-body with a 400ci. I've studied this project for hours now and for one reason or another these headers just don't want to go in period. My question is there a easy way to put these headers in without tearing the front end out? My second option is to put the cast manifolds back in, install a dual x-pipe exhaust in and call it a day. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, James

[idahogrumpy]

James, I do not know about Doug's headers, but Hooker and Headman headers both fit. Try installing the headers from the bottom of the car. The car has to be way up in the air and the motor will need to be lifted out of the drivers side mount a bit. The steering shaft,  steering gear,  and starter are very close if not touching the headers  in places. Your call, but usually the headers are tweaked in those areas for a better fit. Hope this helps.    Grumpy

[74-StreetMachine]

Are you trying to put them in from the top or from underneath ?   Cause they usually go in from below. And you will probably have to loosen the motor mounts and raise the engine an inch or two.

Put the car up on jack stands or ramps.
Shake the car and make sure it's stable!
Block the rear wheels so it won't roll.
Do the drivers side first.
Do the passenger side second. It will be easier.
Disconnect the battery.
Remove old manifolds.
Remove the starter.
You will probably have to raise the engine to slide the header in.
You may have to push the engine over to the passenger side a little. That's why you do the passenger side second, you will need the room.
You will probably have to remove the exhaust studs, the headers won't fit over them. Use bolts to attach the headers.
When you have the drivers header in, put in a couple of bolts but leave them loose. You need to jimmy the starter in and bolt it down and hook up the wires before you tighten down the header.
Slip the right side header in and bolt it down.
DON'T FORGET THE GASKETS!!! 
Start your car up, rev the engine a few times to piss off your neighbors. 
Take it for a spin around the block. Get it up to 30 MPH, let off the gas, then down shift into second.
Then go home and finish putting on the rest of your exhaust system.

[idahogrumpy]

Just my  but I have installed headers on my big blocks with the studs in place.  The reason I leave the studs in place is because they are prone to breaking when you try to remove them. Also there is water behind the stud and I do not want to fight water leaks along with my current header problems so to speak.    Grumpy

[chargerguy111]

Has anyone used the Flowtech headers?If so,how did they fit?

[CB]

Grumpy, did you manage to install the Doug's headers?
CB

[chargerguy111]

My engine builder recommends the use of stepped headers for my 440,starting out at 1 3/4 and going to 1 7/8.Im having problems finding something like this.Any ideas or is he just being picky?He's probably the best in my area and has taken other things into consideration like wheel and tire size,axle ratio,when building my engine.

[tommymac]

I did my Doug's Headers Just like Street-Machine says,Its not easy ,I even had a mini starter,but it all went together,I had a couple of water leaks but took care of them.They sound and look Great!

[Sweet T]

My installing Headers 101 includes:
Jacking the car way up
A hammer
A second jack
And the hope my starter does not go.
Sound about right?

[71charger_fan]

Unless you've got a race car, Schumachers are tremendous headers and are easy to install. Big blocks only though.

http://www.engine-swaps.com/

[Ghoste]

My installing Headers 101 includes:
Jacking the car way up
A hammer
A second jack
And the hope my starter does not go.
Sound about right?

You forgot beer and bandaids.  (a sailor's vocabulary doesn't hurt either  )