kooks install, boss 302, help, wtf

[fastregalwe2]

I CANNOT get the driver side header past the trans/k-member. WTF am I missing here. Engine is jacked up as high as it will go, motor mount is out, steering knuckle is off. One tube hits the trans and the other is hitting the k-member

 

[Greg Hazlett]

Is this on the lift? It is easier to drop the K member.

 

[travelers]

Did you remove the motor mount on the motor? I had to on my '07 and it gave it more room. I also didn't tighten the other side but installed.

 

[fastregalwe2]

Had both motor mounts out. Ended up dropping the k member. Never ever again will I touch headers on one of these cars

 

[fdjizm]

thats why i paid somebody to do mine... lol

 

[hotrod_renegade]

I wanted to set the car on fire and go to the bar when I did mine. Out of everything I've done to my car, the headers were the worst. Will not do again.

 

[nasty281]

Have you tried shifting engine/trans to the right since you have both mounts out?

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

Everything I've read about the Kooks headers for the '11-14's say you have to drop the K-member. LOL!!!!!!

 

[Rob72]

Everything I've read about the Kooks headers for the '11-14's say you have to drop the K-member. LOL!!!!!!

Exactly! I have Kooks 1 7/8ths and could not get them in by removing the motor mounts and jacking the engine up. K member is going to have to be dropped.

 

[JEWC_Motorsports]

Oh so kooks doesn't exactly have the best fitment now do they!!!!!

 

[Rob72]

Oh so kooks doesn't exactly have the best fitment now do they!!!!!

Once they are installed the professional way the fitment was perfect. Kooks also has head flange/primary tube welds that are 2nd to none.


OP since the fitment is tight due to the equal length primaries I would highly recommend Prothane motor mounts.

 

[ebrow21]

Took me 25 minutes to remove the k member on my sw long tube install. I dont want to think about trying it with the k still there.

 

[86GT351]

Fitment is excellent. Install can be challenging. K Member needs to be lowered. An extra inch or so goes a long way!

 

[ford20]

What do you use to hold the engine up when you remove the K-Member? An Engine support bar?

 

[86GT351]

What do you use to hold the engine up when you remove the K-Member? An Engine support bar?

Depends on how it is being done. In a shop with a lift, then yes, an Engine Support bar goes a long way. It can also be done with an appropriate jack and some wood beneath the oil pan

 

[JEWC_Motorsports]

Well I installed my headers with the k in and had absolutely no issues. It was just time consuming.

 

[fastregalwe2]

That was a hell of a good time..........ha!!!!!!

Thanks for the replies guys

 

[ford20]

Depends on how it is being done. In a shop with a lift, then yes, an Engine Support bar goes a long way. It can also be done with an appropriate jack and some wood beneath the oil pan

I don't mean to seem to be nit picky but if you have access to an engine support bar would you recommend not using it if you were doing this in your driveway? I am just trying to figure out the best way to support the engine for when I drop my K-Member.

 

[ebrow21]

I don't mean to seem to be nit picky but if you have access to an engine support bar would you recommend not using it if you were doing this in your driveway? I am just trying to figure out the best way to support the engine for when I drop my K-Member.

Large block of wood on a jack under the transmission bell housing (like a 4x4). Have the car on 4 large jack stands. Had the bmr k-member and SW headers done in 4.5hrs with a friend. I did have nice cordless impacts for the k-member removal though.

 

[86GT351]

I don't mean to seem to be nit picky but if you have access to an engine support bar would you recommend not using it if you were doing this in your driveway? I am just trying to figure out the best way to support the engine for when I drop my K-Member.

The Engine support bar will help stabilize the engine location so you can drop the K Member for clearance. By all means if you have the equipment, utilize it!