Help me! Shorty header install.

[Memphis]

Ok-Removed the JBA Longtubes. That was more than I expected effort wise, had to move the powersteering rack, jack up the engine and disconnect the steering shaft (pretty sure I screwed that up-Marked the joint not the joint and shaft....I will get to that later)

Anyways- Drivers side, mac shorty header-top bolt closest to the firewall- all the other bolts went in great, can not get a bolt to even thread in there. Feels like it is starting to go in, then gets loose and falls out. Tried loosening the other bolts and jiggling it- doesnt seem to be interference from the gasket as the other three bolts went in fine. Anyone have any suggestions? I cant see what Im doing and after spending three hours trying to get one bolt to go in, Im considering flaming rags in the gas tank. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Mustang30212]

Are the end bolt holes slotted?

RH

 

[BROK3N]

I would recommend taking the header off and trying to get it in there. Not sure your going to like that idea. Also a tap and die set to make sure the threads are good and clean on everything. Just don't force it.

 

[Mustang30212]

Tried a different bolt?

RH

 

[weather man]

If you have a tap and die set, I would make sure the threads on bolt are good, and same with the hole. The hole in the flange good with no burrs?

 

[Memphis]

Tried different bolts, brand new stage 8 locking bolts... they better be good. The top back one isnt slotted like the bottom back one. Will take the damn thing off tomorrow when I dont feel like setting the car on fire and try again starting with that bolt. I will check the threading in the header too when I have it out, yeah I have the tap and die set, will check threading. Thanks guys.

 

[AbdullaGT500]

Did you use anything like silicon or RTV on the gaskets to keep them in place? If so you may have gotten some dried up in the bolt hole.

 

[kevinatfms]

why not get studs like the factory. shorten the studs that interfere with the header by grinding them down to the threads. i did this for many, many, many short tube header installs.

 

[atomicpunk]

Do you have a small mirror you can use to see into the hole? Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/SE-8014TM-Handle-27-Inch-Extension/dp/B001HBY8YK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ac_2

 

[gil_t2]

I always use the factory studs,

 

[peckshelby]

why not get studs like the factory. shorten the studs that interfere with the header by grinding them down to the threads. i did this for many, many, many short tube header installs.

Exactly what I had to do. Worked great!