Tools:
Jack
Jackstands/Ramps
Socket Wrench
2 Flat Head Screwdrivers
6in and 3in Extenders
O2 Sensor Wrench
A set of these... I don't remember exactly which ones I used where but at least majority of these

Pair of Pliers
WD-40
IMPORTANTLY 1 friend

NOTE: Whenever I'm talking about using the socket wrench you will have to note that I will not say which size bolt to use... reason is that I don't remember which one I used and I'm not going to undo everything because it was a PITA to do... but if you have a set of sockets the sizes mentioned above then you'll be okay I believe just kind of play around with the sizes.

Unbolt the 3 bolts holding down the cover


You'll then get to this point... unbolt the 6 bolts holding the header to the engine block and remove... make sure to KEEP the old gasket for use with the new header


You'll then get to this point where you're going to have to go under the car and unbolt 4 bolts... 3 from the header to the downpipe and 1 that holds the header to the block as well so there's no shaking


This is where you'll get to... After you do this there are 2 bolts in green that I decided to take out that are holding the brace in place... it helps alot when trying to place the header in


Now let's get under the car and work on that old downpipe... Use the socket in order to take the bolts that are connecting the cat to the exhaust pipe


Now let's get to the O2 Sensor... You're going to want to take the O2 sensor wrench and maybe some WD-40 to get the sensor loose... You're going to really want to blowtorch it if possible instead of the WD-40 but since I didn't have one I did this instead


Here is the hangers that are holding the downpipe to the body... I used 2 flathead screwdrivers to pry the hanger off the downpipe


Once the downpipe is off the hangers you're going to take it off the car with the O2 sensor disconnected

Now place the new downpipe onto the hangers


Now let's bolt down the new downpipe to the exhaust pipe with the bolts provided placing the gasket in between provided by RRM and then let's place the O2 sensor onto the downpipe


Now let's get to the header now.. time to get back from under the car (Pay no attention to the support system in the center... This is where the green circled bolts are that I mentioned before)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't touch the bolt that is circled in the picture below... I locked up my balance shafts when removing this bolt after trying to put it back in and it totaled my engine.


It is going to take ALOT of effort to get the header into the engine bay and align up with the holes but here is the finished part unbolted. This is why I unbolted that other bolt in blue and locked up my engine.
I would recommend to take out your fans by the radiator to make more room to get the header in place instead of removing the balance shaft adjustment bolt


Now let's bolt up the header to the engine bay and bolt the header to the downpipe


You should now be done!

If I forgot anything anyone is welcome to add on or place any pointers to make it easier

 

Great info, awesome pics, excellently documented. Need I say more?

 

I forgot to add... MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE ALL BOLTS BEFORE RESETTING ECU!

 

now do the vids come!?? =/ great walkthrough! *bookmarks* soon I will look at this!

 

Sorry my car actually died.... I think its my starter so I don't really have vids of the after right now....

 

yea read your help thread =/ hope everything works out for you!

 

So what about the ECU do you need to do? On alL the other threads about this i've never heard anything about the ECU?

 

Well for the ECU you're going to be changing the amount of air that's going to be passing through the O2 sensors and without resetting the ECU you're going to get a CEL just for the increased airflow supposedly and then not counting in the fact that you're probably going to be throwing the lack of your catalytic converter code

 

I also orders their hi-flow cat with my combo so i doubt i will throw any codes. Plus i sent ROCK a PM and he sai since im ordering the cat i don't need to get the "CEL" eliminator.

 

the CEL eliminator automatically comes with the combo but if you dont need it just set it aside and you'll be good

 

I edited my original post to make installation a little bit more clear for those that decide to use this how-to for their header/downpipe setups. This installation should also work for the OBX headers but they will need the extra sensor plug for the second hole that OBX makes theirs with.