No need to do that. Did you remove the engine hoist hook that sits on the back of the head? If you remove that, it allows another 2 inches for the heat shield to slide up and over. I had no bends in mine, only minor scratches.

 

I finally got the header installed tonight!

I had to cut off the heatshield - it sucks, but it's the only way.

I used an impact gun to remove the two bolts connecting the exhaust manifold to the exhaust piping - worked like a charm, but it was LOUD

I had to remove the strut tower brace to get the manifold out and the header in.

The tab that hard mounts the header to the engine block does not line up at all. The existing brackets were off by about 1/2", and they are so beefy that I couldn't get the holes to line up. I left that bolt off - I hope t doesn't come back to bite me in the ***

Other than that, it was pretty straightforward

The sound is great - it actually makes my GReddy quieter at normal cruising speed; it seems to resonate in the cabin less. The exhaust note is noticeably deeper and the car sounds very "growly" now.

The only downside is that, as with all new exhaust parts, it's burning off a bunch of residue inside the piping, and it smells like a campfire is following me around. Not a big deal - the smell will go away in a day or two, but it is quite strong right now.

I can't comment on performance yet - I will do some high speed and acceleration stuff in a couple of days, but overall, this is a great mod - highly recommended

 

well I can't wait to get my header

I do have all the right tools so it shouldn't be that hard I hope.

Snap on wrenches don't bend, even half of mine are craftsman.

Anyways did you guys try penetration fliud on the heat shield or how did you have to rip it out? Why? Just curious? No space?

Post a video if you can! I know i will, but it will be a month or two before I get mine.

 

Please explain in more detail about the "existing brackets were off by about 1/2", and they are so beefy that I couldn't get the holes to line up. " You left a bolt out the the header because of this? Who else has had this problem? And let me guess, RRM didnt mention anything about this, anywhere.

When you say exisiting, your talking about the original header or the RRM header not lining up? Please explain a little more about this "bracket" in question.

 

Mine went in no problem. Everything lined up good for me.

 

There is a tab on the bottom of both the existing manifold and the new header that attaches onto a V-shaped bracket on the engine block. It's there to triangulate the header/manifold and provide support so that you're not using the header flange as support.

If you poke your head under the car and look up at where the exhaust mainfold is, you'll see the bracket and bolt in question.

On my header, the tab doesn't line up with the bracket, and I can't get the bolt through the holes. I tried pushing/flexing the bracket into place, but I can only move it about 1/16" - not enough to get it to work.

Right now I am driving without the bolt in place, so the header flange is taking the weight of the header itself. This is obviously not the ideal solution, so I'm bringing my car in on Friday to the dealer to see what they can do. I'm not sure if it's a matter of the tab was welded in the wrong spot, or if I needed to connect the tab to the bracket before I bolted the header to the block (which would have made the install much more difficult).

 

who else has a header and had / didnt have a problem?

 

wow when u go to the dealership.. i wonder how much they will charge you..

 

mmmmm head...er LOL

 

I didn't have any problems. 9 times out of 10 its the installer, not the product.

 

Anyway you guys could post pics of the installed header, and or pics of the stock manifold? Thanks

 

Sorry for the crappy cellphone pic, but it's all I had at the time

Oh, and ignore the Mitre saw blade - it didn't come from the car

 

could you take an installed pic? I just want to get excited for what my car will be like....is your car blue? lol.

Can't wait for that extra power. The intake gives a tiny tease, but exhaust and header. I will be able to keep up with my friends 04 Spec'V

ON TOPIC NOW:

if you have any issues with installing pm me and I will try to help. its hard with just words so please include pics or even videos of what you are having trouble with. Take this as rrm's unofficial support :P

 

Damn, big difference! An installed pic would be nice....

 

OK, here are your installed pics. I've got to say, there isn't much to see from above the engine - if you really want to appreciate it, you have to see it from below

Oh, and sorry for the filthy engine bay - I just got back from a 2-hour drive in the snow.