Well now that my summer classes are done and I have a bit of a break before fall classes start up, I can finally get some of the work I've been trying to do done!

This morning I started installing my headers. The bolts weren't bad at all to take out. I let the soak in PB Blaster for a while. I still have to do the other side, but I'm letting the bolts soak a little longer. Try not to laugh too hard at my wrapping job...
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Tomorrow I'm going to start installing my modded intake...
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That will completely get rid of the EGR system, cause the intake is from my '98 360 and the headers are for a '96 Dakota (no EGR).

When that gets done, time to start a complete tear down of the new 2wd so I can get it painted before summer ends.

 

Cool I've be wanting to get some header wrap. Under my hood gets damn hot. I bet that helps alot.

 

I'll let you know how hot it gets when I test drive it later!

 

I was surprised when I did my engine swap, that my exhust mani bolts came right out! I didnt soak them or anything. popped loose and then threaded right out. And was probably the first time they had been removed as theres only 70,000 on the truck.

 

Ya I didn't even think of soaking them when I did mine at 110,000 miles. The manifold bolts came off no problem with no oil. But I can see how it can seize up. But the collector bolt was seized up and just snapped the bolt in 2 on on both sides.

 

Let us know how you like the headers as well. Its on my list for my truck.

On a side note...if a body mount sleeve sticks to the bolt and your pry on it with a bar you dont break it loose you bend the crap out of your frame mount. Just an FYI. Lol.

Hopefully you have more luck with the other side of your headers, and dont end up swearing like I just was.

 

LOL! Actually, the first side was easier! I just got the other side done and it was a PITA!!! First, trying to find a path to get the header in there around the steering shaft and wires, I somehow touched one side to the battery and the other side to the frame and threw a huge spark. Then, I finally got it in place and it turned out the header wrap was in the way of getting the back-middle nut back on, so I had to take it back out and cut away some of the header wrap. It was a job, but its done now. I just need to put the inner fender wells back in, the tires back on, and test drive it! (and wear a gas mask because of the smoke thats gonna come off it as the PB Blaster burns away!)

 

Well I got it back together and took it for a test drive, and holy crap it made a huge difference!! It's most noticable on the low end (under 3k rpm), but I could tell a difference across the whole powerband. When I got it home, I pulled out my optical thermometer and it read about 440*F. I have nothing to compare that to, but it sounds really hot to me. I'll just have to keep an eye out for melted wires and stuff.

 

Lol. Sorry. I must have jinxed ya.

If it makes you feel better after fighting it for an hour I finally go that bolt out. Get to the other side and ill be darned if the other one isnt just as froze. Same one too. I got a decent set of rubber off my parts truck, so it will work if I can ever get it off. I broke the set of vice grips I used to get the other side off. Sigh....the things we do.....

At least youll get to hear a nice rumble and feel the flow soon. Are you staying single exhaust pipe or running dual?

 

Cool! I've been planning on getting Gibson Shortys for mine. Did the exhaust sound change at all?