i should be getting my header from howell in a few days. i also got new header bolts. was that a good investment twords my neon? it came to around 170 for everything. How hard will it be to change it. the only thing im worried about is striping the old header bolts trying to get them out. its an 02 neon but i dont want to run into problems if there rusted.. any advise would be greatley appreciated. thanks..

 

If there is any rust on it I would use something like WD40 on it and let it set for awhile before starting, and I wouldn't man handle the wrench taking the bolts off. If it is too hard try using a pipe on the end of the wrench if it is possible to fit in there.

 

You should have spent the extra money and got the armor coated Pacesetter header.
I have the black header and cat-back system from Pacesetter.

I regret not spending the extra money and getting the armor coated Pacesetter header. I have had my header for like 5 months and it chips and looks like it is 10 years old or something. The armor coated header can withstand more temp also. I love the sound of my exhaust system though.

Later, I want to switch to the armored coated Pacesetter header or a Borla header. My next car wont have a Pacesetter exhaust system on it. My next car will be Borla.

 

i got the header in 2 days it was sent out yesterday and got it this morning. anyway it says to paint it for longer lasting. should i get high temp paint and paint it?

 

If itr recommends it, I would.

 

ok i painted it and got the old one out. the header bolts were easy but the 4 bolts to the cat are a bitch. took about 4 hours. with me and my friend. now i relized i have to cut the cat and weld a piece on. am i supposed to cut the cat and weld the piece on b/c it doesnt fit with just the header. i need the compression piece witch has to be welded on. does this sound right.

 

if ur talking about the piece that looks like steel braided mesh, yeah it's normal.... I think u can pick it up from any muffler shop for a lil bit of greenback

 

alright. it was a bitch but i got the hole cat out in one piece. they said cut at the weld mark. but there are two weld marks. Do u no what side to cut. i also put the header in. all i have left is to weld that piece and reinstall the cat and then i should be good.

 

how did u manage to get the 4 bolts off that attach to the header/cat? ive tried everything and i broke about 4 or 5 sockets trying to get it out and it wont budge. im thinkin off just cutting them off with a dremel or something. its really pissin me off lol.

 

ok this is what i did.

1. took off all header bolts. easy

2. took off the nuts that were on the cat holding the header. the nuts were easy but the bults were still stuck holding it in place.

3.tried wratchet and didnt work. tried hitting them didnt work. I got the 13 mm wrench i think. wouldnt budge at all.

4. last option. put the 13mm wrench on and put my foot in the small opining. i pushed it with my foot and broke the seal. IT WORKED. after that i went back and forth like 30 times and it got loose. so i pushed the bolt while twisting the bolt and it came out.

5. The bolts were designed to stay in place. once the nut was on to hold it. the bolt has like rivits on it so once
its in you dont need to hold the screw to tighten it. there werid. Just push it with your foot,if u can get in there and it should deff work.