About to install a set of Gibson Shorty's, any tips?
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7,055
Likes: 7
From: Lee County, North Carolina
When I first installed my headers I had a bit of trouble with tightening the bolts because of clearance issues. Then I got an idea for a wrench that I've seen before but couldn't find the right size in the store (they were all too small).
With that wrench it was actually pretty easy to take that header off and put it back on. If you look at the picture you'll see where I bent the closed end a little past flat and it's pretty obvious what I did to the open end.
I modified a wrench and anyone that is thinking of getting shorty headers should do this to a wrench because it made things so much easier.
If you're going to modify a wrench yourself then either wear a gas mask while you do it or hold your breath, weld quickly, get away then breath. When you weld chrome vanadium it puts off toxic fumes.
If you're going to modify a wrench yourself then either wear a gas mask while you do it or hold your breath, weld quickly, get away then breath. When you weld chrome vanadium it puts off toxic fumes.
Champion
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 2
From: Ft Campbell, KY/TN
Thanks!
Champion
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area, CA
Yeah, that sucks. Any time I want to look it up, I have to Google it because our search feature SUCKS!!!
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Well i had a ****ty day.
I spent all day friday prepping and high temp powder coating the headers.
Woke up this morning and installed: took about 4 hours. Started truck up and the driverside was leaking out of what i thought was the 2 middle runners.
So i took off the driver side, got a better gasket, some newer nuts since i kept the studs in and re attempted the installation.
Fought that for about 2 hours. Started it up...same leak. Pissed off I deLt with the hot gas and put my hands where i could fell the exhaust gas leaking. It was coming from the start of the header runner collector.
Took that header off again. Got in there with my borescope AND....welds around 2 runners are cracked
I am very pissed off. Wasted a whole day not to mention put the kids on my wife all day. Now i have to reinstall the factory headers and get a hold of the guy who sold me this ****.
Thats what i get for doing craigslist. Ughhhhh
I spent all day friday prepping and high temp powder coating the headers.
Woke up this morning and installed: took about 4 hours. Started truck up and the driverside was leaking out of what i thought was the 2 middle runners.
So i took off the driver side, got a better gasket, some newer nuts since i kept the studs in and re attempted the installation.
Fought that for about 2 hours. Started it up...same leak. Pissed off I deLt with the hot gas and put my hands where i could fell the exhaust gas leaking. It was coming from the start of the header runner collector.
Took that header off again. Got in there with my borescope AND....welds around 2 runners are cracked
I am very pissed off. Wasted a whole day not to mention put the kids on my wife all day. Now i have to reinstall the factory headers and get a hold of the guy who sold me this ****.
Thats what i get for doing craigslist. Ughhhhh
Champion
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,717
Likes: 10
From: N/A
Gibson headers have a limited life time warranty, I would contact them and see what they have to say. You might get an new set out of them. You might need the org receipt if you can't get one from the guy that sold them to you pm me.
Gibson Performance Customer Service Department for a Return Authorization Number at (800) 528-3044.
Gibson Performance Customer Service Department for a Return Authorization Number at (800) 528-3044.
Last edited by merc225hp; Dec 11, 2011 at 12:22 PM.
Record Breaker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I picked up a set for 160.00 so I figured what the heck. They are in great shape just the paint coating burned off. I have a powder coating machine at work so I am gonna coat them in HOTCOAT High Temp Silver.
I have researched and the install is said to be a bitch. The instructions say you have to remove the 2 exhaust studs in the head....this correct? I am basicaly looking for any tips from people who have installed them before. I am not worried about it being tough, I just know if I can avoid a headache, by all means fill me in
Gaskets with copper RTV or not?
Any particular gasket brand recommended?
Should I replace the y-pipe to header donut gasket too?
I have a 2001 1500 5.9L. Truck runs great and has little mods: Custom AEM intake, SCT hemifever 91 octane tune, Super 44 Flowmaster. I figured these would be nice snce they bolt right up. I had a chance at many cheap pacesetter shorties BUT I couldnt turn these down since they averaged a bit more in price used and seem better qaulity(guess there).
I also dont have any hardware(bolts) with the headers. Anyone know what 5/16'' thread pitch AND length bolt I should buy. The instructions I downloaded from Gibson's website said they came with 1" long 5/16" bolts....I think that would be too short given the 3/8" thick flange and washers on top of it all, doesnt leave much treads into the head.
Thanks for the help guys.....hope I feel a power difference.
I have researched and the install is said to be a bitch. The instructions say you have to remove the 2 exhaust studs in the head....this correct? I am basicaly looking for any tips from people who have installed them before. I am not worried about it being tough, I just know if I can avoid a headache, by all means fill me in
Gaskets with copper RTV or not?
Any particular gasket brand recommended?
Should I replace the y-pipe to header donut gasket too?
I have a 2001 1500 5.9L. Truck runs great and has little mods: Custom AEM intake, SCT hemifever 91 octane tune, Super 44 Flowmaster. I figured these would be nice snce they bolt right up. I had a chance at many cheap pacesetter shorties BUT I couldnt turn these down since they averaged a bit more in price used and seem better qaulity(guess there).
I also dont have any hardware(bolts) with the headers. Anyone know what 5/16'' thread pitch AND length bolt I should buy. The instructions I downloaded from Gibson's website said they came with 1" long 5/16" bolts....I think that would be too short given the 3/8" thick flange and washers on top of it all, doesnt leave much treads into the head.
Thanks for the help guys.....hope I feel a power difference.
As for power boost, I have similar mods and really didnt feel a boost untill I install a larger tb.
That sucks about the cracked collector tube, it shouldnt be that much to have a shop to prep and weld the area, even then you probably saved alot compared to buying them new.