RajDatta

Could someone who has performed this answer a few questions.
It looks like a very tight fit, did you guys do it with the head on the block or did you remove the head?
The heatshields seems to be in the way, has anyone been able to retain it?
I know that cylinder #1, inside exhaust stud has to be short, any other ones that I should be aware of?
What tightening pattern did you guys use? Did you tighten the corssover part 1st or did you do the ends 1st?
Thanks for sharing yoru experiences.
Raj

mtnman82

When I was looking at taking the headers off as part of resealing the oil cooler, I was told I had to either take the headers off with the head, or you can take the studs out of the block (some like to replace with something like the Saturn studs or Sharky's new studs to make removal easier) and then remove the headers with the head on. In my case, there wasn't enough room to remove the headers with the studs still in the head.

RajDatta

Thanks mtnman82. I already have the saturn studs. I guess the head has to go on 1st. the problem I saw is that it is impossible to clear the body with the header on the head. I can't align the head to teh head studs since the body comes in the way to allow me to do this.
Raj

lart951

I heard that some people loose the passanger side motor mount and with a jack tilt the engine enough to clear the headers.

87944turbo

I don't have the SFR Stage II header (wish I did), but I have removed/installed the stock headers while still attached to the head. What worked for me was have them mounted, but as loose as possible with the nuts just threaded on a few turns. This allowed me to manuver everything into place. Maybe this will help with your SFR. Lets see some pics of that thing!!

RajDatta

Interesting, might be worth a try. I will let everyone know how it worked out.
Raj

RolexNJ

So you got SFR Stage 2 Header? Very nice. You may want to reach out to Chris White, for I'm sure he's installed a few in the past. Have fun and good luck.

RajDatta

Thanks. If only I can get them to fit now. I would feel bad calling calling Chris since I would be wasting his time.
Raj

RajDatta

I tried that, no luck. The factory headers are somewhat flat and don't require as much clearance.
Thanks.
Raj

SoloRacer

Raj: These are going in the 968 correct? I'm wondering if there are any differences between that engine bays of the 968 and 951 that could cause you some unique problems.

RajDatta

Solo, I wish I knew the answer. I am on the phone with Tim as I am typing. He rcommended the same solution as Louis A. The part that is a bummer is I might have to lose the heatshield .
Raj

SoloRacer

I know that on my car they cut a significant portion of the heat sheild away. I assumed it was so that the intercooler piping would clear but now I wonder if it was to clear the headers.

RajDatta

After speaking to Tim, I get the impression that the heatshields can be saved. He also recommended that I do the same thing, loosen the passenger side motormount and jack up the engine a bit. I will give it a try and let everyone know. Its a pretty tight fit but I know plenty are using it, so has been done before.
On another note, I went ahead and had Jon Milledge rework the head, spec a cam and I also switched to a 3 inch inlet on the GT3076R. So the setup will have all this plus the SFR header. Hopefully, the gains will be substantial. For now, the boost will remain at 14.5 psi. Might bump it up a bit later right before its time to get it dynotuned with the new setup.
Raj

RolexNJ

I'm sure that all you have to do is modify it, but "dont" quote me on that and hold me to it. As I said, I would get in touch with Chris he'll know. Send him a PM, but it's your call.

special tool

This is the best method.