DIY: E46 Header Installation Guide

Originally Posted by 330inthe330

How did you go about getting the front top bolt off of the front header? And did you break the heat shields off the existing manifold gaskets? I've been yanking them up and down trying to break the little rivets, but it doesn't seem to be doing much. :/

that one was a bit weird. you have to go from like the side.

but i wasn't able to yank the heat shield off. i just pried it up a bit. Also i think jacking up the motor might help with that front top nut.

I pulled my washer fluid reservoir out along with jacking the motor up and it was easy! As for the heat shields, I used a dremel tool to cut them off the gasket.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by 330inthe330

How did you go about getting the front top bolt off of the front header? And did you break the heat shields off the existing manifold gaskets? I've been yanking them up and down trying to break the little rivets, but it doesn't seem to be doing much. :/

Alright, got all the bolts off the front header, now i'm trying to actually get the header off. I broke one of the bolts at the midpipe/manifold gasket. The bolts on there are super rusted, my car only has 54k lol. Anyway I'm using the sawzall to get those off so that i can actually pull the front header off.

Hi
Great write up
Can anyone tell me how much is the power gain just from the headers on 330 2001 coupe??
Thanks a lot

dont ask me to back myself up with dyno charts on this one, but general consensus is that you will see anywhere from 15-25hp (25 sounds like a bit much) gains. Now whether that's HP, RWHP or BHP...I havent got the slightest clue.

I picked up the new manifold nuts from the dealership today, all I have to do is reassemble everything with the new headers on and wire up my o2sim. I'm real excited to see how this turns out.

So my back (shorter) header fits perfect, but the front (longer) one comes up a little short on the muffler side. It's got about half an inch gap between the flanges where the manifold meets the mid pipe. It's also a little off as far as height.

Looks like I will be doing this install next weekend, thanks to TrippinBimmer for the great deal.

It seems to me that there is nothing during the install that is the PITA of the install. The only thing I stress is breaking bolts. I plan on soaking the bolts with PB Blaster the day before and day of just to be safe.

anyone know why the pic dont work?

im gonna do the headers this friday. wish me luck.

been reading this DIY and i see that the only PITA are taking off the screws. (and if you get the wrong headers). Hopefully someone (SL Black Soldier) will go pass by my house on Friday and give me some tips to get the screws off easily.

Originally Posted by Acidic

im gonna do the headers this friday. wish me luck.

been reading this DIY and i see that the only PITA are taking off the screws. (and if you get the wrong headers)

You and me both brother......I suggest getting some PB Blaster, it works a sh*t load better than wd-40

Originally Posted by TX_Bullet

You and me both brother......I suggest getting some PB Blaster, it works a sh*t load better than wd-40

thanx! ill Definitely look at PB Blaster. thnx for the tip.

Originally Posted by Acidic

im gonna do the headers this friday. wish me luck.

been reading this DIY and i see that the only PITA are taking off the screws. (and if you get the wrong headers). Hopefully someone (SL Black Soldier) will go pass by my house on Friday and give me some tips to get the screws off easily.

check to make sure they are the correct ones you got. just look at kpengs thread, use it at as reference . if you guys do it in the morning i'll stop by before work.

Originally Posted by SL Blak Soldier

check to make sure they are the correct ones you got. just look at kpengs thread, use it at as reference . if you guys do it in the morning i'll stop by before work.

we will do it on the morning... maybe ill start taking things off on thursday night. the easy part that i know how to take off lol.

Oh man this is gonna be fun! hehe

Can we remove the air pump once headers are installed

anyone have a clip of how a 325 will sound with headers and no resonators ?

If you remove the air pump you'll get a check engine light. Not worth it IMHO. Does anyone know of a simulator to delete the air pump?

Wow......what a 5hr DIY. I dont want to have to do it again a couple pointer though.

-Definitely break of the lil heat sheilds connected to the gasket.

-PB Blaster worked great

And on a side note I could in no way get the post cat 02 sensor in the front header. The rear header is to close.

WOW! i love the sound!

i feel a little more pull than stock! its wasnt a bad DIY... its really easy its just the bolts, you have to be in the right position.... thnx for all the pointers guys!!!