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So last night I was beginning to remove my stock header getting ready to replace it with my new ported one. And after not too much work, I realized just how hard this project was going to be, and I badly needed to study for a upcoming Final. So I stopped after I removed the top heat shield. So, should I not drive it at all if the top heat shield is off? Is it an important/mandatory part?

meh.. you'll be fine for a little while. No racing or roadtrips I would say though.

My aftermarket header from JP doesn't even have the mounting for the heat sheild and I've been running with it for about 9mo now. You don't have anything to worry about, your engine bay will probably be hotter though.

phew, thanks guys. that's a big relief. now I just gotta find the time to finish the job.however, once I get all of the nuts and bolts off, I haven no idea how I'm gonna get the header out. should I completely remove the mid pipe and those shields around that? or should I remove the head of the engine and try to pull it out through there?

?advice?

Quote, originally posted by tcam »?advice?No clue, did mine when I was swapping the engine and the engine was out.

Quote, originally posted by damronjr »No clue, did mine when I was swapping the engine and the engine was out. lol, I wish I had that kinda room.

most people lower it out the bottom. i dont think the midpipe has to come all the way out, just unbolt it.but the heatshields will have to go.

I pulled mine out the top... Not sure if you being a 2ZZ would make it more difficult...

alright, thanks Satur9. I'm gonna try to do the install again today.Quote, originally posted by 2002sportside »I pulled mine out the top... Not sure if you being a 2ZZ would make it more difficult...yeah, I held me new 2zz-ge header up on top of the engine to see if it would fit through that gap, and it doesn't even come close at all like, zero chance of it fitting.

hope its going well... post up pics when done please!!!maybe a sound clip too

You have to totally remove the brackets underneath the manifold, attaching it to the engine. Remove the top heat sheild. And remove the hook in the back, top of the engine. Then find the area of the fire wall that is sorta notched out (it's closer to the drivers side. And sorta roll the exhaust manifold through that area.

alright, thanks guys for all the help. however, I was unable to disconnect the header from the mid-pipe. lol guess I just didn't have the strength. That thing was bolted on d**n good. I feel bad for asking so many questions and then not even getting past one of the first stages in the process. but anyways, tomorrow I'm having it installed at a local shop that will charge very little for labor. And I know the owner, so I may get a deal on this one. sooo, here are a few pics of the ported header that WILL be going in. (nothing special on the outside. but some frickin b-utiful smoothness on the inside) lol

how much of a gain did you get?? i'm not askin for hp/tq numbers, those vary by brand etc... i guess i should say how much did you notice it??i've never done headers, n only have an intake. but i might be gettin a REALLY good deal on a header