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Topic: Mac Header Install (Read 2223 times) previous topic - next topic

Mac Header Install

Putting the new headers on today. So far, I ahve discovered a few things
1. They come off WAY eaiser then they go on
2. You can't use the Y pipe with them as I assumed.

I have the right one on but I can't get the last set ( #8 cylinder) of bolts in, they just don't line up. Could this be a " twist/bend" in the header that can be adjusted? Doing the other side later/tomorow and side by side pictures of new and stock coming later tonight. Not to find a OR H pipe and cat back and I should be good.

Mac Header Install

Reply #1 –
Do your headers have a single ,or are they s  seperate from tube to tube?When they're seperate,slight warping is somewhat common.You should start the bolts from the back to the front.Then,when you have problems with alignment (if you have problems),you can address them much easier.Good luck,and I'm glad you're finally getting them on.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Mac Header Install

Reply #2 –
Seperate for each. I started at the front then worked back. Are you saying I should try back to front? It's only the back, as the rest went in easy.

Mac Header Install

Reply #3 –
If you start from the back,the back will fit fine,and then you may notice the front is now a little off.It's a LOT easier to push or gently pry the front and get it on right than it is the rear tube.That's my experience with them.I always use single  headers now,but yours are good headers that just need a little convincing.No big deal.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Mac Header Install

Reply #4 –
Quote from: 84 Fila;139263
2. You can't use the Y pipe with them as I assumed.

It's been beaten to death on this forum that stock exhaust will not bolt up to aftermarket headers, dude.  Time for an H-pipe.

Mac Header Install

Reply #5 –
typical Used mac header fitment pry away!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Mac Header Install

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Ifixyawata;139284
It's been beaten to death on this forum that stock exhaust will not bolt up to aftermarket headers, dude.  Time for an H-pipe.


What would be better, a factory H or an OR H/X pipe? If I'm getting them I might as well get whats best for the car.

Mac Header Install

Reply #7 –
Where we live an O/R would be better because there's no emissions check.

Mac Header Install

Reply #8 –
I like the X-Pipe,but I really doubt you'd notice a measureable power difference between the two (H-Pipe and X-Pipe).There may be a power difference,but nothing you would really notice.I believe it comes down to personal taste.If you can get a nice off road H-Pipe cheaper than an X,get it.I also like the ones that are a two piece design.meaning a  between the left header and the actual "X" on my pipe.It makes installation a breeze.Literally minutes to remove and re-install.My X-Pipe is from Pypes.It's a 2 1/2 inch piece.Very nice.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Mac Header Install

Reply #9 –
Got all the bolts in BUT the front tubes on both side of the motor. For some reason I sepnt an hour fighting with 1&5 tubes and STILL can't get them to line up. Other then this little misshap everything fits great. No hitting anything, trans shifts fine, all is ok. Any idea's on the front 2 tubes though?

Mac Header Install

Reply #10 –
Did you leave all of the bolts loose before trying to install the front ones?Are the tubes that aren't lining up too far forward,too far back,too high or too low?
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Mac Header Install

Reply #11 –
You may have to break out the manly muscles and do some wicked prying to get it right.This is why I like one thick  instead of individual s on each tube.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Mac Header Install

Reply #12 –
Kinda too far right, and can't move it far enough left on the driver side, too far left on the pass side. I'm sure after I cool off I'll try again and they will fall into place. Pics up later too

Mac Header Install

Reply #13 –
Quote from: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87;139285
typical Used mac header fitment pry away!


Yeah, no kidding. Never again!!! :mad:
2005 Subaru WRX STi|daily driver

Mac Header Install

Reply #14 –
This comes up all the time.BBK shorts work.Yes you do need a H PIPE.Were them headers new?,if they were send them back.
Old Grey Cat to this.88 Cat, 5.0 HO, CW mounts, mass air, CI custom cam, afr165's, Tmoss worked cobra intake, BBK shorty's,off road h pipe, magnaflow ex. T-5,spec stage 2 clutch, 8.8 373 TC trac loc, che ajustables with bullits on the rear. 11" brakes up front. +