Exhaust Removal - Headers
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Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 104
From: Dallas, Texas
Exhaust Removal - Headers
Are you able to remove the exhaust headers from underneath the car?
or do you need to remove Alternator supports and AC supports?
thanks
i believe I have an exhaust leak on both headers. Are there any benefits to keeping stock vs going with an aftermarket set?
I have a 1969 Olds 442 with the 400
or do you need to remove Alternator supports and AC supports?
thanks
i believe I have an exhaust leak on both headers. Are there any benefits to keeping stock vs going with an aftermarket set?
I have a 1969 Olds 442 with the 400
Last edited by MPSax; Jun 17, 2023 at 05:14 PM.
Running On Empty
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,225
From: Earth
ALWAYS best to state EXACTLY what year & model of vehicle your question pertains to.
Proud Viet Nam Veteran
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,826
From: Rowlett, TX
More than likely, you are going to have to remove the starter and may have to drop some suspension pieces and then raise the engine to get them out the bottom. I don't think they will come out from the top. One of the experts will speak up. As mentioned, it would be good to know what model Olds you are working on and if they are long tube headers. If they by chance are short tube, then that will be lots easier. Of course if you don't plan on reusing them, there is always the sawzall method.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 104
From: Dallas, Texas
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 104
From: Dallas, Texas
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,119
From: central Indiana
Olds used 2 machined surfaces, there were no gaskets used from the factory. Over 50 years, the machined surfaces aren’t as smooth as the once were, and a gasket becomes needed.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
Running On Empty
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 26,225
From: Earth
As best you can, describe your intentions for the car i.e. ultra high-performance (track car), ultra high-performance (street car), max HP, cruiser, etc. This can assist in establishing recommendations. While installing after-market headers is not an extremely difficult job, there is more effort in installing the correct fitting headers & you need to be sure you have the appropriate tools & working space.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 104
From: Dallas, Texas
Olds used 2 machined surfaces, there were no gaskets used from the factory. Over 50 years, the machined surfaces aren’t as smooth as the once were, and a gasket becomes needed.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
Frankenstein 442 owner
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 128
From: Pennsylvania
Olds used 2 machined surfaces, there were no gaskets used from the factory. Over 50 years, the machined surfaces aren’t as smooth as the once were, and a gasket becomes needed.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
You don’t need to remove the manifolds to replace the gasket. Loosen all the hardware, life out what’s left of the gasket (if any) and slide a new gasket in place. Tighten the bolts, all should be good for another couple decades.
Headers are another story. The procedure for gasket replacement is basically the same, the gaskets are different design. Headers don’t last as long, tend to rust and warp, and unless you plan to do some other engine modifications, probably aren’t worth the effort.
However if the car DOES already have headers, there can be removed by raising the car as high on the front as possible, remove the oil filter housing, remove the starter, the headers usually fall out. Occasionally, depending on header brand ot design, lifting the engine off the mounts makes things easier.
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