ATrain1

Hi guys I just had another header question. What is the best way to swap headers in my 1979 Cutlass with the engine in the car? Can they drop out of the bottom if I get the car high enough? Can I get the car high enough? Or do I have to lift up on the engine a bit? Thanks for your help.

oldcutlass

Yes, yes, yes, and possibly yes! You also may need to remove the starter, and oil filter.

Allan R

X2 on ^^^. But if you don't remove the starter, DISCONNECT the BATTERY. When you're maneuvering those headers there's a very good chance you'll arc on the power feed to the starter.

sicky olds

When installing my headers on the H/O I had to remove both the started and not only the oil filter but the adapter that mounts on the engine. And you can lift up the engine some for better access, just remove the long bot on the engine mounts and you get some extra room but not necessary

ATrain1

The starter and oil filter are already off. I just set the engine in and have not even put any bolts in yet do to not knowing if the headers had to come out.

Do you have a Oldsmobile engine? I have a small block Chevy in my car. I have only done headers on 2 Olds engines. I did a set on a friends 69 which really sucked, and I also did a set on my 88 Cutlass with a Rocket 350 which was not to bad at all.

oldcutlass

I put em on a 468 BBC in my 67! Wasn't that bad, I bet an SBC would be a peice of cake!

Redog

I agree with everybody on here.

Disconnect the battery, because if you hit that starter, OMG. I did this connceting my oil sending unit for my gauge in the Alero. The sending unit is right above the starter termials. Not fun and laying on your back, under the car at the time, even less fun.

With a SBC in that bay, it should be real easy since the SBC is about 1/2 the width of a SBO. You will need to be under the car and on top. It probably wouldn't hurt to "cheat" a little bit and access some bolts though the wheel wells

Allan R

Heck, why not go whole hog on the 'cheating'? Take out both inner liners. Can't get less restricted than that!

oldcutlass

The wheel wells probably are way out of the way.

Allan R

Yup, I know. Just an 'extension' of Redog's suggestion. I know that with mine out of the way - access to almost everything was incredibly easy.

Redog

With a SBC in place of a SBO, yes

74 Omega

Watch out for the oil dip stick...Easily broken

ATrain1

I have replaced it with a really cool braided flexible set up with a cable style dip stick. I did the same with the trans as well.