[LT1FUN]

This may be a dumb question but I have never had a car with headers before.

Can a 350 small block engine be installed into the engine compartment with the headers already bolted on to the engine? The car is a 69 Camaro with no power steering. I am looking at buying the Hooker Competion 2451 headers.

[68rs406]

No.
But it is wise to at minumum lay the driver side header in place (against the fender well that is) and lower the engine in next to it. The Pass header can usually be installed after the engine, but the driver side is usually a major PIA after the engine is in.

[mjlynch71]

I put in a new 350 2 years ago in my 1969 Camaro, no power steering, and has a 4 speed. Have Hooker headers, the Z-bar took some time to install, but the passenger side header rear most header bolt by the heater core is impossiable to get at and the car is non/AC. Finally got it but took 30 minutes for one bolt with 12pt ARP. Next time before the engine is all the way on the motor mounts, I am going to tighten that bolt. If anyone else has any idea on that bolt, please share it. Took a Snap-ON offset wrench and had to grind down the outside of the closed end to get it to fit, a stubby one will also work. Thanks, Jerod

[BPOS]

Originally Posted by mjlynch71

the passenger side header rear most header bolt by the heater core is impossiable to get at and the car is non/AC. Finally got it but took 30 minutes for one bolt with 12pt ARP. Next time before the engine is all the way on the motor mounts, I am going to tighten that bolt. If anyone else has any idea on that bolt, please share it.

It depends on the design of the header. That bolt on mine was simple as the tube comes straight out and I can put a socket on it easily.

12pt header bolts are a bad idea in some spots - you can't put an open end wrench on them. ARP makes a nice SS header bolt with a 6pt 3/8" head.

[gphusker]

Originally Posted by 68rs406

No.
But it is wise to at minumum lay the driver side header in place (against the fender well that is) and lower the engine in next to it. The Pass header can usually be installed after the engine, but the driver side is usually a major PIA after the engine is in.

This ^. Drivers side should be in place in the engine compartment. Pass side can go in later.

As for the bolt discussion in the other post, I use allen head bolts on all but 2 of mine. On those 2 I use the 6 point 3/8. They are all fairly easy to get to except those 2. I have Hooker Super Competition 1 3/4 on my 350.

[Everett#2390]

Good suggestion by Sean, lay a blanket on the inner fender if headers are coated preventing scratching.

I used 1 inch long hex head header bolt and a crowsfoot wrench with extension.
I did have a flea market 7/16" box end wrench ground on the outside of the box end for clearance and worked very well, but I have misplaced it......

[zdld17]

Whats wrong with installing from the bottom up. This has always worked for me. Use the small 3/8's head 6 point bolts. Always worked for me. Be aware that the Hooker 2451 has been known for driver side collector hanging down too low , once installed.

[mahunt]

x2 on 6pt header bolts.

[Fred Ficarra]

Always 6 point. I've got a complete set of used ARP 12 points available for any masochists out there.

[mike's blue67]

I have taken my engine in and out a couple of times. I can install it with the passenger side header on the engine. The drivers side i have to push in from under the car. I use percy's locking header bolts and have no issues installing the bolts. Good luck

[LT1FUN]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[keithl1967]

I installed my headers after the fact as well--driver side has to go in from the bottom, before clutch linkage...Passenger side can go in from the top--I used a crows foot, and some foul language to get that rear header bolt in...

[mjlynch71]

If I had put the passenger side header on before the engine was all the way in, it would not have been an issue except for the heater core box. Thanks, Jerod

[Steiner]

ARP makes a set of 5/16" hex header bolts. I'm in love with them.

If you have a driver side dipstick tube the header is that much more fun. I put one of those dip sticks that goes straight into the block in one engine because of that. Just couldn't check the oil if the car was hot without an oven mitt.

Like everyone said, with the engine out it's cake. Blanket or towel draped over the stuff on the side and use a couple pieces of electrical wire to tie the header off to the side. Once the engine is almost in and dangling you can get the header in place with a couple bolts.

[BPOS]

When you're done bolting your headers on your 69 with power steering you're going to have one really cool looking 3/8-16 bolt left over with a 3/8 or 5/16 head. It makes a great distributor hold down bolt (use a washer under it)