Installing headers

I am installing a 505 stroker in my E-Body soon with Dougs headers. I have heard that it is easier to put the drivers side header on the motor prior to installing it. Has anyone done this before?

Ive never seen where putting them on first is easier.Only if you have the K frame out.Some its easier if you lay the headers in the bay and then drop the motor in.I did it one time.Seemed like more work than just installing them after the motor was in and on the cherry picker.Rocky

No actual exp but I would highly suggest 2 helpers big hyd floor jack plenty of patience have all your ducks in a row & (just me) I ALWAYS have the steering column/centerlink OUT. I want NO obstructions in that procedure. banging/denting items bothers me greatly. good luck

If you put the header in place in the engine compartment (roughly) before lowering the engine it is much easier. No jacking the engine after install required. Just lower the engine slowly and make sure everything is in place as lowered. Once in place, hook up the headers. That is my experience with TTI's at least.

ahy tried that with my 65 B body an TTIs.No way was it easy.I just lowered the motor down and then slid them in.I know the 65 has difference than the later Bs so it might work on them.I just slid them in when it was almost in and no problems.Rocky

On my 70 Challenger, I had the engine in and jacked it up from underneath. Placed wood blocks between motor mounts and where they bolt to the k-frame. Passenger side was easy (from the top) but the driver side took patience. Starter was removed as well as the steering column. A few tweaks (slight denting) to allow clearance for p/s gear box and done. They are Hedman Headers, non-coated FWIW. GOOD LUCK!

I'm not sure how you are going to do that. you can lay both in the engine bay, tied up out of the way then when the motor is in and still up, you can install both. You should also install the plugs before you drop it, at least in the drivers side. The pass side isn't as much trouble. I've never heard of anybody installing either side header before engine install...maybe if you had the engine on the k-frame and were dropping the car down onto it.

That's by far the easiest way when you don't want anything scratched or damaged...

best to run it with water in it first. Rather than put in car and find things out later

Yep, done it by myself 7-8 times. Be patient. Lower the engine slowly...1/2" at a time. A wiggle here and a shove there and they'll go. With the 2"+ primary tube race headers, sometimes it helps to have the car 2 feet off the ground (yes, you read that right) before you start and/or drop down the center link off the idler/pitman arms.

I struggled fitting Doug's 2" headers until I got the car up high enough, then it was easy. Read the instructions that come with the headers. I think it says you have to lift the car at least 2 foot off the ground. That's what I did in the end and then it was easy. These headers are a great fit, no dings needed for clearance at all.