I am in the process of installing TES headers on my 87 GTA L98 (with AC). So far I have only had a go at the passenger side. I have a couple of questions...

1) How the hell do you route the oil dipstick tube???

2) The header appears that it will butt up against the plastic housing that surrounds the AC stuff on the passenger side of the engine compartment. I don't have it bolted up yet cause I am waiting for gaskets, but I fear it is going to be touching that casing - what do you do about that??

As for the drivers side, I can't seem to drop it in from the top because the steering shaft is in the way... will I be able to bring this in from the bottom, or do you think I will have to disconnect the steering (ughh!)?

Thanks in advance

Eric

 

Not sure if it's any different, but mine slid right into place. The AC was already off the car though and the driver's side was the easiest.

 

another thing to think about it the starter. mine went right after install. to much heat. i would go to autozone and get a heat shield for a couple o' bucks.

 

Steering column isn't a problem. A few people have had to unbolt it and move it out of the way for the install then put it back. Search the exhaust board for move steering or something like that. You probably won't have to do it though. Once you get the manifolds off, you should be able to just turn the header until it slips in.

 

I am not talking about the AC compressor being in the way - that was on the drivers side and I already removed that. The thing I am talking about with the AC (man I wish I had a picture) is on the passenger fender... it is a big black plastic "box", where the AC lines go into (from the condensor). I am pretty sure the header is going to be tight against that, although unitl I get the thing bolted tight I guess I don't know exactly where it will end up.

I have the manifolds off now, and I am trying to fit the headers in. The problem I see is the steering on the drivers side - I can't seem to find a way past it, at least no from the top... there is no way to turn the header in there with everything else in the way (heads/valve cover on one side, master cylinder on the other). Do you think it will be able to pass up from below between the frame and the block?

And what about the oil dipstick tube???? This seems to be my biggest problem right now.

Eric

 

Oh you mean the plastic along the firewall, I didn't have a problem with it. As far as the dipstick that didn't have to be moved either if I recall correctly. Good luck.

 

I had to unhook my steering and remove my valve covers to install my TES...it took some maneuvering even then.