Do you need engine out to install new headers?

No

 

No. But it does suck a bit. You will need several different angle drives, extensions, and a deep box end wrench to remove the header bolts. Also on the passenger side you will need to remove the oil tank lines, oil cooler radiator, radiator fan, and unbolt the axle. And, if you have to do the job at 3:30 AM the night before a car show, you too can look as happy about it as me!


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As others have stated no....but I didnot have to unbolt the axle.
Removed the wheel, inner fender shields, cooling fans both sides but on the passenger side also removed the oil cooler for a little more clearance removing the OEM headers.
Then turn the unbolted header at different angles till it slides out. If you are installing or removing non oem (no heat shields) then they install / remove much easier and the passenger oil cooler removal is not necessary. It took a total of 2.5 hours to remove both sides.
Actually a simple job....but I do have an hoist and all the necessary tools.

 

Shop area should look something like this. And having now done this job once, if you don't have a lift, I highly recommend buying that first!

http://youtu.be/cVLDQ6fgLFk

 

Biggest tip for getting at the header bolts I would give is to get the deepest box end wrench you can find. Those are 13mm I believe.

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in my case I used a mini socket set ,angles and extensions for the header bolts.
the bottom header bolts are accessible from below easily but the top headers bolts are a little more effort.

 

Buy the snapon wrench with the swivel socket on end. Well worth the investment. It helps big time. I wouldn't want to do it without it

 

If one get this done at a shop how should the expected charge be?
Thanks

 

Oh yeah, that's a good one.

I used this job as an excuse to go and buy essentially every flex adapter, swivel, shallow clearance socket, and other difficult access gadget known to mankind. I didn't end up using them all on this job, but now I've got 'em for when I do!

 

I would expect garage would charge 6-7 hours labor.

 

I paid $800 to Classic Coach to change mine and do one CV boot

 

Not bad. I could live with that. Thanks