Does anyone have any tips for installing JBA 'shorty' headers on a 98 2wd 4.6?

There's a certain Chevy pickup owner at work that ain't gonna be happy to see my installed headers.....

 

I put them on a 4x4 5.4L.

They were pretty straight forward to install.

Do a search. I posted a reply 18 months or so ago that outlined how to do it and what you need. Neal has also posted information on the install that was very helpful prior to my installation.

No real tricks or special tools you need. The only real advice I have is that the wheel well liners are a pain to work around. I removed them and it became a lot easier to gain access. I also used a torch to cut off the existing bolts on the converter/exhaust manifold flange instead of breaking my knuckles open trying to loosen the bolts. The existing manifold nuts and studs were easy to get off. Surprisingly I had no issues with rusted parts not wanting to give up the ghost... I just got "lazy in advance" of taking off the flange bolts so I just torched them off and was done with it.

Everything fit good with no modification and I'm very happy with them overall.

 

As Ronhop stated, it's a simple R&I job. Just follow the directions that come with the headers. Make sure you scrape before you apply the new gasket and headers. Make sure to use a little anti seize compount on the header bolts. Also make sure you remove the wheel well panels...this makes all the difference in the world.



PS - MAKE SURE TO GET YOU HEADERS CERAMIC COATED!!!

 

Before you start go to the passenger side and check if the two bottom middle nuts on the exhaust manifold are obstructed by the motor mount. If they are clear your install will be straight forward.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

JMC-

good catch! If your bolts are obstructed you may have to unzip the engine mounts and prop the engine up a little. Still no big deal, just a little more work.

 

mf150,

Neal the Hp freak has a set of long tube headers on his truck. Last year when he removed the tranny for a new torque converter we spent hours getting the starter off and then back on. Coming off it was easy. I can do it by feel. But getting that top bolt on with the headers hanging just inches away was quite a feat. I was on my back on his garage floor and he was feeding me an extension through the motor mount hole. I bought his old ported and jet black coated JBA's. Going from a 4.6 design to a 5.4 needs a bit of exhaust pipe tweaking.

JMC

 

I have a question for you guys, are the shorty headers really worth it? I don't think I can justify Long Tubes since I have a 4.6 and the engine I am building is also a 4.6. I ask the question because the engine I am building will probably produce more HP in the upper RPM range then the stock one I have now. Did you guys feel a Seat-Of-The-Pants difference after the install?

 

WLF,

Get the headers. If you can afford it get the long tube. But either way get the headers. A little known fact: The pipe that connects to the exhaust manifold or headers is not a true 2½ inch in dia. The cats and every where else is but because of the bend it is smaller. Make that a true 2½ inch and you will add some cheap power to the motor.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Thanks for all the input. I got the driver's side on. Man that EGR fitting was all rust!! Those rusted bolts connecting the exhaust manifold to the cat didn't stand a chance with the 1/2 inch impact hammering -- snapped both bolts.

Thanks again for the heads up on the right side. I better have a couple cold ones before tackling that.

 

I put the JBA's on my 5.4 SuperCrew, 2001 4X4. Many people on this board have indicated that there is no gain. I've loved mine and would disagree with these statements. I will tell you that for the money involved there are other mods that yield more for less investment. They were still worth it in my opinion. No real problems putting them on, did have to bend the E.G.R. tube slightly and I removed the starter when doing the passneger side. I had a buddy help me and we each worked on one side simultainiously. It took about two hours for the two of us. We had air and the appropriate tools though we did it on the ground. I installed JBA's EVOL cat-back system also. I would do it again, what more can I say? That's all I got to say bout' that.

 

JMC

I have seen picture of Neal's set-up. Those long tube JDM/Kooks are impressive. Honestly I'd go for a pair (I was thinking about it when I spoke with Mike). But I'd be shot alive by the smog (emissions) people here in California. We're also not able to touch our Catalytic converters for five years, so it looks as though I will have to wait for those mods.

I also have seen pictures of Neal's Jet Black coated JBA's. Man, that guy is a perfectionist! I think those were on his truck when he ran 14.52. I have to give it to him, he's doing everything the way it should be done. The performance gains are the pay off. I've heard though Mike T. that he's able to run 13.8's. That's quite a feat.


Keep rollin'


-Matt

 

Headers are on!! Thanks for the help. Bring on the Chevys.