Simply's Tri-Y Header Install

[SimplyTheBeSS]

From the makers of Simply's Front end Suspension Rebuild comes another thread on Installation of Tri-Y headers & Hi-flow CATS from Clear Image Automotive. Like most things this is probably going to take 2x to 3x longer than most people as I will probably get distracted by other things I want to do while I'm in there (If you saw my front end rebuild thread you know exactly what I'm talking about.) I already plan on replacing the plugs and plug wires but not sure how much of that I'm going to show.



Lets get this party started.

1. Read, read, read, read.
You can't go into everything like a boss, you gotta read up. Some good tips here. http://www.clearimageautomotive.com/b_and_d_body_headers_installation_tips.php
Being familiar with your exhaust system is going to help out too.

2. When you don't know Ask.
There are no stupid questions if you honestly don't know. For example, I have a 94 Impala SS so I only have (2) o2 sensors. I honestly just sent an email to Dan @ Clear Image asking what I should plug the other openings with.

3. Tools/Parts you will need.

• Tri-Y headers with their hi-flow CATS. These start and stop at the stock position so they just bolt right up, no trips to the exhaust shop necessary
• PB Blaster or approved equal
• Sockets, ratchet, beverage of choice, patience,and socket extensions
• A Good compact light
• Jack Stands etc..
• Exhaust gaskets
• 14MM, 1/2", 9/16" regular and deep sockets (Seems most of the bolts are these)
• variety of extensions
• Cheater bar
• creativity
• Patience

4. Safety.
I've never died but it looks painful, being crushed underneath the car is not what I want for you or me. So use jack stands and be safe.
O AND DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY OR YOU WILL RANDOMLY TOUCH YOUR STARTER WITH SOMETHING AND FRY YOUR ***. Ask me how I know.


5. Say hello to my little friend!
This should almost be step 0. honestly soak the bolts as soon as possible to give yourself a chance. You should have bought stock in this stuff because it makes your life a lot easier.



6. What to soak with PB Blaster.

Each exhaust manifold has (6) bolts connecting it to the block. The passenger side also has some fun alternator brackets and EGR valve BS you get to play with too. You are going to have to fight both under the hood and in the wheel wells to get to them. You are going to want to remove your wheel & wheel well skirts for better access.

This is a pic of the driver side exhaust manifolds. look at how nice my new upper control arms look! You can get to 5 of the 6 bolts from here though you can only see 3 in this picture.


Last bolt in the rear of the block is best attacked from above. Can't even get a good pic of it but you'll see it back there. You can get to the top of the CAT bolts here too.


So those are the bolts for the manifold. Now you need to get both ends of the CATS. This is the connection between the CAT and the manifold. 3 bolts here to soak. (forgot the 3rd one and had to go back to it after seeing this pic)


And the ones at the end of the CATs (2) bolts here at least on mine, I don't have a stock CAT back exhaust so yours may be different.


Passenger side is similar except you have the EGR valve to mess with and alternator brackets as well. Also, your rear exhaust manifold bolt is probably broke (Almost every person's I talk to is) just like mine. You will get to see me struggle with that soon.


More updates as I get farther along.

[illmatic96ss]

why did you choose the random tech high flow cats , and not the ones dan makes at clearimage ?

[SimplyTheBeSS]

because I didn't buy them direct from Clear Image. I got the headers and cats from another member in my car club for 1/2 off. I thought those were the cats from Clear image so now I have a concern that they won't line up...

[illmatic96ss]

they should fit just fine clear image was using random tech before they started making them , iam sure dan will chime in in any event i think you will be fine with these keep us posted

[SimplyTheBeSS]

Yeah I talked to Dan the random techs are the old ones. I need to cap the o2 sensor holes in them though as I have a 94

I got the driver side loose. Plug wires should Come in tomorrow.

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by SimplyTheBeSS

........I need to cap the o2 sensor holes in them though as I have a 94.......

You could swap out you old O2s for new O2s......and cut the wires off the old O2s to use as plugs for your cats.

Just sayin'.......

KW

[SimplyTheBeSS]

Yeah... Just more $$$ I wasn't planning on spending

[KW Baraka]

OK......snip off the electrode from a couple of your old spark plugs and use them......they'll fit.....been there, done that .

KW

[Knaagi_II]

Don´t forget to remove the water temp sensor from the passenger side head or you will need to add it under #3

[SimplyTheBeSS]

Driver side manifold bolts all broke loose without incident. I then started on the driver side manifold/cat connection. I got 1 nut completely off before the wife said we were going to the in-laws for dinner.

So far I've only had to use 9/16 sockets or 14MM. both regular and deep socket with a variety of extensions and cheater pipe. I used a flat blade screw driver to beat some of the rust off of the nut on the cat so I could make good contact with it.