SOS header DIY install?

[DRIFTER]

I ordered SOS headers and an Ark DTS exhaust and they are coming tomorrow. I’m removing everything today so far I have the rear exhaust manifold off as well as the exhaust and cats. I have some questions on my progress. After removing the exhaust manifold the studs that hold the exhaust manifold to the block have a nut on them that are rusted, when removing some of them the hole stud came loose they did not strip out just unscrewed from the block. What is the best way to attach these to the block, I don’t want to strip them when in stalling the new headers. Do the new headers come with these studs and nuts or should soak them in WD-40 or go to Acura and get new ones. Also on the backside of the valves, two of the exhaust ports have a small amount of white residue in them. Is this normal, just moisture maybe? Thanks for any help:smile:

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Pretty easy. Get a few nuts that match the stud size and double nut the end that goes into the head. Use some PBBlaster on the stuck nuts then spin them off. You can use the double nut arrangement to thread the cleaned studs back into the head, then you will be left with all the studs in the head and you can just run the nuts on.

I would not say that replacement of these nuts is essential, but it would not hurt either.

Remember to remove the A/C compressor to make the R & Rn of the front header easy. do not disconnect it's freon lines, just unbolt it and move it to the side while supporting it.

HTH,
LarryB

HTH,
LarryB

 

[DRIFTER]

Excellent, very good idea didn’t think of that. Thanks for your help.

 

[matteni]

Pretty easy. Get a few nuts that match the stud size and double nut the end that goes into the head. Use some PBBlaster on the stuck nuts then spin them off. You can use the double nut arrangement to thread the cleaned studs back into the head, then you will be left with all the studs in the head and you can just run the nuts on.

I would not say that replacement of these nuts is essential, but it would not hurt either.

Remember to remove the A/C compressor to make the R & Rn of the front header easy. do not disconnect it's freon lines, just unbolt it and move it to the side while supporting it.

HTH,
LarryB

HTH,
LarryB

Also - don't forget the single yellow wire to the compressor. Easy to forget and pull out the harness. Ask me how I know!

Also - never done the SOS but I know the Comptech required removing the shift cable housing, unbolting the cables, and jacking up the tranny an inch or two. If you can't get the SOS in - you may want to consider this. Only takes a minute or two. Also - I would (as Larry said) hit all the suspect bolts and especially the exhaust bolts with PB Blaster the night before and let them soak. It is kind of a chore on your back under there on jack stands but it can be done - even by a rookie!

After you are done read this. Don't cheat and read it first - only after you are done.

http://www.ourfamilyinteractive.com/PhotoAlbums/NSX/headers_for_dummies.htm

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Also - don't forget the single yellow wire to the compressor. Easy to forget and pull out the harness. Ask me how I know!

Good catch.

LarryB

 

[ANYTIME]

Pretty easy. Get a few nuts that match the stud size and double nut the end that goes into the head. Use some PBBlaster on the stuck nuts then spin them off. You can use the double nut arrangement to thread the cleaned studs back into the head, then you will be left with all the studs in the head and you can just run the nuts on.

I would not say that replacement of these nuts is essential, but it would not hurt either.

Remember to remove the A/C compressor to make the R & Rn of the front header easy. do not disconnect it's freon lines, just unbolt it and move it to the side while supporting it.

HTH,
LarryB

HTH,
LarryB

I installed my headers myself prior to reading the "long header install" and didn't remove the A/C compressor. I read the directions after I was finished (I'm weird like that) and didn't seem to remember the compressor being in the way at all. Anyone else?
Take care,
John :biggrin:

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi John,

You have a 3.2 correct? I cannot remember, since the 3.2 has headers already, if this allows you to install the last bolt above the compressor easily. With the correct swivel setup you can get it on, even the 3.0, but it is actually quicker, from my experience, to just get the darn thing out of the way!!!! Once you drop that nut on top of the compressor and have to fish around for it a while, it is just easier to take it off.

JMO,
LarryB

 

[DRIFTER]

I happen to have a lift in my garage so I can fit all 4 cars in my 2 car garage. So I’m not laying in my driveway on my back in the middle of winter in 16 degree weather.:biggrin:
I just ran to Honda and picked up some new self-locking nuts for my header install tomorrow. (Honda is 30min closer then Acura to my house)
I’m replacing every thing from headers back so I just unbolted the font downpipe from the exhaust manifold and unbolted the rear exhaust manifold and dropped the whole thing all at once.
Now I have to work on the front manifold.
Thanks for all the help

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Make sure you have a look at the DIY stuff in the FAQ. It will help.

Good Luck,
LarryB

 

[MJK]

I used this DIY by I Grok NSX and it was great. A worthwhile read if you have not already.

FYI, the carriage bolt part number is 18176-P08-003 and the nut that matches is 90212-SA5-003.

Also, you *may* want to check your oil pan gasket carefully. Mine was fine, but I replaced it anyways as I never wanted to take the front header bank off again. Good luck!

 

[DRIFTER]

Well I just got done, 9:00 it took me most of the day. I’m all set up for my header and exhaust install tomorrow. I was able to remove the rear beam and engine mount at the same time buy removing the three bolts that go to the block this saves me from messing with the torque settings on the engine mount. All in all it went well thanks to everyone’s help.:biggrin: