I know this thread is old AF, but guys living in the northeast definitely get my respect for taking this on yourselves. I feel kinda bad sweating it on a Florida car.

That said, money notwithstanding, how many of you feel like installing headers (and fighting the hardware at the heads rather than cats) would be the same or maybe even easier?

I’m asking about comparing just the labor, not the power difference, which is a different conversation.

Maybe? I think I saw that the install times are similar for both headers and HFCs (~6 hours for a mechanic) which makes me think it's about the same labor-wise. You'll still be dealing with the cramped engine bay/weird angles trying to get the headers loose. I never seriously looked into replacing the headers, though, so YMMV.

Being in FL you won't have to deal with the salt issues but will likely have some heat corrosion on the bolts depending on overall mileage... I wouldn't let that deter you from doing it. Looking back, I bet if I had started with a swivel joint/extractors for the demon bolts I could have knocked the whole HFC install out in one weekend. Once those bolts are off, it's smooth sailing.

Thanks for the tip about the bold extractors. It wouldn't have occurred to me to buy them ahead of time, but it makes sense.

I'll just have to post my results when I get to this stage, and decide on headers vs. HFCs only.

Having done both, I can tell you headers take longer.

Test pipe labor is about 80% of the header labor. Have to remove a few extra parts like the exhaust manifold for the headers. Not significantly different in time (most of it is for the demon bolt), but definitely longer because of the extra steps.

The easiest way of getting the demon bolt out is, let someone else do it. :rofl2:

LTH's. Once I dropped the CBE. It took me about 45 minutes to do the right side cat and manifold as one piece. The left side took me about 5 hours. Mostly because of the manifold heat shield and the steering shaft. And all of the little screw and bolt ends sticking out to tear your hands to pieces.

Before you start with either the LTH's or test pipes. REMOVE all of your O2 sensors to keep from destroying them from the vibrations. :tup:

This. The drivers side is a torturous tunnel, designed to shred your hands and claim your will to live.

Nah.........I just felt like I went 15 rounds with a pissed off alley cat and lost.