uninstalling headers..

[zhd1000]

i'm uninstalling a set of headers on a 3400 (LA1) powered grand am and was wondering what parts i would need to replace them.. i know that i need the manifolds, crossover pipe, downpipe, gaskets,ect.. am i missing anything else? do i need any special tools? i have air tools with only a few impact sockets.. any tips would help...

[zhd1000]

will manifolds and the crossover pipe from a montana 3.4 fit work with my 3.4 grand am?

[bszopi]

It depends. I know that W-body exhaust manifolds have been different from N-body manifolds over the years, mainly with the placement of the connection to the downpipe. Best way to know for sure would most likely go to GMPartsDirect and look up the PNs between your GA's exhaust manifolds and a couple of different years of Montana's (unless you know the exact year you are looking to buy). If the PNs match, there is a good chance (but not 100%) that they will work for you.

Only other things I can think of would be heatshields maybe. I wouldn't use an impact gun on the manifold studs because there is a good chance they will break. Soak them down real good (maybe even a cew times) with some break-loose spray and let it soak in about an hour or so. Anything you can do to make the nuts come off easy, the better. I've seen way to many studs break while trying to remove the nuts. And sometimes it doesn't take that much force to get them to snap in half either. And as always, just take your time when doing it.