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Old 09-06-2005, 07:12 AM   #7 (permalink)
tripleblack
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 337
Default To K or not to K

Its possible to install the shorties with the K-member on the car, but prepare for bruised and battered hands, short tempers and so on. You'll also be well-advised to unbolt the motor mounts so the engine can be maneuvered up to give you access (careful, careful doing this, of course - make sure you're not pinching wires/hoses/hands when this takes place). Also be prepared to remove other components (starters, various wires and hoses, etc.). Odds that you'll break something off in the block (manifold bolts and studs are famous for this) is fair to good, too. Getting access to that impossible bolt or stud can make a man lose his religion... As can removing those O2 sensors, that tend to seize up or come apart. (If you're going all off-road, you'll need a tuner or MIL eliminators to get rid of the check engine light). At which time, the K-member comes off anyway.

All this to get about 5 hp out of a mildly modified 4.6 (hm, assuming you've got a 4.6 - what model car are we talking about?). If it were mine, and I was set to go to this much trouble, I'd consider swapping those shorties for long tubes and at least get 10 hp or so for my trouble.

Short answer: Remove the K-member AND get the long boys.

tripleblack
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