flipt86

Just a curiosity:
Can the FM Shorty headers be installed/removed with the engine in?

grubinski

I had the passenger side on/off after it went in the car. No experience one way or the other with the drivers side. Once the steering column is out of the way, there doesn't seem to be anything extra on the drivers side.

flipt86

Yeah, I don't have the steering column in yet... I think I'll chance it and find out.
Although I could just leave the passenger side off for now. It would just be so much easier for final routing of the brake and fuel lines to have the engine in for good, but still have a little more room without the header in the way.
Thanks!!

flipt86

Just to update:
You can install the FM shorty headers with the engine and crossmember in the car if the steering column is out. Plenty of room.

BGordon

Good to know.
Thanks for the update.

Edit;
I tried installing the Flyin Miata shorty headers with the engine & transmission & V8 Roadster subframe installed but the steering column removed and wired out of the way.
The driver's side header installed just fine by sliding in from either the top or bottom (can't remember specifically which worked).

The passenger side header would not install from either direction.
Did not matter if the starter was installed or not, there simply was not enough clearance between the subframe and engine mount and engine to slide the header into place in the bottom. Trying to slide it in from above had the header hitting the chassis support rails so it would not slide in that way either.
Spent 15 minutes trying to get it to go every which way with no success.
I ended up unbolting the front subframe and lowering the engine/subframe about 6" while unbolting the transmission cross member from the transmission but left in place to support the rear of the transmission. This gave just enough clearance to squeeze the header into place from underneath the car. The chassis was also raised as high as the four jack stands would allow as you need some room underneath to angle the passenger header into place.

Hope this helps.