trying to install my blingin AW header. everythings going fine, except im having trouble getting the o2 sensor off the stock header....

whats a good trick to get it off, it seems as though its reverse threaded, but i dont want to break anything so HELP ME!!!

 

When I did mine, I soaked with PB Blaster (awesome stuff you can get at any autoparts store), tapped lightly on the sensor with a wrench and let sit overnight. The following day, i repeated the procedure, then placed the open ended wrench on the o2 sensor, and tapped lightly with a hammer, trying to break it loose. First I tapped lightly, and (very slowly) I would pregressively hit the wrench harder with the hammer, until on one magic swing the thing dislodged and all was well. I am not so sure about them actually being cross threaded from the factory; I think it's just because of all the heat and constant expansion and contraction of the metal. In any case, once you get it off, be sure you put anti-seize compound on the threads of the o2 sensor before screwing it into the new header. Hope it works out for you.

 

PB blaster or WD40 will work best then try to turn it clockwise and counterclockwise for the first try just to loosen it a bit, then go ahaead and unscrew the d$%n thing!

you might encounter problems with the brackets regarding fitment when you are putting them back.....so, try the following steps :
1. widen the holes on the bracket that connects to the header to provide some play on the bolts. use dremel if you must.
2. install the brackets to the header and on the block but bolt them by hand for the meantime
3. do the same with the s pipe bolts, the ones with the springs
4. then work out the bolts on the block but don't tighten them up yet but making sure that your header is properly fitted.
5. now start tightening all the bolts , first from the brackets, then from the head, and lastly the spring bolts.

this is a bit of a task but patience can pay off....you need that support so you won't break anything in the long run. unless you wish to install a flex pipe somewhere after the header or use a damper.

 

As mentioned pb blaster works great. Spray some on the threads that you can see, then screw the sensor back in, let it sit and repeat until it comes out. Mine came out perfect......