piece of crap headers - i give up

Did you have to use a mini-starter?

Technicaaaallly, no.

I've had the Sumitt headers before. You can use your OE starter. Back some years now, (20 or so...eeek! ) I had a good parts man behind the counter and he wondered why I was going through so many starters. (1 a month) and I told him I had headers. He told me, "You need the "High Temp 360 starter"
Food for thought.

When I couldn't get a high temp unit, I used some old header wrap around the starter and tube in that area. Problem solved.

Then I discovered the mini starter.

Would it be easier with the engine out first?

IF it's allready out, yes! IF the engine is in, I have found that getting the engine and car up high enuff is impossible for a easy slip in of the header. So hence my quip, take the engine out.

IF your engine is out and your headers are placed in the bay with the engine going in, suspened the headers with a coat hanger or 2. Have 2 freinds on hand to make this a smooth and quick project as the engine goes in.

Also, no studs on in the head. I have found they get in the way of installation. It maybe of some help if the engine is allready out, but not when it's in.