Headers

[mattpiotr]

i want have headers on my 86 350 with dual original 40s flowmasters, the flange on the header is getting bad and their starting to rust out, im NOT getting the Ceramic Coated ones but im not sure what brand to buy, i kinda want something that gives off some what deeper sound if you guys get what i mean? i came to the conclusion of a few brands
-Summit Racing Headers
-Hooker Headers
-Flowtech Headers
-Headmen Headers
Im sure a few of you out their ran/run some of these brands how many of you like the out come of them? how long do they last? witch brand is worth the time and money?

[Shane22696]

I'm running summit racing's brand. They're built good and sound real good, but they get REAL hot. If you get any non ceramic coated headers be prepared to deal with the starter getting hot. Unless you get a heat shield or install a remote solenoid it won't start after you run it for a minute until it cools down.

[mattpiotr]

Originally Posted by Shane22696

I'm running summit racing's brand. They're built good and sound real good, but they get REAL hot. If you get any non ceramic coated headers be prepared to deal with the starter getting hot. Unless you get a heat shield or install a remote solenoid it won't start after you run it for a minute until it cools down.

i got regular headers on the truck now, non ceramic and i never had a starter problem the only problem i do have with them tho is the 2nd plug on the drivers side the plug wire always gets burnt no matter what, boot or no boot and i got the accell shorty plugs the gap between the plug wire and header is just a piece of paper thick

[Shane22696]

are your headers long tubes or shorties?

[mattpiotr]

Originally Posted by Shane22696

are your headers long tubes or shorties?

Long Tubes

[Shane22696]

Oh cool, I guess you got lucky with your starter lol. How do you have your plug wires routed?

[mattpiotr]

well either way im going to get a new set of headers any ways, what brand are you running?

[Shane22696]

They're Summit brand truck headers. I went ahead and sprayed them with some header paint when I got them and they still look brand new after a few months of daily driving. Definetly worth the money

[westie 666]

I got flowtech long tube and had them coated, no issues at all

[gchemist]

Inexpensive ceramic car headers fit! I bought mine on ebay for $169

[Cue-Ball]

I have Flowtech mid-length and have no issues with starter heat, and no issues with plug wire routing (going over the top, next to the valve covers using $20 Mr. Gasket plug routing looms).

However, I would not buy these headers again. I've had nothing but leaks, leaks, and more leaks, and the mounting flanges bent pretty easily when tightening the bolts to the heads. If I replace them I would not even consider buying anything with a flange that's less than a 3/8" thick. Hedman Elites #68648 are at the top of my list.

[thesickc10]

Originally Posted by Cue-Ball

I have Flowtech mid-length and have no issues with starter heat, and no issues with plug wire routing (going over the top, next to the valve covers using $20 Mr. Gasket plug routing looms).

However, I would not buy these headers again. I've had nothing but leaks, leaks, and more leaks, and the mounting flanges bent pretty easily when tightening the bolts to the heads. If I replace them I would not even consider buying anything with a flange that's less than a 3/8" thick. Hedman Elites #68648 are at the top of my list.

cut in between the moutning flanges off and you will get a better seal. An old hot rodder showed me that. The idea is that by making each mount independent they wont flex the entire flange and stop leaks.

[Cue-Ball]

Originally Posted by thesickc10

cut in between the moutning flanges off and you will get a better seal. An old hot rodder showed me that. The idea is that by making each mount independent they wont flex the entire flange and stop leaks.

I plan on doing that the next time I remove the headers. They're going to have to come back off (again) because the driver's side collector is leaking. While they're off I'm going to do whatever I can to smooth out the mating surfaces and make a good seal. Percy's Dead Soft aluminum gaskets helped a lot compared to the copper gaskets that I used the first time.

[Lugnutt]

I've got hedders and I've been having serious starter problems. Basically, my truck won't start after it's been running for awhile until I let it cool off. The hedder comes within 1/2" of my starter motor and about 3/4" from the solenoid. I'm wondering how best to mount a heat shield and what material to use. I've got some 16ga. copper sheet that might disipate the heat well. I'm thinking about screwing it right to the hedders with some stand-offs.

[Shane22696]

Originally Posted by Lugnutt

I've got hedders and I've been having serious starter problems. Basically, my truck won't start after it's been running for awhile until I let it cool off. The hedder comes within 1/2" of my starter motor and about 3/4" from the solenoid. I'm wondering how best to mount a heat shield and what material to use. I've got some 16ga. copper sheet that might disipate the heat well. I'm thinking about screwing it right to the hedders with some stand-offs.

That might work, but the easiest way to solve it for good is to mount a remote solenoid like on the old F@rds. Just get a starter solenoid for a pre-88 F-150 or so and mount it anywhere you want. I can send you a link with detailed instructions if you want

[Fixwhataintbroke]

I would recommend Stan's headers completely. I'm on the 4th year with mine and they're still looking as new as the day i got 'em minus the blue discolaration, and they have nice thick flanges. http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm


a picture of the headers i have (454): http://www.stans-headers.com/Photos/154Y.jpg

[Psycho71]

I run hooker Competition Headers on my 85 burb 4x4, and on my '71 C10. I run a mini-starter on both trucks, and have never had a heat soak issue. Hooker is by far the best headers I have ever ran. Gaskets seem to last a LOT longer than I experienced with the cheaper brands. And I like the flat flange on the collectors, as opposed to the ring and flange some companies use.