Header? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Daves72'GMC · 10-15-2003, 07:48 AM

I'm restoring my '72 GMC with a 402BB. Should I put on Headers or keep the stock manifolds on? I've seen on the board here where some owners have had some problems with headers loosening up and having to keep retightening them over and over, and burning up starters. How many times and how often do they have to be retightened? I was just wondering if it's worth it , to put on headers peformance wise etc.? Thank you everyone.

lukecp · 10-15-2003, 08:58 AM

I tighten mine every time i change my oil.

Headers can be a hassle someitmes....but to me they are worth the cool sound and extra power that they give your motors.

Bowtiefreak · 10-15-2003, 09:43 AM

To me headers are always worth it. Better hp,tq.throttle response and gas mileage. Get some good header bolt locks like Stage 8 brand and good gaskets (along with good headers) and you will not even think about them. As far as the starter goes, yes sometimes they pose a problem will heat soak. This mainly happens will full length headers over shorties or blockhuggers. You can get heat wrap for the starter, move the solinoid(sp) or get a gear reduction starter. Some people don't want to go through this but I always thought it was worth it IMHO.

Bowtiefreak

Bill72BB · 10-15-2003, 01:16 PM

I went with the Dyno Max cerama coated headers ,I would suggest if you go with headers get the Percy Dead soft header gaskets .

Hotrod70C10 · 10-15-2003, 02:23 PM

I haven't tightened my headers since early june.... I would suggest soft aluminum collector gaskets for the collectors and, stock manifold gaskets for the flanges to block gaskets. They hold a better seal than the paper header gaskets and only cost 3-4 bucks from the local parts store. Another plus is, to change them you don't have to unbolt the header.... just back the bolts off enough to change them. I think it was longhorn man that turned me to the stock gaskets. I will never go to anything else.

Longhorn Man · 10-16-2003, 12:15 AM

Yeah, that's how I do it.
As for header bolts backing out, I never seem to have that problem, I used the cheapest parts store header bolts I could find, and installed them dry with a wrench, that was 2 trucks, 2 sets of headers, and 3 engines ago, and I have only hade one bolt come a little loose.
I know it is a common problem, but I never seem to have to worry about it.

krazy_texan · 10-16-2003, 12:29 AM

speaking of Headers how often do you guys have to change out your flange gaskets, i got new ones when i got my new pipes about march, and now i need new ones you can hear them sucking air and i already checked the bolts for tightness.

Longhorn Man · 10-16-2003, 12:33 AM

Get the dead soft alluminum ones, and they'll last longer than your engine will....regardless of how often you drop your exhaust.
They may cost 20 - 35 bucks, but you'll never replace them again.

10-16-2003, 12:34 AM

Krazy clean out your PM box, its full

10-15-2003, 07:48 AM	#1
Daves72'GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Asheville, N.C Posts: 952	Header? I'm restoring my '72 GMC with a 402BB. Should I put on Headers or keep the stock manifolds on? I've seen on the board here where some owners have had some problems with headers loosening up and having to keep retightening them over and over, and burning up starters. How many times and how often do they have to be retightened? I was just wondering if it's worth it , to put on headers peformance wise etc.? Thank you everyone.

10-15-2003, 08:58 AM	#2
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I tighten mine every time i change my oil. Headers can be a hassle someitmes....but to me they are worth the cool sound and extra power that they give your motors. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

10-15-2003, 09:43 AM	#3
Bowtiefreak Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LeRoy, Mich. Posts: 854	To me headers are always worth it. Better hp,tq.throttle response and gas mileage. Get some good header bolt locks like Stage 8 brand and good gaskets (along with good headers) and you will not even think about them. As far as the starter goes, yes sometimes they pose a problem will heat soak. This mainly happens will full length headers over shorties or blockhuggers. You can get heat wrap for the starter, move the solinoid(sp) or get a gear reduction starter. Some people don't want to go through this but I always thought it was worth it IMHO. Bowtiefreak __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 Short Fleetside/Wood floor ECE 4-6 Drop / 406 Small Block 1971 Chevelle 427 Big Block

10-15-2003, 01:16 PM	#4
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	I went with the Dyno Max cerama coated headers ,I would suggest if you go with headers get the Percy Dead soft header gaskets . __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

10-15-2003, 02:23 PM	#5
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	I haven't tightened my headers since early june.... I would suggest soft aluminum collector gaskets for the collectors and, stock manifold gaskets for the flanges to block gaskets. They hold a better seal than the paper header gaskets and only cost 3-4 bucks from the local parts store. Another plus is, to change them you don't have to unbolt the header.... just back the bolts off enough to change them. I think it was longhorn man that turned me to the stock gaskets. I will never go to anything else. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

10-16-2003, 12:15 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Yeah, that's how I do it. As for header bolts backing out, I never seem to have that problem, I used the cheapest parts store header bolts I could find, and installed them dry with a wrench, that was 2 trucks, 2 sets of headers, and 3 engines ago, and I have only hade one bolt come a little loose. I know it is a common problem, but I never seem to have to worry about it.

10-16-2003, 12:29 AM	#7
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	speaking of Headers how often do you guys have to change out your flange gaskets, i got new ones when i got my new pipes about march, and now i need new ones you can hear them sucking air and i already checked the bolts for tightness. __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

10-16-2003, 12:33 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Get the dead soft alluminum ones, and they'll last longer than your engine will....regardless of how often you drop your exhaust. They may cost 20 - 35 bucks, but you'll never replace them again.

10-16-2003, 12:34 AM	#9
Linus0014 Guest Posts: n/a	Krazy clean out your PM box, its full

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