TBSS VS. Doug Thorley

[East Tex]

I bought a pair of used TBSS exhaust manifolds last year when I was gathering parts for my swap. Both heat shields are dented, cracked, and scratched up. Also all the studs are trashed. I got out my torch and removed the old studs and I have new replacements on hand. But now I am thinking if these will look nice when installed, or maybe I need to just go and buy Doug Thorley THY-324Y-C headers. I thought about buying new heat shields for these old manifolds ($52), but the manifolds will still be rusty and not that nice looking. So then I thought I'll Jet Hot coat these manifolds and not buy heat shields.
Whatever I run, I want it to look nice. I know the headers are expensive but they look nice. I haven't ran headers in many years, but I remember replacing collector flange gaskets all the time. Are today's headers and gaskets better?
With all that said, I'm looking for opinions on manifolds VS headers, Jet Hot coating, and all the above.
Thanks

[mcmlxix]

I found a local powder coating shop that does a ceramic coating in black. I have 2010 Camaro LS3 stock manifolds and will have them coated along with my Y pipe (2 into 1 exhaust) It will be cheaper then JetHot, but I have no real experience with the longevity of the coating. I decided against headers becasue of the possible gasket issuses, I want the truck to be quiet and the motor is stock anyway. The camaro manifolds are 2.5" at the collector and I have a Y collector going into a large 3" muffler with a single outlet on the passenger side in front of the rear wheel.

[East Tex]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

I found a local powder coating shop that does a ceramic coating in black. I have 2010 Camaro LS3 stock manifolds and will have them coated along with my Y pipe (2 into 1 exhaust) It will be cheaper then JetHot, but I have no real experience with the longevity of the coating. I decided against headers becasue of the possible gasket issuses, I want the truck to be quiet and the motor is stock anyway. The camaro manifolds are 2.5" at the collector and I have a Y collector going into a large 3" muffler with a single outlet on the passenger side in front of the rear wheel.

I never thought to ask my local powder coater if he does high temp coatings.

[jamesjones]

That's exactly what I did...

[East Tex]

Dang! That looks nice!

[East Tex]

I asked my powder coater if he does high temp coatings and he said no. So I have to find a place to ship them and have them done, or buy the Doug Thorlys.

[Low Elco]

Jet hot is in OKC, Performance Plus in Joplin, MO does them too.

[rcrahn]

Originally Posted by jamesjones

That's exactly what I did...

Look great James! Where did you have them coated? And if you don't mind sharing what did it cost? Thanks

[jamesjones]

Originally Posted by rcrahn

Look great James! Where did you have them coated? And if you don't mind sharing what did it cost? Thanks

I go them Ceramic Coated by Powder1 in El Cajon, CA. I think it was about $150 for the pair. You'd have to call them to be sure though.

[jamesjones]

Originally Posted by East Tex

I asked my powder coater if he does high temp coatings and he said no. So I have to find a place to ship them and have them done, or buy the Doug Thorlys.

There's got to be a powder guy in your area that does ceramic coating.

[68Stepbed]

M&R coatings in my area does ceramic coating. They do polished, black, white and cast iron gray colors.
http://www.amr-coatings.com/

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by East Tex

I know the headers are expensive but they look nice. I haven't ran headers in many years, but I remember replacing collector flange gaskets all the time. Are today's headers and gaskets better?

v-bands or die...




...i need to die, cuz I haven't upgraded yet. 3bolt flanges still leak if you buy the wrong gaskets (common with guys fabbing midpipes themselves)

[Xeen]

I don't know how much you know about clearance issues regarding exhaust manifolds and headers with CPP tubular engine stands for the LSX in the C10 so I will tell you what I know about it just incase.
You don't need the Doug Thorley headers unless you are using the CPP tubular engine stands because they are what those headers were designed for in the first place.
The CPP sheet metal engine stands are a vast Improvement in clearance and are needed to allow you to run the TBSS or Camaro exhaust manifolds.
Here is a photo of the new CPP sheetmetal perches with Hooker GM clone manifolds.



I hope this information helps you out in your decision making process.

[boostedc10]

I had a few sets done in the black ceramic by my guy here in Michigan. I can say the coating holds up to some abuse. I did the hot side on my last turbo build and ran it hard with no flaking or other issues.

[East Tex]

I found out about a place in Marshall Tx, that does ceramic coating. It's a couple hours from my house, but its the closest that I can find. I think that I'm going to use my manifolds and get them coated not buy the headers. I may drop them off on my way to gamble in Shreveport lol.

[83_shortwide]

Originally Posted by East Tex

I found out about a place in Marshall Tx, that does ceramic coating. It's a couple hours from my house, but its the closest that I can find. I think that I'm going to use my manifolds and get them coated not buy the headers. I may drop them off on my way to gamble in Shreveport lol.

Can you tell me the name of the place in Marshall? Thanks!

[East Tex]

Originally Posted by 83_shortwide

Can you tell me the name of the place in Marshall? Thanks!

DK Industries
(903) 935-0502
I tried calling them today, but the recording says that they are only open till noon on Fridays. Must be nice lol

[83_shortwide]

Thanks

[mcmlxix]

Originally Posted by East Tex

I found out about a place in Marshall Tx, that does ceramic coating. It's a couple hours from my house, but its the closest that I can find. I think that I'm going to use my manifolds and get them coated not buy the headers. I may drop them off on my way to gamble in Shreveport lol.

Make sure you pay for them on the trip out... you may not have the cash to pay for them on the ride back...

[NEWFISHER]

East Tex, sent you a PM

[Billett]

I run the larger DT headers and love them. They still look fantastic and I haven't had a problem yet with any leaking. That said, if you can save money and are happy with the look, GO FOR IT! Nothing wrong with manifolds.