FlowTech Headers anyone? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Billla* · 01-15-2007, 06:50 PM

I just gave up and bought a set of these, painted for $105 @ Summit. I usually don't lowball on headers (I paid $1700 for my Impala SS headers!) but I'm in the process of "downgrading" my '72 into much more of a daily driver from my original lofty performance goals. When I build the new chassis I'll spring for a set of tri-y's and a nice system - this is to keep me going for the next 3-4 years.

Anyone installed these? They look about right, and the flange is nice and thick. The tube size is a bit small but that should be fine for what I'm looking for. Looking for personal, direct experience.

Thanks!

cstm68 · 01-15-2007, 06:59 PM

are they full length or block huggers ??

i used the flowtech full length ones on my 68 and thy fit good i had to remove the oil fiter and the starter to install them!

mac · 01-15-2007, 07:13 PM

I just took a set of alumi coated Flowtechs off and replaced them with Hedman Ceramic longtubes. I liked 'em fine and had no trouble with the angled plugs on my ZZ4 either. On lowered springs I could drag 'em but they held up fine to a lot of speed bumps and bad angled driveways.

Boise69 · 01-15-2007, 07:17 PM

a little off subject but i have flowtech mufflers, installed 4 years ago and both are now rusted through and i need to replace. just thought i'd share.

*Billla* · 01-15-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstm68

are they full length or block huggers ??

i used the flowtech full length ones on my 68 and thy fit good i had to remove the oil fiter and the starter to install them!

Full-length. The install instructions say that both of these must be removed...so sounds good so far

*Billla* · 01-15-2007, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boise69

a little off subject but i have flowtech mufflers, installed 4 years ago and both are now rusted through and i need to replace. just thought i'd share.

Yeah, painted headers typically look like rusted garbage in a year or so. I can live with that for $100

notmrgoodwrench · 01-15-2007, 07:50 PM

i have a set of these on my 67 and so far so good

jsbgump · 01-15-2007, 08:00 PM

I've had a set on the 68 for almost 9 years. they were ok at first but the collectors warped on me and they look like crap now but hey they work for the price

chopper103in · 01-16-2007, 12:40 AM

got them on my 69 swb and i like them

skokie · 01-16-2007, 12:41 AM

I had a set of full length and they lasted 18 months.

71chevytruckguy · 01-16-2007, 01:52 AM

i got on my '69 and no problems. if your goin in fron the top, take the plugs out, remove the strater, and the brake booster can keep the master cylinder hangin out the lines, and they should drop in. also remove the z-bar and clutch linkage if its manual. only problem i've had with them is gettin the reducer to collector gasket to seal up. used 2 paper gaskets per side and haven't had a problem. chris.

Blue85 · 01-16-2007, 01:59 AM

i have a set on my truck, no problems so far, but i only put about 1000miles on y truck so far. I never had to remove anthing to get the headers in, driver side was a tight fit though. Makes me wonder if my engine mounts are in the right spot.

chopper103in · 01-16-2007, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue85

i have a set on my truck, no problems so far, but i only put about 1000miles on y truck so far. I never had to remove anthing to get the headers in, driver side was a tight fit though. Makes me wonder if my engine mounts are in the right spot.

i had to replace both motor mounts to get my headers to fit-----rubber in both mounts collapsed

*Billla* · 01-16-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopper103in

i had to replace both motor mounts to get my headers to fit-----rubber in both mounts collapsed

These were the full-length FlowTechs?

chopper103in · 01-16-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billla

These were the full-length FlowTechs?

yes---rubber collapsed and the motor sat to low and the headers hit crossmember so the bolt holes wouldnt line up-----tha mounts was basicly metal to metal

edmonton72 · 01-16-2007, 11:06 AM

Mine were pretty easy to installing seeing that I didn't have a body on the frame. Haven't fired up the truck yet so don't know how they hold up yet.

*Billla* · 01-16-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopper103in

yes---rubber collapsed and the motor sat to low and the headers hit crossmember so the bolt holes wouldnt line up-----tha mounts was basicly metal to metal

Good heads-up; I've got brand new mounts on mine...well, 7 year old brand new

so they should be good.

*Billla* · 01-19-2007, 01:47 PM

These arrived yesterday and I was underwhelmed. I think I'm going to go ahead and install them...but I was not real happy with the "quality". I know it's a lowball header, but I was surprised at the really poor welds and what looks like flanges that are ground on a bias. I'll post some pictures along with the installation, but out of the box I was not rocked.

Based on what I saw, I wish I had spent the extra $30-$75 on the painted Headman or Hooker Competition headers and that would be my recommendation - and of course the good thing as well is if you upgrade to coated headers they (should) bolt right up.

fastwillie 696969 · 01-19-2007, 02:47 PM

i got flowtech on my blower motor and they work real good i also read in hot rod mag that they did a headers test and these flowtechs were rated right up with heddmen and other for the overall performance

bryanw1968 · 01-19-2007, 03:17 PM

I bought a set of full length flowtechs for my '68 and they worked just fine for the money. I eventually upgraded my entire exhaust system just as you're talking about doing with some hedman elites.

centsless · 01-19-2007, 05:41 PM

I put them on mine, and the flanges do not have a gasket at all. No leaks, and they fit pretty well. My truck sits in the garage, and we put 500 miles on it this year, so it is not used a lot. I like them and would buy another set. My SS Impala now has a crack in the exhaust manifold, so I am going to join you and shell out big bucks for some LT1 headers.....

Premium72 · 01-20-2007, 12:17 AM

had mine for about 4 years now. no problems. lil deeper sound. didnt have to take any tihng off to intsall. i installed from under the truckk(truck jaked up...rite in. i like em. like you say cant beat the price.

*Billla* · 02-04-2007, 07:25 PM

[UPDATED]FOLLOW-UP

Finally had time today to start the install on these. They have MAJOR interference on the motor mount on the passenger side. I wouldn't mind clearancing a bit...but it would have to be maybe 1/4" and I'm not doing that. Moving to some Hookers, which is what I should have bought in the first place.

You can see from the pictures I posted in the thread below the difference between the two headers. I guess the determining factor is how far forward your mounts are.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...13#post2017213

FLEET72 · 02-04-2007, 11:26 PM

10 year old Hookers. I bought them from the Super Shops for $60 when they were clearing out stock right before the locked their doors for the last time.

Passenger side, hard to tell from the picture but there is at least 2" of clearance to the motor mount.

A little further back, Dang autofocus.

Driver side, also at least 2" of clearance.

Again, further back.

Pictures are dark because I took them at night.

krue · 02-05-2007, 01:07 AM

Nothing but red x's showing for me fleet72.

01-15-2007, 06:50 PM	#1
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	FlowTech Headers anyone? I just gave up and bought a set of these, painted for $105 @ Summit. I usually don't lowball on headers (I paid $1700 for my Impala SS headers!) but I'm in the process of "downgrading" my '72 into much more of a daily driver from my original lofty performance goals. When I build the new chassis I'll spring for a set of tri-y's and a nice system - this is to keep me going for the next 3-4 years. Anyone installed these? They look about right, and the flange is nice and thick. The tube size is a bit small but that should be fine for what I'm looking for. Looking for personal, direct experience. Thanks! Last edited by Billla; 01-15-2007 at 06:50 PM.

01-15-2007, 06:59 PM	#2
cstm68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: shoreline, wa Posts: 1,565	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? are they full length or block huggers ?? i used the flowtech full length ones on my 68 and thy fit good i had to remove the oil fiter and the starter to install them!

01-15-2007, 07:13 PM	#3
mac Active Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 166	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? I just took a set of alumi coated Flowtechs off and replaced them with Hedman Ceramic longtubes. I liked 'em fine and had no trouble with the angled plugs on my ZZ4 either. On lowered springs I could drag 'em but they held up fine to a lot of speed bumps and bad angled driveways.

01-15-2007, 07:17 PM	#4
Boise69 The Hammer Man Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 864	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? a little off subject but i have flowtech mufflers, installed 4 years ago and both are now rusted through and i need to replace. just thought i'd share. __________________ Boise69. Bought in Boise ID and its a '69 ___________________________________________ 1969 Chevy C-10 SWB 350/400 - drivable project www.americanhammer.com 2013 MBZ Sprinter customized 2005 MBZ Sprinter Van 2004 Land Rover Discovery 2001 Yamaha Road Star 1997 MBZ E420 1989 Ferrari Mondial T

01-15-2007, 07:50 PM	#7
notmrgoodwrench Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 49	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? i have a set of these on my 67 and so far so good

01-15-2007, 08:00 PM	#8
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? I've had a set on the 68 for almost 9 years. they were ok at first but the collectors warped on me and they look like crap now but hey they work for the price __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

01-16-2007, 12:40 AM	#9
chopper103in Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: sycamore,il Posts: 163	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? got them on my 69 swb and i like them

01-16-2007, 12:41 AM	#10
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,354	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? I had a set of full length and they lasted 18 months. __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

01-16-2007, 01:52 AM	#11
71chevytruckguy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 599	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? i got on my '69 and no problems. if your goin in fron the top, take the plugs out, remove the strater, and the brake booster can keep the master cylinder hangin out the lines, and they should drop in. also remove the z-bar and clutch linkage if its manual. only problem i've had with them is gettin the reducer to collector gasket to seal up. used 2 paper gaskets per side and haven't had a problem. chris. __________________ its a work in progess. 71 c-10 lwb, in the middle of frame off restoration. 69 c-10 swb, drag truck, 406 sbc, balanced, comp 292 cam, ported, polished, gasket matched, and bowl blended pro comp 210cc heads, 2.02/1.60 ferrea valves,1.6 roller rockers, re curved hei with msd 6al box, 2-step rev limter, accel 300+ wires, ported victor jr intake, holley 750 double pumper carb, dynomax 1 5/8 headers, 4 spd munci m-20 with super case and iron midplate, mr. gasket vertigate shifter, 5.38 pro gears with full spool, 33 spline moser axles and c-clip elimators, line-loc, 5 gal fuel cell, holley blue pump. 7.807 @ 88.37mph 1.60 60FT 80 g-20 van, tow rig, cammed 305, th350, 10 bolt 88 jeep wrangler, dd, 258, ax-15 swap, 4.5" lift, 33x12.50's, lockers, 3.55's

01-16-2007, 01:59 AM	#12
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,170	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? i have a set on my truck, no problems so far, but i only put about 1000miles on y truck so far. I never had to remove anthing to get the headers in, driver side was a tight fit though. Makes me wonder if my engine mounts are in the right spot. __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

01-16-2007, 11:06 AM	#16
edmonton72 Nothings as cool as my 72 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Edmonton, AB, Kanuckastan Posts: 181	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? Mine were pretty easy to installing seeing that I didn't have a body on the frame. Haven't fired up the truck yet so don't know how they hold up yet. __________________ 1972 C10 Longbox In the middle of body off restoration Rebuilt 355, turbo 400, 3.42 12-bolt Rolling chassis finally done and cab mounted. Now onto sanding, bondo and more sanding.

01-19-2007, 01:47 PM	#18
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? These arrived yesterday and I was underwhelmed. I think I'm going to go ahead and install them...but I was not real happy with the "quality". I know it's a lowball header, but I was surprised at the really poor welds and what looks like flanges that are ground on a bias. I'll post some pictures along with the installation, but out of the box I was not rocked. Based on what I saw, I wish I had spent the extra $30-$75 on the painted Headman or Hooker Competition headers and that would be my recommendation - and of course the good thing as well is if you upgrade to coated headers they (should) bolt right up.

01-19-2007, 02:47 PM	#19
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? i got flowtech on my blower motor and they work real good i also read in hot rod mag that they did a headers test and these flowtechs were rated right up with heddmen and other for the overall performance __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

01-19-2007, 03:17 PM	#20
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? I bought a set of full length flowtechs for my '68 and they worked just fine for the money. I eventually upgraded my entire exhaust system just as you're talking about doing with some hedman elites.

01-19-2007, 05:41 PM	#21
centsless sufficiently talented fool Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Forest Hill, MD Posts: 2,231	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? I put them on mine, and the flanges do not have a gasket at all. No leaks, and they fit pretty well. My truck sits in the garage, and we put 500 miles on it this year, so it is not used a lot. I like them and would buy another set. My SS Impala now has a crack in the exhaust manifold, so I am going to join you and shell out big bucks for some LT1 headers..... __________________ "it's impossible to be surrounded by idiots when you are part of the circle" 2003 Suburban 2002 Pontiac Montana 1981 Corvette 1966 Impala Convertible Click here to support the board



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01-20-2007, 12:17 AM	#22
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? had mine for about 4 years now. no problems. lil deeper sound. didnt have to take any tihng off to intsall. i installed from under the truckk(truck jaked up...rite in. i like em. like you say cant beat the price.

02-04-2007, 07:25 PM	#23
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? [UPDATED]FOLLOW-UP Finally had time today to start the install on these. They have MAJOR interference on the motor mount on the passenger side. I wouldn't mind clearancing a bit...but it would have to be maybe 1/4" and I'm not doing that. Moving to some Hookers, which is what I should have bought in the first place. You can see from the pictures I posted in the thread below the difference between the two headers. I guess the determining factor is how far forward your mounts are. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...13#post2017213 Last edited by Billla; 02-04-2007 at 08:39 PM.

02-04-2007, 11:26 PM	#24
FLEET72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sonoma, CA Posts: 521	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? 10 year old Hookers. I bought them from the Super Shops for $60 when they were clearing out stock right before the locked their doors for the last time. Passenger side, hard to tell from the picture but there is at least 2" of clearance to the motor mount. A little further back, Dang autofocus. Driver side, also at least 2" of clearance. Again, further back. Pictures are dark because I took them at night. __________________ Oscar '72 Shortbed Fleetside '95 Jimmy 4X4 '69 GMC Custom Camper Last edited by FLEET72; 02-05-2007 at 05:04 AM. Reason: Fixed pictures, changed to links, hope that works. - Picasa -

02-05-2007, 01:07 AM	#25
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: FlowTech Headers anyone? Nothing but red x's showing for me fleet72. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

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