Headers

[mhicks]

Okay, I was wondering what the best headers are for the price. I have some Headman long tube on my truck now and I am not happy with them. I can't keep gaskets on them. I have been looking at Doug Thorley and Sandersons but they are pricy. Are there any others out there that campare to those?
Thanks for your input.

[Dooley Dude]

I'm shopping for headers too, although my budget is pretty small. I'm leaning toward the Hooker #2452.

[STOCKISH]

Which gaskets are leaking? I always use regular old exhaust manifold gaskets at the head (yes, with headers) and it never leaks. Works perfect. If they are not the ball and socket fit at the collectors, use 3 inch donut gaskets for exhaust manifolds there. They fit in place of the paper gaskets and also never leak. I have done this for years and have NEVER had an exhaust leak. Good luck.

[mhicks]

I have tried several different kind. They are Hedman headers and the flange that mounts to the head are thin. I am looking for some with a thicker flange, some are even machined to fit each exhaust port.
The hooker ones mentioned above use 16 gauge pipe and 5/16" flanges and are about $350.00 from what I found.

[Damien]

I have hooker competition header on my blazer with a cardboard type gasket that is about 3/16" thick. The only time they leak is when the bolts loosen up, which when I was driving it daily was about every six months. I would just tighten the bolts and they were fine. I've never replaced them. I got them from a local race shop. I think I paid about $200 with my employee discount which normally was about what summit charged for stuff. They came ceramic coated too. I'm not sure if they were supposed to be or if someone shipped the wrong ones. I know I didn't specifically order them that way.

[qu1cks1lver56]

I never fool with exhaust gaskets and just use some red silicone. Never have any leaks with it.

[ToughBowtieTruck]

They all suck. Went back to stock manifolds and have better power, as they add some restriction the true duals don't allow for. Stock air cleaner also. That way I'm not dumping/wasting more gas for a couple of horsepower. Good power AND 14 mpg!

[mhicks]

Well the exhaust is already setup for the long tube headers and don't want to have to go to the muffler shop.
What brands and models are the ones ya'll are having good luck with. Do you think the thickness of the flange has anything to do with it?

[JohnC]

I just put the copperseal gaskets by Mr Gasket on my headers. My cousin has them on his Camaro, and said it's the best gasket he has used. So I'm giving them a shot on mine.

[jchav62]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Which gaskets are leaking? I always use regular old exhaust manifold gaskets at the head (yes, with headers) and it never leaks. Works perfect. If they are not the ball and socket fit at the collectors, use 3 inch donut gaskets for exhaust manifolds there. They fit in place of the paper gaskets and also never leak. I have done this for years and have NEVER had an exhaust leak. Good luck.

Good info! I've used regular exhaust manifold gaskets when I had to on stubborn leaks, but not the whole set intentionally. The donuts at the collector...I'm going to try that. Do you have a part number? Or a make and model that takes 3" donuts?

[dan76]

Originally Posted by jchav62

Do you have a part number? Or a make and model that takes 3" donuts?

Stop at a NAPA store and they'll rustle up a set for you.

[KQQL IT]

I have the dougs D-310c on a sbc. 3/8 flange top and bottom. Fit well and 0 leaks

[ToughBowtieTruck]

Originally Posted by mhicks

Well the exhaust is already setup for the long tube headers

As were mine. a 90 pipe and 45, coupled to stock pipe off the manifold and they were connected. It's not difficult by any means.

[dbmx66]

i just got some heddman, ceramic coated full lengths, they've got 1-3/4 primaries, 3 inch collectors, ill let you guys know how they are when it gets on the road.

[68 TT]

I have used the Pacesetter headers on several cars and really like them. I have the ceramic coated ones on my Malibu.

USA made, 3/8" thick flanges and you can get them ceramic coated if you want.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Pace%20Setter/...0002/-1?CT=999

http://www.pacesetterexhaust.com/quiktrip.php

They make shorty versions that hook up to the stock Y-pipe on the 88-95 trucks that should fit our trucks too if you need to run a single cat.

[staggerd86c-10]

before you go out and buy new headers add an extra set of gaskets. we usually just put 2 sets of gaskets in and we never have a problem. BTW we own an exhaust shop here in Miami, but then again its only my 2 pennies. I still havent ran into a set of heads/headers that match up perfectly.

[mhicks]

Already tried the two gasket thing. I have my truck in the shop now and I was going to get them to put gaskets on them. They called and told me the headers were warped and can't get a good seal.
Those Pacesetter ones looked pretty good. Machined 3/8" flanges. I think I'll give them a shot.

I don't get the "Off Road Use Only" at the end of the description?


72C2265 PaceSetter now offers quality-made, affordably-priced long tube headers for full-size light duty pick up trucks and SUVs.

CNC-machined 3/8"-thick steel flanges are matched to exhaust port profile for optimum seal and flow.
Flash-controlled 16-gauge carbon steel primaries provide greater durability than light gauge stainless steel.
Length and diameter of mandrel-bent tubing is optimized for flow and best performance increase.
Tubes enter collector in proper sequence for maximum scavenging.
O2 sensor fittings on all applications.
Complete with necessary gaskets and fasteners for installation.
Made in USA
Affordably priced
Off road use only.

[Damien]

"Off Road Only" just means they are not emissions compliant. If you don't have inspections you won't have a problem.

[54Caddy]

i want to put a set of headers on my truck, ones that will fit the existing pipe so i can still run my cat, any out there thatll work

[78 Big10 454]

I installed a set of CARB-compliant Hedman Headers in 1979. Used the Hedman gaskets that were supplied with the headers. Almost 31 years later and nary a leak. Maybe quality was better three decades ago?

[qu1cks1lver56]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

i want to put a set of headers on my truck, ones that will fit the existing pipe so i can still run my cat, any out there thatll work

You could try some shorty headers.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by 54Caddy

i want to put a set of headers on my truck, ones that will fit the existing pipe so i can still run my cat, any out there thatll work

Pacesetter doesn't list a shorty header for our trucks but does have them for the 88-95 which has the same engine so they might work. Can't be that much difference in them. Minor mods to the Y-pipe if any.

[mhicks]

I currently have dual exhaust that goes straight out the back. What is the a Y-pipe and what would need to be done to use that style?

[Damien]

Originally Posted by mhicks

I currently have dual exhaust that goes straight out the back. What is the a Y-pipe and what would need to be done to use that style?

A Y pipe is used for a single exhaust. It is a pipe that has a Y shape with each of the arms of the Y going to the manifolds. The one below is for a LS1 F-body with headers, but it is the same basic concept.

[texasfunk]

i have hedman longtubes on my truck, they have been on there for over 2 years with stock manifold gaskets and i have never had a problem before.