Factory Headers 454 HP Q...

[esbstuff]

Today I bought a 102K 86 crewcab dually with a 454. It has a factory set of headers on it. I was wondering if the factory headers actually flowed better or produced more HP that a set of factory logs??? The engine code is LE8 and a basic camper special truck from CA.

[jimbonice]

Got any pics of the factory headers? I'm not sure what those might be. LE8 is the standard rpo for 454's though the 70's and 80's.

[esbstuff]

They are basicly the same as the small block ones, just made for the big block. I will try to get a pic in the morning.

[jimbonice]

The big block cast manifolds have a more swept appearance than a lot of the mouse motors did. I'm curious to see what yours look like.
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[KQQL IT]

Had some on a 86 also had two smog pumps. The did go 300k before they cracked and never warped like the cast iron ones.
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[esbstuff]

2 smog pumps on this truck too, I just thought they were there because this is a CA truck. The truck seems to have alot more power than my injected 87 (unknown option code) but this truck is a mostly loaded truck, as my 87 was a work truck plain jane special. The only thing else weird the 86 has is only 2 point seat belt for the outward rear passengers. I've just never seen that before... All the mounting points are there, just lap belts. Anyway here are the pictures of the headers... The first 2 are of the BB ones, the last 2 are my low mileage set of SB ones.

[KQQL IT]

Always thought headers was a federal not ca package.
My 86 ran great. Was a roll back tow truck. Went 321k before we sold it. Had a sm465 and a Doug Nash O.d in it.
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[donut]

I had those on my '86, they're currently sitting on a pallet waiting for a scrap run. (galled threads on smog tube fittings) They're also stainless.
They "may" be better, if i hadn't boogered the threads, I'd use them. Where the smog tube goes in, there is another smog tube extension that goes into the exhaust port of the head. i haven't run the cast logs, so i don't know.

[100%Chevy]

These things have any value?
I removed a set from my 454 and still have a set on a 350.
I figured they were junk!
Mike.

[86454k30]

Originally Posted by 100%Chevy

These things have any value?
I removed a set from my 454 and still have a set on a 350.
I figured they were junk!
Mike.

Mike, I would be interested in them. I would even be interested in the above set with non-useable threads. I have a set on my 86 from the factory. They have a tendency to crack, I would like to have a spare set just in case.

Let me know.

[86454k30]

Originally Posted by donut

I had those on my '86, they're currently sitting on a pallet waiting for a scrap run. (galled threads on smog tube fittings) They're also stainless.
They "may" be better, if i hadn't boogered the threads, I'd use them. Where the smog tube goes in, there is another smog tube extension that goes into the exhaust port of the head. i haven't run the cast logs, so i don't know.

Would you remove them and ship them?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I know we're to get some locally at lake Stevens wrecking yard
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[100%Chevy]

86454k30,the ones I have available are like the first 2 pictures.They're from a 89/454 motorhome.They only have the stubs for the a.i.r. about 2"/3" long and still open.No cracks or missing studs,but I'll check them again.
I also have the complete serpentine set-up from this same engine.With the power steering pump and 2 smog pumps,etc.And,about 4' of the stainless exhaust with heat shields that was cut off.
I would trade for pulley/accessory set for a short pump for my 454 if interested.
I'll try to dig them out for pictures in the morning.
The ones I have for a 350 are still on my motorhome.(I still need those!)
Mike./

[donut]

Careful this doesn't turn into a FS/WTB thread, there is a place for that.

[100%Chevy]

Thumbnail pictures-


Mike.

[86454k30]

Originally Posted by donut

Careful this doesn't turn into a FS/WTB thread, there is a place for that.

Didn't intend to hi-jack this thread or turn it into something else. Sorry.

[86454k30]

Originally Posted by esbstuff

Today I bought a 102K 86 crewcab dually with a 454. It has a factory set of headers on it. I was wondering if the factory headers actually flowed better or produced more HP that a set of factory logs??? The engine code is LE8 and a basic camper special truck from CA.

IMO I don't think they would produce any "noticeable" HP gain over cast. From what I know they were mainly used because the dual smog pump trucks were setup "lean" from the factory which created heat in the exhaust systems. This is why the pipes from manifold to mufflers are shielded(one pipe inside another). The only thing I would swap mine for is headers if HP was my main goal.

[donut]

I did the header swap due to cost and effort (maybe a little mileage, if I get it.)
Cheap longtubes were less than 150.00pr shipped, manifolds were 90.00 ea from the local parts house. Plus I didn't have to deal with plugging all the smog holes.