Straightening header flanges
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Allen, TX, USA
Straightening header flanges
I'm cleaning and straightening out the header flanges...
Unfortunately, the flange is bent between the middle exhaust ports.
The center of the ports is lower than the two outer edges.
I've been able to flatten the flange by
(lovingly)
at the right points to remove some of the bends.
But how can I straighten the low point in the middle?
Any low tech ideas?
Unfortunately, the flange is bent between the middle exhaust ports.
The center of the ports is lower than the two outer edges.
I've been able to flatten the flange by
(lovingly)at the right points to remove some of the bends.
But how can I straighten the low point in the middle?
Any low tech ideas?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 3
From: Burlington WI
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
On my passenger side header I made two cuts on the flange with a hacksaw to relieve the bow. I made a cut on each side of the middle two exhaust ports.
One of my friends says he has done that with every set of headers he has installed and never had a leak. He also uses copper gaskets.
I plan on doing this on my new set as well.
O cut OO cut O
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Edgewater (20 miles south of Daytona) Florida
Originally Posted by Frankenvette
On my passenger side header I made two cuts on the flange with a hacksaw to relieve the bow. I made a cut on each side of the middle two exhaust ports.
He's right. Cut the flange. It wont effect the header from bolting up tight. In fact, those that have done so will all tell you it's better. Short of buying the new headers with really thick flanges, this is the best thing for keeping them sealed, along with the copper or good quailty gaskets. Hope this helps 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 0
From: Allen, TX, USA
Well, I was able to get the middle ports in line with the outer ports.
So I don't think cutting the flange will help much more with alignment.
Are there other reasons to cutting the flange?
I also used an abrasive pad to clean up the ports. I can try the file, but
the center is about 0.016 to 0.020" low.
Thanks.
So I don't think cutting the flange will help much more with alignment.
Are there other reasons to cutting the flange?
I also used an abrasive pad to clean up the ports. I can try the file, but
the center is about 0.016 to 0.020" low.
Thanks.
