BB SS hearders.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by rpoL98
I've seen photo ads for Stainless Steel Works BBC headers for C3 vettes. they're kinda pricey, so I haven't tried them myself. Maybe next time around.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
What's the point
With the BBC you need to coat the headers to keep the engine compartment from becoming an oven. Therefore any advantages in terms of corrosion resistance of SS is negated. Thus SS are sort of a waste of money. However I really like the look of them, but I would coat any headers anyway.... what's the point of spending ~ $800 or more on a set?
carbster
carbster
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
my understanding is that SS retains heat more than regular carbon steel, "so they say". how much more, and compared to coated, I don't know. and whether it's worth the extra tariff, beats me. I wrap my SS headers (other vehicles) with thermo-tec wrap just to prevent the heat from melting all the factory wiring, rubber, etc nearby due to long term high-heat exposure, just to be safe. and of course, that voids the warranty on the SS headers, oh well. The steering joints & wiring seem to be the first heat overdose victims.
actually, in retrospect, I wrap all my headers with wrap to minimize engine compartment heat and to improve longevity for nearby components. Difference being that with the normal steel headers, they flake & pit more than SS headers, vulnerable to burn-through, although haven't gotten there yet.
actually, in retrospect, I wrap all my headers with wrap to minimize engine compartment heat and to improve longevity for nearby components. Difference being that with the normal steel headers, they flake & pit more than SS headers, vulnerable to burn-through, although haven't gotten there yet.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I priced SS works headers and they were $875 for a shorty style header. You then let them know which extension to put on. One for side pipes and one for under the car. So much for any tuned length. For that money I don't want a shorty header.
I will stick to wrapped normal steel headers and replace them more often.
I do believe in wrapping.
I will stick to wrapped normal steel headers and replace them more often.
I do believe in wrapping.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
So much for any tuned length. For that money I don't want a shorty header.
I do believe in wrapping.
I do believe in wrapping.
Those ceramic-coated examples seem pricey compared to the non-coated. I wonder if they're just aluminized.
Jughead, I wouldn't mind the brown color, and I like the idea of their durability. If they were polished they'd be gold.
Last edited by shafrs3; Jan 14, 2006 at 04:31 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by shafrs3
Are you folks wrapping your headers primarly to keep the heat out of the engine compartment?
This wrapping is more then 10 years old but I did split a tube this summer. I welded it up, the rest of the tubes looked fine so I will rewrap and give it another try.
I have never checked out coated headers and will have to pay more attention to them for future if wrapping causes problems
Last edited by norvalwilhelm; Jan 14, 2006 at 08:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Yes. With wrapped headers after a hard run down the expressway you can pop the hood and there is no rush of heat. The headers are actually cool enough if you brush against them you don't get burned. They are hot but not scorching hot. I do it for my steering box like others, the starter motor and the wiring.
This wrapping is more then 10 years old but I did split a tube this summer. I welded it up, the rest of the tubes looked fine so I will rewrap and give it another try.
I have never checked out coated headers and will have to pay more attention to them for future if wrapping causes problems
This wrapping is more then 10 years old but I did split a tube this summer. I welded it up, the rest of the tubes looked fine so I will rewrap and give it another try.
I have never checked out coated headers and will have to pay more attention to them for future if wrapping causes problems
The header wraps look like they'd get soggy in the rain, might not be a good choice for a driver. I might be sticking to my good old cast iron manifolds, no tuning but they look like they flow well.