How hard is it to replace the headers?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
How hard is it to replace the headers?
Mine are leaking exhaust, so need to get that fixed. While I am at it, might as well put some better looking/better performance ones.
My question is, how hard is it to do myself? Any suggestions on the new ones?
My question is, how hard is it to do myself? Any suggestions on the new ones?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 641
Likes: 2
From: Storm lake Iowa
With a big block and side pipes, it's easy, as long as the headers you buy actually fit. You have to raise the front end of the car and drop them out below, and bring in the new ones from beneath. I bought hooker supercomps with side pipes, and although there is VERY little clearance (actually rubs a little on the passenger side frame when everything is tightened up), I didn't need to dent anything with a hammer to make it fit. I assume that there is more working space if you are working with a smallblock.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
So you're replacing manifolds with headers. A 77 originally had a 2 into 1pipe after the manifolds connecting to a catalytic converter, then splitting into two pipes and mufflers. If you are installing headers, you should have full dual exhausts, with or without cats. I bought 2.5 inch pipes intended for a 74, full duals with no cats. You then need to shorten the front pipes, probably make up 2 short pipes to connect from the header reducers into the 2 pipes where they meet at the trans crossmember. You most likely will need a muffler shop involved to fab those short pipies and weld them to the collectors.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
Does anyone have any experience with these items? With the headers, are there any adjustments that need to be made for clearance or do they hang to low?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-SCC10S/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/ <-- i like those for price and black could might look nice, but worried about the paint not lasting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9103/?rtype=10 <-- a little pricier, but are ceramic coated.
Thoughts? Has anyone used this set up?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-SCC10S/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/ <-- i like those for price and black could might look nice, but worried about the paint not lasting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9103/?rtype=10 <-- a little pricier, but are ceramic coated.
Thoughts? Has anyone used this set up?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Does anyone have any experience with these items? With the headers, are there any adjustments that need to be made for clearance or do they hang to low?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-SCC10S/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/ <-- i like those for price and black could might look nice, but worried about the paint not lasting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9103/?rtype=10 <-- a little pricier, but are ceramic coated.
Thoughts? Has anyone used this set up?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-SCC10S/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/ <-- i like those for price and black could might look nice, but worried about the paint not lasting.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9103/?rtype=10 <-- a little pricier, but are ceramic coated.
Thoughts? Has anyone used this set up?
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
i used shorty street rod headers on my '76 auto 350. i really like them. got them from ss autochrome. they are stainless stell and have very thick flanges so they will never warp. i got my exhaust system from allen's stainless when i was at a carlisle show years ago. still clean to this day. the only thing is with the shorty headers you have to use some different bolts to mount the ac compressor. basically some spacers. also the exhaust pipe that connects to the header collector will need to have the flange welded to it at the right length. i did it myself b/c i have a welder. i really like t his set up.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68308/
I did a quick search on the thermal coating and it states it is supposed to protect it from rust.
I'm trying to decide if I should get the pypes exhaust or go to a shop and have one made. Some guys seem to get the pypes system to install easily, others seem to have problems.
