Flowtech headers?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
Flowtech headers?
A local vendor has SBC Flowtech full length ceramic coated headers in stock for $290. The headers are listed as 18 gauge, mandrel bent and O ring port seals. Has anybody had problems fitting these headers, especially on a 1980? Problems in general with Flowtech O ring seals?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 2,579
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 2,579
here's one link and if you do advanced search on this forum with the keyword "flowtech" and restrict it to the C3 forum you will come up with lots of threads on the subject
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-question.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-question.html
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I have them on my 75 with A/C. Had fabricate up some spacers for the A/C bracket but no big deal. They fit fine with my ZZ4 heads with angle plugs. I switched to Brodix IK180 heads and have a little issue with one plug on the right side close to the plug wire. I had to dent the tube slightly for some added clearance but no problem.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
I have them on my 75 with A/C. Had fabricate up some spacers for the A/C bracket but no big deal. They fit fine with my ZZ4 heads with angle plugs. I switched to Brodix IK180 heads and have a little issue with one plug on the right side close to the plug wire. I had to dent the tube slightly for some added clearance but no problem.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 6
From: Oklahoma City Okla
I have them on my 75 with A/C. Had fabricate up some spacers for the A/C bracket but no big deal. They fit fine with my ZZ4 heads with angle plugs. I switched to Brodix IK180 heads and have a little issue with one plug on the right side close to the plug wire. I had to dent the tube slightly for some added clearance but no problem.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
I've had them several years, there's some slight rust showing in the collector area between the tubes, just very slight surface rust that you can buff out.. It doesn't bother me at all but it might others.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
omg ! they don't seal with o rings they have some extra weld built up around the port to help it seal to the gasket. i always hit it with a belt sander to make sure its even
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
I used the gaskets that came with them rather than expensive copper and other types. Put a liberal amount of grease on both sides and assemble them to the heads. I've never had an issue with a bad gasket. You'll have to check the bolts periodically for about a month since the metal moves around during heat cycles but after that things settle down and they stay tight. I haven't touched mine in a long time.
Good choice on the heads, I like mine and havn't heard anyone ever bad mouth them. Good luck with your project
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Tracys Landing MD
ltblue they look good! how is the ground clearance on them? I was going to go with hooker headers but they are 700 buck. I have a set of no name headers right now they look good but I only have about 2.5" of ground clearance. I see a speed bump and I get sick.LOL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Never used the Flowtech brand, but believe they were once branded as Dynomax, and used my share of these, without any fitment isuues. As mentioned, the "O" ring seal, refers to header piping protruding a bit beyond the mounting flange, and ground even. I've always had really good luck using Mr Gasket Ultra Seal gaskets with these. They look conventional, but have steel mesh cores. Also like Summits SS bolt kit, as a washered head, a wrench size down, for easier access. Doubt you're gonna find coated headers for that price, most places, so likely a good deal. Last time I bought some of these from Summit, they came via way of Jet Hot coatings.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 281
From: Dyersburg TN
I removed the starter to help with the install (from the bottom) but they went right in. A few spacers were made for the AC brackets. No problem with hanging down as they are higher then the lowest point of the car. They do have a slight downward angle as stated, but my muffler shop fixed that when the welded pipe to the collectors. Great fit, look and value for the money.
FYI here is the other side
FYI here is the other side
Last edited by dburgjohn; Aug 10, 2012 at 05:43 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I just got the 31106's this past Thursday for my '78. Ordered from Advance Auto, $269 and I had a coupon for 20% off from a previous online purchase so I got them for $219....free shipping!
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...chTerm=headers
Later this week I'll get her up on a lift and put them on.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...chTerm=headers
Later this week I'll get her up on a lift and put them on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I just got the 31106's this past Thursday for my '78. Ordered from Advance Auto, $269 and I had a coupon for 20% off from a previous online purchase so I got them for $219....free shipping!
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...chTerm=headers
Later this week I'll get her up on a lift and put them on.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...chTerm=headers
Later this week I'll get her up on a lift and put them on.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Interesting, as I never was aware Advance Auto carried speed parts, but buy my share of daily parts there. Good to know, as that's one heck of a price on those headers. Am aware of the online ordering discount though, as bought all kinds of stuff I don't even need yet, over the holidays. All 20% off, plus not letting an additional $50 online credit go to waste.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
A local vendor has SBC Flowtech full length ceramic coated headers in stock for $290. The headers are listed as 18 gauge, mandrel bent and O ring port seals. Has anybody had problems fitting these headers, especially on a 1980? Problems in general with Flowtech O ring seals?
For the money, they are the best deal out there.
(In case you're wondering, that is a Keisler RS500 5-speed transmission between the headers/pipes.)