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If so, do you also have a 4-speed? How well do the headers fit? Did you have to do any mods or put any dents in the headers? What about an A/C bracket? My A/C is on the passenger side but after viewing the header bracket, I can't see how it will work with my existing bracket. My bracket mounts to the engine in three places, one of which is on the manifold. Their bracket is NOTHING like the one I currently have; it appears that it only mounts to the engine in one spot on the head. I have ideas for the A/C bracket, but my main concern is the driver's side header clearing the clutch linkage. Any problems there?
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Johns vette)
I'm about to purchase those headers and I'm wondering the same. I have concerns about it fitting with the A/C. Some people said I need a special A/C bracket, but I am unsure which one, or where to get it.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I have these on a 355cid engine with an automatic trans. I had to use some chrome bushings (ace hardware) to build out to the original thickness of the manifold but that was about it. I can't help you with the clutch cable though. The headers were very easy to install, I would suggest the stage 8 locking stainless steel collector bolts though and also the soft aluminum gasket that is about 3/32 thick. Both available at Jegs. You have to ask for the bolts they aren't in the catalog. Acutally I don't know how all this works since my 80 has been in the shop since I installed the new bolts etc. I can tell you that it was a problem with bolts loosening. Dynomax stands behind their products.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
The previous owner put them on my '80. I have AC and a 4 speed. There don't appear to be any fitment concerns and he didn't mention any problems. There is a spacer for the AC pump though.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
i have those headers and love them...
they fit like a glove and i even have steeroids...
as far as the a/c bracket goes...i kept hearing about a special bracket, but after looking at it and studying it over i did this...
it works awesome...looks good and it didnt cost me anything!
i had a piece of stainless 3/8 threaded rod lying around (dosnt have to be stainless)
this is easy to remove if need be also!
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I have them on my 74. I used the bracket that they recommend for the long (A6) compressor and while it's a little more flimsy than the original cast iron one it seems to work OK. They also give you instructions on how to modify the original bracket but this wouldn't apply to your car since you have the short compressor. I had to put a small dent in one of the pipes to clear the Z bar for the clutch. Nothing much just maybe 1/16 inch. Putting them on the driver side is a bit of a chore because of the Z-bar having to be removed but other than that they went in nicely and fit well. Made a very nice increase in seat of the pants performance. Here's a couple of pics.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I put a set of the Dynomax ceramic coated headers on my 79 last summer and am very happy with them. The installation was probably the easiest set of headers I have put on anything over the years.
On the clutch side you will need to remove the Z-bar bracket to get the header in. Initially, I thought I was going to have to dimple the header, but, after walking away and taking a couple of deep breaths I went back to it and the Z-bar went right in with enough clearance that no dimples are needed. Patience on this side will help you.
I purchased the aftermarket bracket for my A/C, but, never did figure it out. I just ended up cutting me a spacer from a piece of pipe and painting it black like the rest of my brackets. Bought a longer grade 8 bolt and my A/C was just like it should be.
This is not a bad job at all. Get your Vette safely up on jacks stands or a lift and take your time. They will slide right in and you will be very happy when they are all hooked up. I noticed a nice drop in cabin temperature compared with my stock exhaust system which was a real plus.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I have the headers as well with a Turbo 400 trans. I have used the after market bracket with my AC compressor. It is shaped like a "T" and bolts to two of the header bolts. With this set up you will not be able to use the inside mounting point. Your compressor will be mounted at the rear and the front plate. Seems to work ok. I do have have the long stile pump.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Johns vette)
I have a set on my 79 with auto and air and they fit fine. I really like the fact that they were easy to install and don't generate nearly as much heat as the non coated headers. :thumbs:
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I have Dynomax headers on my vette. They fit great. I just jacked the car up about 1.5 ft to 2ft and put them in from the bottom. The passenger side went in with out any problems. The drivers side I had to remove the Z bar in order to get the header in. I do not have AC, but I think they make a bracket for it with headers. I had to buy a special bracket to get the alternator on. Best bang for the money in my mind.
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (SIGNGUY)
Thanks to all who have answered. I appreciate the help.
Signguy,
That was one of my plans for the A/C bracket, the other was to also use a piece of pipe or a steel spacer in between the nuts to add a little extra support.
Ganey,
What do you mean about not having to use the manifold mounting point? Can it just hang free? Or would I remove the entire compressor support on the rear and just use the header bracket as well as the front steel support arm?
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
I have an 80 (air/auto) and would like to put these headers on as well. Has anyone done this on their 80 and if so, were there any problems installing them?
Thanks!
Re: Who has Dynomax ceramic coated headers? (Captain Morgan)
Thanks to all who have answered. I appreciate the help. ...
Ganey,
What do you mean about not having to use the manifold mounting point? Can it just hang free? Or would I remove the entire compressor support on the rear and just use the header bracket as well as the front steel support arm?
[Modified by Captain Morgan, 11:47 AM 5/6/2003]
W/ the stock rotary A/C you do not need to use the former manifold mounting point w/ headers & yes, you could let it hang free.
There are more braces than needed so besides the main bracket you could use the rear manifold brace &/or front brace or even none.