Headers and Carb upgrade questions.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 59
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From: Dover Oh
Headers and Carb upgrade questions.
Im going to be in the market for some headers and was wondering what headers have the best match on a 75 L-82. Also, im not the most experienced mechanic. I can do things like starters, alternators, you know, easy stuff, so is the installation of a set of headers hard? Do I have to lift the engine or can they slide through?
Also with carb upgrade questions. I still have my quadjet carb. Would you recomend a proform carb main body upgrade or just get a whole new one? If you think a new one, please recomend a carb.
And also, how much of an improvment would I get if I replace my stock manafold?
Thanks!
Also with carb upgrade questions. I still have my quadjet carb. Would you recomend a proform carb main body upgrade or just get a whole new one? If you think a new one, please recomend a carb.
And also, how much of an improvment would I get if I replace my stock manafold?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: Headers and Carb upgrade questions. (Vash the Stampede)
I'd be happy with a good q-jet rebuild.
If you have A/C, you're gonna need to fab a small metal tube spacer that goes between the flange and the A/C bracket on the front most flange to make up the difference of the old exhaust manifold.
Otherwise, it's pretty straightforward. You may have to disconnect your idler arm at the frame, remove a valve cover or something small on the driver's side but should not be a very big deal. :)
I recommend the Hooker Comp headers through jet-hot. If emissions is an issue though, go with Hedman #68301-6. This should be an easy job... 4-5 hours if things get hairy. Also plan on new spark plug wires. Maybe get new wires and some nice looms to go over the valve cover.
-Steve
If you have A/C, you're gonna need to fab a small metal tube spacer that goes between the flange and the A/C bracket on the front most flange to make up the difference of the old exhaust manifold.
Otherwise, it's pretty straightforward. You may have to disconnect your idler arm at the frame, remove a valve cover or something small on the driver's side but should not be a very big deal. :)
I recommend the Hooker Comp headers through jet-hot. If emissions is an issue though, go with Hedman #68301-6. This should be an easy job... 4-5 hours if things get hairy. Also plan on new spark plug wires. Maybe get new wires and some nice looms to go over the valve cover.
-Steve
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: Headers and Carb upgrade questions. (Vash the Stampede)
Vash,
I fitted Dynomax Headers (ceramic coated) & it was simple. One side went in dead easy, but the other was a bit more tricky (went in from underneath on both sides). If you disconnect the transmission mount from either the tranny or the x-member (only 2 bolts in either case) then you'll be able to jack up the rear of the tranny an inch or 2 which should be enough to let you get the Header in (think it was the d.side that I had to do this for). The tricky bit is in connecting the Headers up to the rest of the exhaust system. I used the copper head/exhaust gaskets from Summit & they work well with no leaks or need to check the bolts (they should work well at that price!). I didn't use the Header bolts that came with the Headers, but bought some st/st cap head set screws about 1/4" longer & used them instead.
For the carb I just changed the secondary rods from CH to DA (recommended by Lars) in my stock Qjet. Mine is a computer controlled one, but it looks like earlier carbs will be in the right ballpark with DA rods fitted.
I replaced my stock manifold with a Performer but couldn't tell you how much of an improvement it made. It felt a bit better, especially low down, but my seat of the pants dyno isn't very accurate! It does look a whole bunch better though :jester
:cheers:
I fitted Dynomax Headers (ceramic coated) & it was simple. One side went in dead easy, but the other was a bit more tricky (went in from underneath on both sides). If you disconnect the transmission mount from either the tranny or the x-member (only 2 bolts in either case) then you'll be able to jack up the rear of the tranny an inch or 2 which should be enough to let you get the Header in (think it was the d.side that I had to do this for). The tricky bit is in connecting the Headers up to the rest of the exhaust system. I used the copper head/exhaust gaskets from Summit & they work well with no leaks or need to check the bolts (they should work well at that price!). I didn't use the Header bolts that came with the Headers, but bought some st/st cap head set screws about 1/4" longer & used them instead.
For the carb I just changed the secondary rods from CH to DA (recommended by Lars) in my stock Qjet. Mine is a computer controlled one, but it looks like earlier carbs will be in the right ballpark with DA rods fitted.
I replaced my stock manifold with a Performer but couldn't tell you how much of an improvement it made. It felt a bit better, especially low down, but my seat of the pants dyno isn't very accurate! It does look a whole bunch better though :jester
:cheers:
