The time has (finally) come to order a set of AFR heads &, as I'm running Dynomax ceramic coated headers, who here is running these Headers with AFR heads? What are plug boot/wire clearances like & if you were to do it again would you go for the angled plug version or the straight plug version. The minor gains in HP with angled plugs aren't an issue for me, I just don't want to keep melting wires & plug boots.
TIA

 

I am using them with angle plugs. There are no fitment or exhaust boot problems what so ever. One thing I would suggest is that you have the headers milled flat and use no gasket, just some ultra copper. I have used every gasket there is with varying degrees of success. I have been running no gasket and ultra copper for the entire summer with no re-tightening, or leaks.

 

UKP -
The AFRs we just installed out here were on a Vette with Dynomax ceramic coated headers. We installed the straight plug heads. This makes for a tight fit, but the 90-degree boots don't actually touch the headers at any location. I think the angle plugs would probably produce better clearance.

I agree with vetdrms - if you can surface the header gasket surface it would be good: the gasket surface on the Dynomax headers truly sucks, and they leak no matter what gasket you use.

 

So you finally settled on AFR? I dont think you'll be disappointed,and I'd use the angle plugs myself.

 

Thanks people, angled plugs it is then

I'd read that the sealing surface on the Headers was bad, so I also bought some copper gaskets from Summit at the same time as the Headers (as I've managed to get good seals on some really warped head/cylinder surfaces with copper in the past - FEDX will know what I'm talking about). Using allen head (cap head) stainless set screws & spring washers I've not had the slightest problem with sealing since installation, not even had to tighten them up. So I'll anneal the gaskets & give it a go (I'll post the results for info).

 

This forum just about pisses me off. I typed out a full page and then when I sent it - the forum said try again later and it was all lost.

Anyway - try again. I use ARP header small nut studs installed with Antiseize. That way you never strip out the aluminum head threads and it makes installing the headers and gasket a breeze.

 

I use FelPro blue steel impregnated header gaskets. Right out of the Summing Racing Catalog.

For head bolts, ARP 12 point give the most spring to socket clearance.

I'm very impressed with my .021 silicone coated copper head gaskets from flatout racing. They are on their second use.

 

I have run Dynomax headers using Earl's graphite gaskets with no leaks.

 

GKull,
I'm impressed with copper gaskets & have even had a reliable seal on a slightly warped aluminium head fitted to cast iron cylinders at 13:1 CR!!! What really appeals to me is that there'll be no future problems with them sticking to the heads - I've had to resort to having a composite gasket removed from an alloy head by having it fly cut in the past, a total pita involving a long delay & extra cash
The gaskets I use are a perfect size for the burner in my gas oven, but SBC ones are going to be too big for it - I might just have to buy the wife a new oven for Xmas
I'm with you on the studs & yesterday got some stainless to make some with (coarse thread (UNC) into head, fine thread (UNF) for nut). Set screws in iron heads are fine as they can really be wound in tight, but I always try to fit studs into any aluminum part. It's no accident that I've got a nice selection of thread inserts

Fevre, what do graphite gaskets look like?

My big surprise with the Headers was that I used the "El Cheapo" collector gaskets supplied & fitted them by very careful tightening of the bolts using locknuts. I didn't expect them to last more than 5 mins, but they're still not leaking after over a year!

p.s.Gkull, I know the feeling, type out a long winded, well thought out reply & then losing the lot! Then I used to type in a quick precis in a bad mood & leave out the crucial bits by mistake I just CTRL A & CTRL C everything before posting now. If it's any consolation, I'm trying to email a supplier to get info on availability of heads & I've now had 2 emails bounced back as suspected Spam! The joys of technology

 

Damn is Hollley buying (bought ) everything?

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLin.../HeadSeal.html

 

Fevre, thanks

 

Hey Paul -- got both the AFR's and teh Dynomax's. I'd recommend going with teh angled plugs. I've got the straight plugs and had to have the shop put a small ding in the right front 2nd pipe (#6?). You can make the straight plugs work but it appears to me that the angle plugs would line up better !!!!!!!

Either way -- GREAT COMBO!!!

 

Thanks