SBC Header Questions

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Sep 21, 2004 | 06:04 PM

vettenoir

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Racer

Joined: May 2003

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From: LaSalle ON

SBC Header Questions

I bottomed my car out on the way to the drag strip last weekend and partially collapsed one of the tubes.

Despite this, I ran a personal best of 13.24 @ 101mph.

Is is possible to 'uncollapse' the tube similar to the way you pull a dent out of a metal fender?

If I can't and have to replace the header(s)...

Should I go with 1 5/8" or 1 3/4"?
I have Iron Eagle 200cc heads, a Torquer II (single plane) manifold and a 2 1/2" cat-free exhaust with an X-tube and Magnaflow single chamber mufflers.

Does anyone make headers that will allow me to change the spark plugs without removing the headers? The heads have angle plugs

Thanks,

Bob

Sep 21, 2004 | 06:19 PM

Les

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 11,097

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From: Sierra Foothills CA

As long as you don't have a heat coating that you're worried about damaging you should be able to fix it. When my Hedmans were barely contacting the frame during idle I called Hedman & they told me to just heat the pipe & pry to slightly dimple the pipe- worked great. I'd drop the pipe from the collector & find a pry bar that reaches the area, throw some heat on it & work it gently. Good luck.

Sep 21, 2004 | 06:46 PM

joe73vette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 2,198

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From: Eastern Connecticut

Dirt bikers repair their pipes by heating them cherry red and inflating with air to pop the dents. It also works with gas tanks if you purge them. Joe

Sep 21, 2004 | 07:21 PM

vettenoir

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 375

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From: LaSalle ON

re:SBC Header Questions

I should have mentioned that the headers are ceramic coated. (except where they were scraped now

) Would the 'heat & inflate' idea destroy the coating?

The dent is way too far up the tube to get at with a pry bar.

Thanks for the suggestions,

Bob

Sep 22, 2004 | 04:25 AM

FEDX

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From: A high school diploma fixing what a college degree broke TN

St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26

Ive used the method Joe mentioned with good results on motorcycle systems before,if you have enough shop air I dont see why it wouldnt work here.As far as the ceramic coating goes,no idea on what it will do to it.

Sep 22, 2004 | 05:30 AM

1979toy

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From: Wichita, KS

If you do replace the headers get a larger primary tube size. You and your engine will both be happy.

Mybe someone will post pictures of thier header setup with angle plug heads. I've seen pictures of Hooker sidepipe headers on angle plug heads and it looked like there was more clearance than I've got with my straight plug heads. Be forewarned, not all aftermarket heads use the same plug angle!

Sep 22, 2004 | 08:10 AM

vettenoir

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 375

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From: LaSalle ON

re: SBC Header Questions

I figured that larger primary tubes might be in order. Pictures of cars with headers and angle plug Iron Eagle heads would be appreciated.

Putting this motor together was my lesson in:
'Just because all the parts can bolt to a small block Chev, doesn't mean they can ALL bolt to the SAME small block Chev without problems'

Thanks,

Bob

Sep 22, 2004 | 10:10 PM

joe73vette

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Eastern Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenoir

I should have mentioned that the headers are ceramic coated. (except where they were scraped now

) Would the 'heat & inflate' idea destroy the coating?

The dent is way too far up the tube to get at with a pry bar.

Thanks for the suggestions,

Bob

I guess it would discolor the coating, but since it is all scraped up, what does it matter? You only have to heat the dented area. Joe