CK5
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Headers questions
- Thread starter nad
- Start date
Desert Rat
Fetch the comfy chair
Exactly! I bought Doug's Header (Doug Thorley) and love them. Good quality and finish. http://dougsheaders.com/prod/ex/dougs/default.aspx
nad
1/2 ton status
Those things are crazy expensive. But just like everyone says, you get what you pay for. They better be nice for almost $600.
They appear to have gone up since I bought mine (no surprise) but really, you are looking at quality parts for $75 over your self imposed budget. Ask anyone (else) that's running Hedman Elites, other than the shackle issues on the 69890's I have, I don't know as you'll find anyone complaining. Don't miss the fact that the Hedman Elites use a ball/socket gasketless flange, not the flat style that they make more expensive copper/aluminum gaskets for. I figure not having to buy those nor locking header bolts probably saved me at least $40 right off the bat.
If you are going for headers, pony up for some decent ones, or you'll probably end up with the same story other cheap header owners have.
I do have a feeling many header complaints are due to the overall condition of the exhaust system itself, so take that into account here. I proved that to myself a couple of months ago. Unwelded/unclamped exhaust (slip fit) on one side, welded on the other. Lost two out of three bolts from the unwelded sides flange, third one was almost out. Welded side was just as tight as when I put it together. If you've got cheap exhaust hangers that allow movement at the tailpipe, you'll probably have leaks no matter how much you spend on the front end.
If you are going for headers, pony up for some decent ones, or you'll probably end up with the same story other cheap header owners have.
I do have a feeling many header complaints are due to the overall condition of the exhaust system itself, so take that into account here. I proved that to myself a couple of months ago. Unwelded/unclamped exhaust (slip fit) on one side, welded on the other. Lost two out of three bolts from the unwelded sides flange, third one was almost out. Welded side was just as tight as when I put it together. If you've got cheap exhaust hangers that allow movement at the tailpipe, you'll probably have leaks no matter how much you spend on the front end.
nad
1/2 ton status
What's wrong with hookers? I had a set of rusty Hedmans that someone gave me a long time ago. I wasn't sure if they'd fit my truck or not so I sold them for 20 bucks. I never realized how expensive a set of good headers were until now. Wish I would've seen if those would fit when I had them.
It seems to me that most headers have real problems with at least one or two plugs that you just can't reach, and tend to be a real pain to install. I didn't disassemble anything on my truck to drop the Hedmans in (well, I took the plugs out, duh) and as I mentioned before, there isn't a single plug the Hedman's make a real pain to install.
Do Hookers come with a ball/socket flange? I think those are $20/each if you want to cut new headers up and add them.
) and as I mentioned before, there isn't a single plug the Hedman's make a real pain to install. Do Hookers come with a ball/socket flange? I think those are $20/each if you want to cut new headers up and add them.
nad
1/2 ton status
What's the significance on the ball/socket flange?
It's not flat? It's like what was used on at least the passenger side manifold. No gasket, bolts simply hold them together, and as long as the bolts hold, they don't leak. One other thing I noticed is that you don't have to be precise with the angle of your exhaust that mates up with the header, since it's a ball/socket, you've got a bit of a fudge factor in lining them up.
In other words, your exhaust pipe could be angled up or down, while the header outlet is essentially fixed (because the motor isn't going anywhere!). So as long as they are centered on each other, connecting the two can be easier than the flat flange style most others use. If you don't line the flat style up right, the bolts/nuts are always going to be under tension, which serves to help them work loose.
In other words, your exhaust pipe could be angled up or down, while the header outlet is essentially fixed (because the motor isn't going anywhere!). So as long as they are centered on each other, connecting the two can be easier than the flat flange style most others use. If you don't line the flat style up right, the bolts/nuts are always going to be under tension, which serves to help them work loose.
nad
1/2 ton status
I see. Makes sense I guess. I think I'm gonna put the headers off for a bit until I have the cash to buy some nice ones. Thanks guys.
