Should i put headers on my blazer

[k51977blazer]

So I got a 1979 blazer 350 4x4, I ordered dual exhaust setup from lmc truck now while I was trying to get the bolts off the exhaust manifold all 3 snapped my question should I just go buy a set of headers rather then play with these exhaust manifolds are should I just leave the stock exhaust manifolds on and drill the bolts out and put new ones in.I found a set of flow tech headers for 140

 

[sweetk30]

SEARCH here for few part #'s of headers that FIT and CLEAR the front shackle hangers . most cheep ones cost you time / money / headachs and skin off your knuckles .

and dyi did you heat up the nuts before you tryed to spinn them off ? all exaust stuff basicly needs pre heat to even have a fighting chance at reuse .

 

[ryoken]

ummmm, either way, your gonna have to get the broken bolts out...

 

[k51977blazer]

The bolts are not in the block it is the ones that go from the exhaust manifold to the exhaust there are 3 and all 3 snapped. 11500flt is the part number. I heated them up but they still snapped

 

[Westside K5]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213472&highlight=header+fit+clear
Check out that link for recommended headers that fit.
Exhaust manifolds last a very long time, generally, headers have a lesser life expectancy. You do get a couple more ponies from headers and a free flowing exhaust. However, get good gaskets and bolts that lock or you will be re-tightening the bolts over and over until they are seated. That's my 2 cents...

 

[82355]

No.

Martin

 

[swettysblazer]

What Martin said. I put headers on my Blazer, and if I had the option, I wouldn't do it again. They haven't sealed right at the collector since I've got them, and I tried a bunch of things and nothing worked. It's beyond frustrating. Honestly, I would try and get a decent set of manifolds and just go with them for now.

 

[ryoken]

wanna build real horsepower? ain't gonna happen with manifolds..

want a a good, long lasting , trouble-free header? spend more than $200....

 

[4xcrazy]

I have headers on my Burb, I don't like them. They fit right, not in the way of anything, but it's difficult to keep the dual exhaust pipes connected.

they always swing side to side breaking pipe mounts causing leaks and extra work.

never had to deal with the exhaust more than with these headers.

Will definitely be going back to the factory setup when I get it back here and running right again.

 

[swettysblazer]

wanna build real horsepower? ain't gonna happen with manifolds..

want a a good, long lasting , trouble-free header? spend more than $200....

Very true. I guess my issue with mine is that everybody ranted and raved about how good the ball and socket collectors are, but mine still leak idk if its the pipes or the headers themselves or what. Otherwise, mine fit great and I have no issues with them.

 

[ratlover]

On a daily driven rig in the rust belt I would not run a set of regular painted mild steel headers. They just rust out too fast. I'd look into something with a good warantee. The ceramic coating helps but I wouldn't count on it being a cure. But some ceramics up the warantee so at least if it rots through u don't have to buy new headers

 

[cybrfire]

Always cut the collectors off and weld on a reducer to the size of tubing you want to run the rest of the way out and from there use regualar overlap joints and band clamps.

3 bolt collectors, Junk.
Ball and socket, better but still not a band clamp.

 

[77k5blz]

I would reccomend it even a stock motor will benefit from headers even not for power it willrun more effeciently better mileage and lower engine temp' and the benefit of more power as well. Spark plug changes arent as easy but its worth it for the gains. Mine are heddmans and they work great no leaks theyve been on for years before I bought it. Put exhaust hangers in the right places and it wont tweak itself out of whack.

 

[ryoken]

Always cut the collectors off and weld on a reducer to the size of tubing you want to run the rest of the way out and from there use regualar overlap joints and band clamps.

3 bolt collectors, Junk.
Ball and socket, better but still not a band clamp.

it's all about the slip-fit baby! been running those for 25 yrs.. some hooker comps, welded reducers and Jet-hotted, can't be beat...

 

[k51977blazer]

I think I'm going to run with the exhaust manifolds for now until I can afford a decent set of headers thanks everyone hopefully ill still be albe to get the studs out

 

[Deuling]

Very true. I guess my issue with mine is that everybody ranted and raved about how good the ball and socket collectors are, but mine still leak idk if its the pipes or the headers themselves or what. Otherwise, mine fit great and I have no issues with them.

Aluminum gaskets.

At the block, and at the collectors.

No leaks... At all

 

[82355]

You don't beat on your stuff hard enough.

Martin

 

[Deuling]

You don't beat on your stuff hard enough.

Martin

Ive ripped off at least one exhaust hanger (litterally ripped the metal from the exhaust tube, not broke the weld) every time I went to the dunes last summer, and my collectors, or header flanges never once leaked.


I drove home with the the driver side exhaust sitting on the rear axle because i broke every hanger off of it running around the dunes..

 

[82355]

I have replaced multiple aluminum collector gaskets.

Not trying to be a dick, but honestly, how many miles have you put on your Blazer since you have owned it?

Martin

 

[Deuling]

I have replaced multiple aluminum collector gaskets.

Not trying to be a dick, but honestly, how many miles have you put on your Blazer since you have owned it?

Martin

Probably 6000, but we spent damn near every weekend at the dunes last summer...