Anyone tried Thorley's Tri-Y headers? And do chrome plated headers hold up as well as ceramic coated? /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif
CK5
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Thorley Headers
- Thread starter mrk5
- Start date
sled_dog
1 ton status
My friend had the chrome plated Tri Ys, they discolored and such, but didn't rust. Ceramic would keep underhood cooler, probably not discolor the same and last longer.
Smitty
1/2 ton status
I bought a set for my '56. They fit well but I won't have the engine running until next week to try them out. They are big $$$ but look well made.
Silver84k5
1/2 ton status
what about the header coming incontact with the front shackle on the rear of the front spring pack
Smitty
1/2 ton status
Mine clears by 3/4". The frame and drivetrain is an 80 3/4 ton with a 4" lift.
K5MONSTERCHEV
1/2 ton status
Yeah, they are the best headers. They are expensive, but you can feel the performance. Dont waste your money on anything else.
Z3PR
Banned
From my understanding, Thorley TRI-Y's are the best headers you can get for our trucks. But they are alittle spendy.
I have the chrome ones. They seem to be holding up great even in the salt and everything. Had 'em for almost 10 years. They aren't shiny chrome any more, but not rusted and they aren't coming loose either. Never had to tighten 'em down.
My only complaint is that changing plugs is a pain now for a few cylinders. When they wear out, I'll look at regular manifolds again since I'm not much of a horsepower hound anymore, I just want the motor to run reliably and be easy to work on. /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif
My only complaint is that changing plugs is a pain now for a few cylinders. When they wear out, I'll look at regular manifolds again since I'm not much of a horsepower hound anymore, I just want the motor to run reliably and be easy to work on. /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif
Impex
1/2 ton status
here are some pics i took for a member a while back showing how close the collecter comes to the shackle but dosent hit...it comes very close but does not hit anything on the truck. super nice headers very thick flanges.
http://www.users.qwest.net/~adamfam/Chevy/Headers/
http://www.users.qwest.net/~adamfam/Chevy/Headers/
Silver84k5
1/2 ton status
do they make the header specifically for a truck or a blazer? I know a buddy told me that chevelle headers are suppose to work well, but that was for a different brand of header... Dunno if it would be the same for the Thorleys.... /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
Here are some pics of my 10 year old Thorleys:
Nothing really wrong with them, but the magazine article that was posted on here not too long ago (from car craft) shows that the Thorley's didn't make as much low end as long tube headers, and IMO, for the price, (and for most trucks) should.
They obviously seem to be a quality product, and that in itself should be considered when buying headers, which are notorious for being annoying in many respects. But of course, if you are sacrificing low end power in a truck that needs it, you've got to decide what makes more sense to you, for your application.
They obviously seem to be a quality product, and that in itself should be considered when buying headers, which are notorious for being annoying in many respects. But of course, if you are sacrificing low end power in a truck that needs it, you've got to decide what makes more sense to you, for your application.
Thanks for the heads-up on that article. I read it and now I'm considering going with the Hedman Elite headers like I did on my Cuda. Good price for a quality set of headers. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
pismorat
1/2 ton status
I love mine, I got the chrome and they are still good. I went mudding and they stained, but still no rust. I will most likely ceramic coat them next time I remove them. I've had them for 5 years. The only complaint is that the y-pipe hangs down so low. I built a skid plate for it and hit it on everything. I am planning on hacking it up and raising it this next week. /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif
sled_dog
1 ton status
Yeah I read that article as well and will never run a set of Tri Ys, they are a nice really good quality header but not for me.
I've got the elites on my truck (or for my truck, install, remove, repeat, while mocking stuff up) and I like them so far, at least the construction and the way they fit.
A little close to the shackles, but I think this is going to depend on the individual truck, since there are so many variables in where things end up when put together.
I love the "flanges" for the exhaust pipe, they are really nice.
A little close to the shackles, but I think this is going to depend on the individual truck, since there are so many variables in where things end up when put together.
I love the "flanges" for the exhaust pipe, they are really nice.
Silver84k5
1/2 ton status
What do you buy those headers for? Chevy light truck 73-91? or..? The only thing im worried about in getting full length headers is the clearance at the shackle.... Guess i could always just buckl up and have them modified to fit.... What about buying them for a chevelle?>
Stick with ones made for the trucks. I bought ones for approx. an '86 K5, but I don't see why any for at least the 81-91 trucks wouldn't fit. The only diffences in clearance I can think of in those years is the transmission choice...auto, manual with mech. linkage, or manual with hyde. linkage. Of course engine differences, but SBC is SBC.
The only shackle clearance issue I have is on the passenger side, hitting the bolt. I'm going to wait until I can fire the engine up, get them hot, then bend them so they will "take a seet" a bit further away from the shackle bolt. I bolted them up and bent that side away from the bolt, but there is enough spring to it that it doesn't keep as much clearance as I'd like.
The only shackle clearance issue I have is on the passenger side, hitting the bolt. I'm going to wait until I can fire the engine up, get them hot, then bend them so they will "take a seet" a bit further away from the shackle bolt. I bolted them up and bent that side away from the bolt, but there is enough spring to it that it doesn't keep as much clearance as I'd like.
Silver84k5
1/2 ton status
when do you plan on bending them? could ya keep me posted on how it works out?
