best header design

[gashog]

Which headers are you guys running?
Any potential problems with the install?
Have they improved gasket technology?
Do I still need to use some kind of locking nuts?
It's been a while since I've installed a pair.
Thanks.
:beers:

[Smartin]

....

TA Performance Stage1 full length headers will fit, but require modification to either the transmission crossmember or the headers themselves, in order to accomodate the crossmember humps.

You have to unbolt the engine from the mounts and jack it up to get the headers in.

The transmission cooling lines must be rerouted.

There are two diagonal braces under the car that will have to be removed...permanently.

BEFORE you install the headers, have a machine shop mill the faces of the header gasket surfaces flat. The pipes are not perfectly flat, and will cause gasket sealing problems.

Use TA's standard graphite steel core Stage1 gaskets.

You can use regular header bolts. BUT you MUST retorque many many times, but to gasket crush. Loose bolts are NOT due to the vibrations working them loose, it is the gaskets shrinking and crushing under the torque and heat cycles. Remember to retorque ...and then do it again and again. As soon as you do it enough times, and they feel like they are not loosening any more, then you can stop retorquing.

[gashog]

sounds like too much trouble to me.
Thanks a lot for saving me a bunch of headaches.
I guess I'm staying with the stock manifolds.

[gashog]

I've got an awesome local shop that does high quality exhaust work for a decent price.They can custom bend pipe etc.
They wont install headers or modify anything that isnt stock.
They must have had problems with the e.p.a.
If I keep the stock exhaust manifolds,add a balance tube and add some large diameter pipes and turbo mufflers,I think I'll be ok.
Anyone else running this type of setup?

[72gsx4me]

To answer the question is simple.

What are you trying to achieve?

Mild performance increase - Leave stock manifolds on and install a good mandrel set of dual exhaust.

Good performance increase - Install a set of TA Shorty headers along with a good set of dual exhaust.

High performance-Poston or TA full length headers, with x-exhaust system and electronic cutoffs. This is what my freind Srecko did to his Centurion, it is great at a stop light.


Good luck.

[gashog]

I just don't want to hack up an original car.
I figured with the large engine compartment,I could fit a pair of headers,without too much difficulty.
Exhaust work is a pain,unless you have a nice lift and arc welder to correctly hang the exhaust,and seal all the seams.
Both I do not own.
I've seen the prices on the parts,and I remember why I stopped hot rodding years ago.
:Dou: :rant: :(

[Smartin]

Shorty headers will bolt right in.

Or you could stay with the stock manifolds and port match them, with a nice 2.5" exhaust with an X pipe and some long case Walker Dynomax mufflers.

[EEE]

I noticed that the stock exhaust manifolds have an exit pipe with a diameter of roughly 2 1/4, so how would you benefit from running a larger exhaust pipe than that? Can you port the manifold to a larger diameter at the end?

[Smartin]

Exhaust pipes really restrict the flow of air with all the bends they make. So the bigger, the better.