My car has headers from Sunbeam specialities, they are better built
(heavier flange, less interference) than the unknown brand headers I
replaced. I did have them Jet-Hot coated, & so far I'm happy with the
results, but don't really have a lot of time/miles on them. I first test
fitted the new headers & did a little "hammer adjusting" to give clearance
in a few spots & sent them off to jet hot. $300 later they look good, no
discoloration & my homemade exaust is pretty quiet & I don't have exaust
vibrations coming inside the car. My exaust is not aluminized nor
stainless, but, with the exception of the headers, it only cost me about
$80.
Doug Leithauser
> About the headers. Both CAT and Sunbeam specialties have them. They
> may even be the same source. There is always a problem with
> headers, however. The steel plate warps and allows leaks, the bolts
> sometimes back-out (buy the locking keepers), and they never quite clear
>
> everything, some "hammer adjusting" is needed. They get hotter then
> h-l, and radiate that heat to their surroundings (your engine
> compartment and feet and slave cylinder. Many have resorted to thermal
> wrap to keep the heat in the exhaust.
>
> Removal of tranny and engine gets a lot more complicated as well. I
> believe the headers will give you about 5-10% more at the high end of a
> modified engine, over the cast iron ones. The originals, BTW, can be
> "matched" to the new exhaust ports and get better efficiency.
>
> In either even, I think you should seriously consider Jet-Hot on them
> (after "fitting adjustments) to keep the heat in, protect the system
> from
> corrosion, and really look great. It's expensive, but really is a big
> improvement.
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