|
Author
|
Topic: How hard?
|
68F100
Gearhead Posts: 2609
From: Burlington, Iowa
Registered: Oct 99
|
posted 12-07-2004 11:02 PM
   
How difficult would it be to build my own headers? The reason I ask, is that after endless searching, I can't seem to find headers built specifically for my application. I don't want to buy something that is "close" and have to beat the hell out of them to make them "closer".I got a welder for my birthday (guess she DOES love me  ) and I ain't afraid to use it. Just wondering if I would be money ahead to keep looking for a set that will fit. If building my own, would I buy pre-built flanges, or fab them myself? I saw a "weld it up yourself kit" on Ebay awhile back, but it was just as much as buying a set of headers already made. I might be interested in a kit like that if the cost wasn't so out of hand. Any suggestions?
IP: Logged |
TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6007
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
|
posted 12-08-2004 02:33 AM
I learned by myself by need. It isn't that hard and if it's not a Tig welder you are really better off gas welding than using a Mig for headers. Gas welding makes for nice looking joints. Use the mig around the flanges or maybe the collectors but on the tube joints it's asking for a big nasty bead and wires sticking into the ports. Using used headers doesn't make a nice job like new tubing, carbon in the tubes and any rust or paint will make for ugly welds. If you can get a set that fit the engine they can be made to fit the car but this is often more work than starting from scratch. The weld up kits generally fit only tube chassis cars with strut from suspension. If starting from scratch the U bends are available in a few different radiuses...umm radii (?) The 3" and 4" radius are the ones to get, you'll want about 6 of each. The flanges can be cut off old headers, made from plate yourself or bought. Slip on collectors make the job easier. Start with the tube furthest from the collector and make it fairly direct yet leave room for the other tubes. You can mock it up by using a piece of flex hose like defroster ducts have. You are better off tacking the tubes until you are sure they'll fit, then weld all the joints on each tube. Getting equal lengths is the hardest part.
IP: Logged |
TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6007
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
|
posted 12-08-2004 02:35 AM
Don't use a hammer to reshape tubes,, crushing a tube half flat does nothing good for flow. Keep in mind you need access to weld all the way around, it's why moving one pipe for modifying existing headers can involve a lot of work. [This message has been edited by TomP (edited 12-09-2004).]
IP: Logged |
Bloose
Gearhead Posts: 755
From: Milwaukee, WI
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 12-08-2004 05:02 PM
I've been considering doing this too. Mostly because the Headmans I have now leak at the flanges no matter what I do. I was thinking of making some extra thick flanges to solve mt leakage problems. I also have a problem with the bolts. They are so tight to the header tubes that I can't get a box wrench on most of them. Using the open end side I can't tighten them much. I went to Button head allens which are better but I still think they are too loose. I'm still thinking on it though, it seems like a lot of work! B-loose
IP: Logged |
Mustangsandmore Forums
