Joined: Friday June 18 2010 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 17
I've read a couple of the threads that discuss replacing stock manifolds with headers. I recently replaced one of the stock manifolds with one I found at the junkyard. I've also recently discovered that the other one has a 6" crack running down the center dump. I've been advised to replace with headers but at $550 (the cheapest I’ve found) I've held off. The other threads indicate that I might be better suited spending those dollars elsewhere, as there’s a lot of other work to do. (Specifically, I need to replace the exhaust and mufflers...from the manifolds back it’s completely destroyed). Am I correct in understanding that unless I’m looking to complete some other extensive mods (cam, porting and stronger valve springs) installing headers isn’t going to add performance over the stock manifolds? And if that’s true, anyone have stock mani’s they’re looking to part with? As always, thanks in advance for the advice!!
Joined: Friday September 14 2007 Location: Anaheim Posts: 718
You probably won't notice any difference with just headers. They will enhance/compliment a cam, porting, raised compression, etc. I don't have any spares, I'm sure somone will post up with some though. Brad
Joined: Wednesday December 30 2009 Location: L.A. Posts: 595
While thinking about it... great time to take the stock mani's off... brush them off, repair if required, hit with good KBS/POR-15 mani paint, add new gaskets.. and forget about for another 27 years. =&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•=&%#@$*•
73 Scout II, 4x4, 318, mean... but currently still broken D30/44 3.73 77 Scout II, 4x4, 345, not mean... and has a little limp. (but at least not broken) D44/60 4.10 w/Detroit
NEW: 79 Scout II, 4x4, 345, Thermoquad, 4 sp, D44/D44 3.54, one owner, mint, roof never removed, zero rust.
Joined: Monday January 29 2007 Location: the Netherregions Posts: 1576
I have a pair. One has a slight crack around the center mount tab. No problem with the manifold, bolts up tight no leaks. The other mani is perfect. I've even got new gaskets for them, steel or composite, your choice. $50.00 for the set inc gaskets if you want them. I can send them to the beach party on Saturday. Or maybe not, She just gave me the finger BRD RACING
Joined: Friday June 18 2010 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 17
Hey Tim, thanks again for the manifolds\gaskets!! I installed the right side yesterday, and I was able to get the left side re-seated using my floor jack to hold the assembly in place. I did the same on the right side though there's still gaps as the exhaust pipe is mis-shaped, that will have to be addressed when I replace\rebuild the exhaust. You don't happen to know anyone local who's looking to sell their old H pipe exhaust do you?
Joined: Monday January 29 2007 Location: the Netherregions Posts: 1576
wreck wrote ...
You don't happen to know anyone local who's looking to sell their old H pipe exhaust do you?
Funny you should ask. Remember the e pipe I was holding while we were looking at the donut? I have the right and left half (it's a two into one setup that would take the exhaust close to the muffler (a little more pipe needed). You could have that stuff for pretty cheap.
The thing is that Cannon's Muffler in La Habra could build the whole thing brand new for you from the e mani's on back and you'd have a completer fresh exhaust system. If it were mine, I guess I'd go for that instead of piecing a bunch of old stuff back together.
Joined: Friday June 18 2010 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 17
Good point, Tim. I was considering dropping in an old exhaust in the interim while I'm setting aside cash for a muffler shop to build new. Seems like a better plan to hold off until I can get the get it the shop.
Joined: Monday January 29 2007 Location: the Netherregions Posts: 1576
wreck wrote ...
Good point, Tim. I was considering dropping in an old exhaust in the interim while I'm setting aside cash for a muffler shop to build new. Seems like a better plan to hold off until I can get the get it the shop.
this might make a difference in which way you decide to go. MAYBE..... since I've got the two into one setup, that will bolt up to the manifolds......., theoretically, you could bolt this up, pick up a muffler from John and maybe a little bit of pipe from Kragen or someplace and save some money for now. It will need welds in two locations, one where it cut it away from the muffler and one where I cut the crossover pipe and then you'd have to do a couple more welds with the new muffler. You might have to do a hanger off the frame too. A lot will depend on how confident you are that you can do the welding. It would be great practice if you didn't have to lay on your back 3" from the action
Joined: Friday June 18 2010 Location: Mission Viejo, CA Posts: 17
There's several "opportunities" with the exhaust system. I'll take some pics this afternoon and post 'em so y'all can see "the damage". The connection between the right manifold and the pipe is funky for sure, there are a few locations where rust has prevailed, the mufflers...well let's just say they're done, and there's a coat hanger holding up the right side.
Joined: Thursday December 07 2006 Location: Garden Grove Posts: 1870
Well it is safe to say that you should just save the pennies for a replacement system if it's that bad. If the rest of it was good I have seen new pipe ends welded on with new flages for the connection to the exhaust manifold. If you have the chance go two into one with a left rear exit.....
