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Post by jeremy on Sept 18, 2020 23:20:17 GMT -5
I bought a set of Hedmans literally decades ago and never installed them. They're painted. I regretted cheaping out at the time, but you guys are making it sound like that's the way to go (install, tweek, send out for coating).
I wouldn't have imagined headers were such a PITA compared to manifolds. What makes them leak?
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DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,160
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Post by DynoDave on Sept 19, 2020 8:54:46 GMT -5
I bought a set of Hedmans literally decades ago and never installed them. They're painted. I regretted cheaping out at the time, but you guys are making it sound like that's the way to go (install, tweek, send out for coating). I wouldn't have imagined headers were such a PITA compared to manifolds. What makes them leak? It's a lot of extra work, and a huge time suck, but pre-mounting them to make your "modifications" prior to sending them out for JetHot coating is probably a wise move. The stainless SLP headers I have for the T/A are freshly JetHot coated. But the advantage is they were previously on a 3rd gen F-body, so I think if any clearancing was needed, it would have already been done. I will add: I have no idea what sort of warranty other ceramic coating companies offer on their work. But these SLP headers are freshly JetHot coated because they offer a lifetime warranty to the original owner. The guy I bought them from had them done when new. SLP adds a "serial #" to each set, so they can trace them. When tiny rust-like dots started to appear in the coating after years of use, the guy I bought them from sent them back to JetHot, and they stripped and re-coated them free of charge. Then the guy never put them back on. So I got a good deal out of it for sure. As for leaks: Quality of the header is part of it. Look for flanges that are THICK. One reason manifolds are less hassle is that the iron handles the constant thermal expansion / contraction without deforming. Thin steel flanges sometimes do not. So a thicker flange can help. When test fitting, try to check the flatness of the flange where it mates to the head. If needed, send them out to be resurfaced so they are perfectly flat. They can be warped from the heat of being cut to shape, or from having the tubes welded to them. Those welds holding the tube in place can sometimes protrude out into the flange area. Check out these videos, where a TON of work is put into saving a china made stainless header. Watch the whole thing. 2 episodes. They have nice thick flanges, and look very pretty. But oh the poor quality. Fortunately the flange is thick enough that they can cut them until straight. And yes, I will sit mesmerized for 20 minutes watching these machine tools work! Make sure all of the bolts holes line up nicely, so you won't have to fight with them later. If needed, enlarge holes now. Use a good quality fastener. I would recommend a locking fastener, that once torqued, can't back out. Loose header bolts are a classic hot-rodding battle. I like the look of these, but have not used them yet. I do plan on running them on the T/A when the SLP headers go in. Stage 8 LinkAnd of course the quality of the gaskets. You'll have to look for better advice than I can give here as to what's good for your Mopar. You'll get advice from NO gasket up through every brand made, to using two gaskets. Gaskets are a bit of a minefield.
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Post by jeremy on Sept 20, 2020 0:46:12 GMT -5
My Hedmans have a 3/16" flange, the welds definitely pass through.
Great videos, thanks for sharing.
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Post by Norwegian on May 17, 2021 12:08:27 GMT -5
NOS Direct Connection 6436 Headers.
I have a set of these Headers. According to info, they are bought for a 73 Charger 440 Magnum Aut.
Do anybody have any info for this, perhaps an ancient catalogue from Direct Connecton? So the fitment can be confirmed for this application.
Regards from Norway :-) 1974 Sunroof Rally 400 Aut.
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Post by brigond on May 17, 2021 13:42:20 GMT -5
Wow, I started this thread in 2014 . I still don't have headers. Decided to stay with my stock HP manifolds. Havent ruled them out completely, maybe someday. If I did, it would be TTIs The best money I spent on performance lately was re- curving my distributor. Around 40 dollars to wake up the car with the best possible timing..
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Admin
FORUM OWNER
Posts: 6,891
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Post by Admin on May 17, 2021 14:07:51 GMT -5
NOS Direct Connection 6436 Headers. I have a set of these Headers. According to info, they are bought for a 73 Charger 440 Magnum Aut. Do anybody have any info for this, perhaps an ancient catalogue from Direct Connecton? So the fitment can be confirmed for this application. Regards from Norway :-) 1974 Sunroof Rally 400 Aut. Unfortunately, I had a garage fire, and all of the garage contents are out being professionally cleaned and deodorized. That includes the binders with my old DC catalogs. Probably won't have this stuff back until fall. Any one else with an old DC catalog?
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Post by brigond on May 17, 2021 16:06:25 GMT -5
NOS Direct Connection 6436 Headers. I have a set of these Headers. According to info, they are bought for a 73 Charger 440 Magnum Aut. Do anybody have any info for this, perhaps an ancient catalogue from Direct Connecton? So the fitment can be confirmed for this application. Regards from Norway :-) 1974 Sunroof Rally 400 Aut. Unfortunately, I had a garage fire, and all of the garage contents are out being professionally cleaned and deodorized. That includes the binders with my old DC catalogs. Probably won't have this stuff back until fall. Any one else with an old DC catalog? Curious how they go about deodorizing your fire items? Does it all have to sit in a special room? Anyway hope norvegian find his information.
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Post by Norwegian on May 18, 2021 10:34:25 GMT -5
NOS Direct Connection 6436 Headers. I have a set of these Headers. According to info, they are bought for a 73 Charger 440 Magnum Aut. Do anybody have any info for this, perhaps an ancient catalogue from Direct Connecton? So the fitment can be confirmed for this application. Regards from Norway :-) 1974 Sunroof Rally 400 Aut. Unfortunately, I had a garage fire, and all of the garage contents are out being professionally cleaned and deodorized. That includes the binders with my old DC catalogs. Probably won't have this stuff back until fall. Any one else with an old DC catalog?
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Post by Norwegian on May 18, 2021 10:38:06 GMT -5
Thanks Dave. Sorry to hear about your Garage Fire, that sounds like the worst night mare! Myself, I have thought many times. What if...?
I hope it is possible to safe some of your msot prescious things.
Norwegian
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Admin
FORUM OWNER
Posts: 6,891
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Post by Admin on May 18, 2021 12:32:50 GMT -5
Thanks Norwegian. There are some photos of the work starting with the last post on this page. I'm hoping there won't be too much lost, but lots of time to get everything cleaned and back in place, or replaced with new. Inside DynoDave's Garage
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