redline61

After not finding much in a several searches I am looking for opinions on what is the best weld-up header kit. I have a LS1 engine and would like to redo my current header situation in the future and just looking for a diy kit. Don't need/want stainless since I can't weld it anyways. This kit peeked my interest and I really like their flange setup. Opinions?
Thanks

Headers by Ed kit
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...r_own_headers/

Maybe it might be better for me to piece a kit together. I was also thinking I might want to do 2.5" collectors for even more clearance. Is there really that much of a difference in power between dual 2.5 into single 3" vs dual 3 into single 3?

fmowry

iTrader: (14)

Can't get to your link but here are a lot of builder kits in various sizes:

http://www.mandrel-bends.com/catalog...ilder-kit-111/

usdmholden

I have been toying with the idea of building my own headers instead of buying swap headers and making them fit. A while back I saw the article you linked and also found what is below.

I really like the Megs / Cone Engineering kits, although I have never actually assembled one of their kits. Go through the website below, it's very interesting, and give lots of food ideas, even if you don't buy their kit.

http://www.coneeng.com/assembling_sl...collector.html

HAHA I 1

iTrader: (22)

Schoenfeld Headers has some nice mandrel kits:

http://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/U&JBends.htm

I have bought the "Miscellaneous Bends" kit before. I am getting ready to buy a 2" kit for the 443 in my wagon.

redline61

These are some pretty good kits. I think it might be worth it to piece a kit together.
I found these inserts too. I think with my fab skills these inserts will really help me get everything lined up.
http://www.jegs.com/p/Hooker-Headers...63776/10002/-1

Also think this kit looks promising. These kits are making me wish I had room to build something crazy looking.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...5/media/images

Those look really sweet. I couldn't fit that in my application but the site looks awesome. Just saw how much they are too! Not in my budget.


One more question. Anyone have an idea how much it costs to get headers ceramic coated? I love the coating on my current headers and hoping it isn't too much.

usdmholden

Around here the local place wants about $250 to ceramic coat a pair of headers. There's only one place nearby so I don't know if they are expensive or cheap.

I didn't think Cone Eng was too bad on price. A complete 1 7/8" mild steel kit is just about $385 for the tubes, flanges and merge collectors.

redline61

The collectors, flanges are both add ons to the kit. Like what is the link below or is there something I missed. Plus those awesome mergers are over a hundred bucks a piece.

http://www.coneeng.com/pdf/Header%20...ends%20PDF.pdf

usdmholden

tubing kit, I priced 1 7/8" because that's what I'm interested in - $221.60
p/n TU-HBK-1875-MS-1, 1 7/8 Mild Steel, 16g (.065"), 16 bends total
http://www.coneeng.com/pdf/Header%20...ends%20PDF.pdf

collector kit to build two collectors, includes the fixtures - $119.09
p/n CK-CL4-188-3-MS, 1.875 primaries, 3 in outlet
http://www.coneeng.com/pdf/4-1%20Col...Kits%20PDF.pdf

flanges, I thought they were for a pair, but maybe it's only one flange - $45.06
p/n FL-LS-188R, 1 7/8 Round, 3/8" Mild Steel, LS1/LS6 and matching bolt pattern heads
http://www.coneeng.com/pdf/Flanges%2...kets%20PDF.pdf

Total $385.75
Prices above don't include O2 bungs, or gaskets, etc.


I don't think I missed anything other than the possible quantity on the flanges. If it's only one flange, add $45.06, or buy flanges elsewhere. If I missed something let me know.

I made up a spreadsheet a while back for the various kit costs, and the competitive kits from mandrel-bends and headers by Ed, were in the $500-$600 range for the same stuff. Although with the headers by Ed kit it did come with stuff like gaskets, header bolts, etc.

mandrel bends.com ultimate kit - $534.90, 8 bends total, 4' of straight pipe, 1 7/8 mild steel

Headers by Ed street fit kit- $568 total, 12 bends, 10' straight pipe, 1 7/8", mild steel

redline61

Nice. I think I was reading it wrong and definitely didn't read the (two included) for the collectors. That makes those a lot more reasonable.