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Long files are everywhere, I've amassed at least 150 over the years. I find them at swap meets, garage sales, you can get them at McMaster Carr, sears, any home improvement store, machine supply company etc.
They will only flatten material, not a warp. I had to also use a press to get most of the warp out, but I caused some of that by the amount of welding that I did. But in any new header, I run a file so that it is at least in contact with 2 primaries at once, and it will take any small high spots left behind from the manufacturer cleaning up the inner primary edges. I marked all spots that needed material by looking where the exhaust leaks were in the gaskets. Some spots they didn't have enough weld so it didn't contact the gasket. I will try and get some pics here in a min to try to explain.
Some of the welds were to widen the sealing contact patch, most were to add material so it can be re leveled.
Last edited by BlackDuk98; Jan 13, 2017 at 07:53 PM.
Never buy used files since they are usually dull and can't be sharpened. Think of a file as being similar to sandpaper, you wouldn't buy used sandpaper would you?
Never buy used files since they are usually dull and can't be sharpened. Think of a file as being similar to sandpaper, you wouldn't buy used sandpaper would you?
If you know what you are looking at, there is no problem purchasing a used file. Try them out and see how it cuts. You can also feel if it's sharp in your hand. Yes, brand new are spectacular, but you will tell if it cuts right away. If it doesn't, throw it away. You can get a bunch in a lot for the price of one new one, try them out, throw the crap ones away and you still have a bunch left over most times. I don't agree with never.
Never buy used files since they are usually dull and can't be sharpened. Think of a file as being similar to sandpaper, you wouldn't buy used sandpaper would you?
I have about 20 files of different shapes and sizes and all but a couple were bought used, I don't think I ever found one that was dull. Not saying that a machinist or someone who would use them regularly wouldn't wear them out but most people don't need a file very often so they are still in great shape.
Sandpaper isn't meant to be reused, A good file is.
Only 10 hours a day for the last 35 years since I'm a tool & die maker. I cut more metal in a week than you have in your lifetime you clown......
^Cool story boss.
Back on topic, this is how I fixed my problems, a little effort and it's perfect, some bending, welding, and filing and it's perfect across entire flange. Choose your own path, good luck.
Sounds good to me I was being serious about those looking good.
you do realize that this guy is not needing these files to make a living where speed is a necessity, so spending the extra money on a new good set is not needed if he is asking where to find them. He obviously has never needed them until now and probably won't need it again which is why I suggested some used ones to save money, and there are plenty of good used ones out there. Up to him.
I'm really surprised to hear this. I bought Kooks for my C5 9 months ago and they are perfect. That's the second time I've bought, installed, and used their headers on an LS vehicle and I have zero complaints. That's a real shame, I guess something is going on over there. Since Kooks didn't work out I'd check out ARH.
I'm trying to decide on milling these headers or just buy another set from somewhere else. Speed engineering looks like a better build and they are way cheaper then krooked kooks.
I recently installed a set of Speed Engineering headers. The are great for the money but I don't like how far back the collector ends up and the car is throwing a front O2 insufficient switching code. I haven't had this from any of the many many headers I've done. I am trying to get it worked out now.
I've had Kooks on the Camaro for 12+ years with no issues. Build quality, looks, fit are all top notch but like I said, these were bought back in 2005.
I have Pacesetter's on the truck, the only issue with them is the crappy exhaust system I had a friend of a friend fab up for me. Junk from the collector to the tips, I plan on getting the true dual set up from Speed Engineering for the truck and end my truck exhaust problem.
I'm trying to decide on milling these headers or just buy another set from somewhere else. Speed engineering looks like a better build and they are way cheaper then krooked kooks.
maybe have them milled and see if kooks will pay for that....seems it would be cheaper than making another set or cutting your tubes off and welding up another flange
geez how hard is it to keep a 3/8" thick piece of steel flat when making headers for ***** sake
maybe have them milled and see if kooks will pay for that....seems it would be cheaper than making another set or cutting your tubes off and welding up another flange
geez how hard is it to keep a 3/8" thick piece of steel flat when making headers for ***** sake
Well lucky for me cause I work in a machine shop so kooks can pay me my money back. We all know that's not gonna happen. As far as them wrapping the flange and grinding them so unevenly they either just don't care or they don't know what they are doing. I'll show you all before and after pics and you can decide which header company you would go with.
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I assume that you don't work with metal much..... 
I cut more metal in a week than you have in your lifetime you clown...... 
I was being serious about those looking good. 
