Wally and Others,
I can not speak on the quality of Ricks headers but I can speak about the
CAT headers, When I put the 302 in my car about 3 years ago I failed to
research all available header sources and settled on the CAT merged
collector headers. Looking back, if I did it all over again I would not go
with the same. The trouble is they leak! The leaks are where the primary
tubes slip fit into the merger area. When the primaries were were welded to
the merger portion only the areas accessible from the outside were welded.
The result is exhaust leaks out in the area between the four primaries.
After countless hours of work in the engine compartment and the
installation of a custom exhaust system fom the flanges back, to fire the
car up and hear the leaks really pissed me off! Next time the engine comes
out, those headers are going to be replaced. Maybe its my own fault for not
asking the right questions of CAT or not inspecting the headers closely,
but I didn't expect brand new headers to leak.
CAT offers a non-merged collector version that I know nothing about. The
fit on my merged set is good, but not great. I had to install a 1/4" spacer
between the right (starboard) motor mount and the block to keep the #1
primary off the frame under extreme acceleration. BTW The headers I have
are 1-5/8" O.D. so its pretty crowded.
Mike S. '66 Tiger
'84 Truck
'96 SUV
a bike
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