Less than one month ago I installed a header on my '78 Spitfire and so far I
have had no trouble. It didn't really increase pickup by any noticeable
amount, but then again I am running the stock single ZS carb and the rest of
the engine is stock (minus the emissions gear), so I didn't expect much of a
power increase.
One question: I acquired my header from a parts car so I don't know if it is
stainless or mild steel. How can I determine this?
The exhaust system is noticeably louder in my car since I installed the
header. The entire exhaust system is aftermarket (custom made, single
muffler, single tailpipe), and I like the sound it produces. Perhaps it
would yield more power if I changed the engine on the intake end (Weber?) or
changed to a hotter cam (neither of which I plan to do).
My header attaches to the exhaust pipe with an adapter that is fitted with
the triangle mount thingies and a donut in between the flared pipe ends. I
had no idea this was for the purposes of absorbing movement that might
otherwise crack the header, but it's nice to know it's there. Also, for
those of you considering headers, I had to have the adapter custom made and
the donut replaced. Don't know if this is typical, but I had to do it and it
only cost about $25.
Eric.
> Do we have any experts on the list that can add constructively to the
> discussion of SS headers and exhaust systems? I'm a Physicist but I don't
> have any expertise in the areas of metallurgical sciences, welding, or
> exhaust system design. I am interested in obtaining a set of 4-2-1 SS
> headers but based on the comments over the last few days I am not sure
> whether I should go with SS or the less costly mild steel versions. What I
> have gathered so far is:
>
> 1) SS headers probably look a lot nicer, won't rust or corrode, are
> initially more expensive, but the welds may not hold up as well as on mild
> steel(?).
>
> 2) Mild steel may not look as nice, will rust unless coated (additional
> expense), are initially cheaper, and the welds may be more secure.
>
> 3) A flexible joint between the headers and exhaust system should be
> considered.
>
> In either case I may have to add provisions for an EGR valve between pipes 2
> & 3 if the car does not pass emissions without one. Additionally I will may
> have to insert a "universal" 12 inch catalytic converter between the headers
> and the rest of the exhaust system.
>
> TIA (Thanks in Advance)
>
> Reid
> '79 Spitfire (original owner)
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