4.0 Header prep.

[CheetingRanger]

Hey guys, finally had a clear enough day to get my headers out and prime them. I decided to go with Pacesetters because I currently work at a parts house that deals with both Pacesetter and Hedman. I ordered both headers in so I could compare and decide which looked better and the Pacesetter looked far nicer to me. I know they get bashed on here a lot but they had the Hedmans beat in almost every way, and trust me I sell a set of headers once every over day so I know a little bit about how to spot shotty quality. I based my decision on the flange thickness, how flat the flange was, how thick the gauge of metal was used for the primaries, and weld quality. So, enough of my ranting, I took a few pics to share with you guys. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
I had them blasted first.

Now, neither headers come with an EGR plug so I had to buy one. You cant read it too clearly in the pic but it takes a M22x1.5 plug.

Rubbed them down with alcohol to get any contaminates off.

Then hit it with the primer. VHT SP118

And this is what they look like now. I plan on getting some VHT flat black at work today to finish the job. And post a pics afterwards.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Nice write up. It'll be interesting to see how that paint holds up, so I'm subscribing.
Personally, I'd paint the headers white to try to keep heat out of the engine compartment. I don't know if it actually makes a difference, just an idea.
Richard

 

[James86]

How much did those headers set you back? I've been scouring the web for headers for a 3.0 WITH the EGR but either I find nothing or I find JBA shorties. I'm unclear on the pros/cons of shorty headers, but I do know I'd like to put headers on my trcuk eventually.

 

[CheetingRanger]

Well, I dont know if white headers would actually improve any heat disipation but I am going black more or less because I just dont see the white staying white very long after they are mounted. But they cost me about $180 through work. They come with a Y-pipe but they are currently being blasted, so I dont think they really classify as shorties.

 

[CheetingRanger]

Back with an update. I got busy for a day or two but I got around to getting them painted.

I hit them with a red #1 scuff pad.

After rubbing them down real good with the scuff pad I had to re-whipe it down with the rubbing alcohol.
The next step was the actual painting. I used VHT flat black.

Now, the finished product. (the spots that dont look smooth are actually my hand prints ) the paint stuck VERY well and only took about 2 hrs to where you could handle it. The downside is that if you dont have gloves on it shows EVERYTHING. But im sure that will burn off when they are actually on the truck. Also VHT recommends that you let the paint set for 7 days to completely cure before mounting on the vehicle. I dont plan to install mine until next weekend anyway, so this isnt such a big deal for me. But if you plan on doing this for yourself, I suggest that you allow some time for this setting period.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Richard