Duff headers

[BII302]

Has anybody had problems with header gasket leaks? I bought a set of James Duffs ceramic coated headers a couple of years ago, but just finally got around to putting them on. I pulled my old 302 to change a couple of things, but it turned out the center crank bearing was completely shot and had ruined my crank and block. Now I have a remanufactured long block that I didn't plan on, but like I told my wife, that's what credit cards are for. Anyway I first used soft copper gaskets and and have pulled the starter side and put in the asbestos type that Duff had sent with headers. Still have leaks on both sides near the back. Does anybody have any suggestions

 

[cee21]

Try aluminum gaskets. Have you had the headers on before your lift? If so how was the clearence on the drivers side with the driveshaft? They told me a stock B2 would hit the headers with a good hard bump (I think they ment wheeling and not daily driver bump).

 

[BII302]

No this is the first try with headers. I have a D35 and the left header is very close to the ujoint. I jacked up the left front and the gap didn't change much. A friend of mine has a older set on his 84 ranger with no lift and D28 and I don't think he has had any problems, but his motor sits about a 1/2" higher that mine. He has a 3" body lift, I had to make a 1" body lift to clear the header on the right side.

 

[bobbywalter]

i dont like them.


i like the 351 cobra headers, with some frame mods. not the best flowin but out of the way and robust. basically a 351 fox swap header is fitable as well.

 

[Capt Jay]

I wish you would have asked before you bought the headers. I have a set and HATE them. They are the cheesiest pieces of crap. They leak, they fit like poo and are just poorly made. You can't run in the bolts unless you do it in a specific pattern. The U-joint will hit the left header with a hard jolt. A body lift doesn't help. It only lifts the body not the engine or drive train. You will hit!!!! If you do use them, put some anti-seize in the right bank where you have to put it together or they will never come apart again. You will have to use stock, fiber gaskets. They aren't true enough or beefy enough to use copper or aluminum gaskets. I hate to tell you this but I also made the same mistake. Duff stuff sucks!!!