V-8 swap headers

[greasemonkey01]

Ok, before you guys tell me to buy some james duff or AA headers I want to run the exhaust on the outside of the frame rail so I'm looking for some really short tube headers so that I can run the exhaust over the top of the frame rail. I'd rather not run stock exhaust manifolds so any links or advice for swaps from different applications would be great.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

If you delete the inner plastic fenders and run headers over the framerails, build a custom set of long tubes. It will be SO easy. I think when I turn my truck into a street/strip demon and run more displacement, I'm going to do that. You can pick up a set of flanges and work your way from there. I don't think your going to find much aftermarket support for over-the-frame headers.

 

[greasemonkey01]

thats kinda what I was thinking about, the only thing I was concerned about was the steering, although it will have a 3" body lift so it might work out.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Steering is overrated... just playin. I do know of some people running three joints on the steering shaft. Just build around them, I guess.

 

[greasemonkey01]

yeah I'll figure something out, I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible & so far its kind of working. Also where are you located in wisconsin? I'm in Kenosha County...

 

[847b]

I built my own 1 5/8" long tube headers (38" primaries, wrap outside the framerail) with the flange kit from JEGS. For an even more aggressive setup, I believe through Summit, you can find a flange kit which will accept 1 3/4" primaries. I believe with what you are looking for a custom set of headers will cause you the least amount of frustration and disappointment.

As for steering, I switched to a double d shaft with two borgeson u-joints (not cheap unfortunately) which provide flexibilty for header clearance. They were definitely worth the extra expense. The factory rag joints may not hold up well long term in the presence of header heat.

 

[greasemonkey01]

yeah I was kicking around the idea of custom building a set but I'm trying to make this a semi-inconspicuous street truck as well. Not a daily driver but not a truck that throws a red flag the minute I step on the gas either... Unfortunatly I think I'm just going with a set of pre-built headers but thats what forums are for, getting ideas and info you might not find elsewhere.

 

[greasemonkey01]

has anybody ran the Hedman V-8 swap headers, they are the cheapest I've found but at the same time I don't want them to be junk or for me to cut out the frame rail to fit. a little re-working is ok but bolt on headers should be just that, BOLT ON...

 

[Gotta_gofast]

Thats what I first ran. I upgraded to hooker long tubes a year later. Made a notable difference in power. But I don't regret purchasing the shorties. It made it easier to fit and one less headache to worry about when doing the swap.

 

[greasemonkey01]

Well I'd like to run the long tubes but all I've found them for are 2wd swaps & I'm runnin a 4wd B2. But thanks for the advice.