Header tube diameter

[Tim Kay]

Anyone running header tubes larger than 1 1/2"?

If so, what size and any pics would be appreciated.

I'm getting ready to have new set fabricated and would like to step up to a larger diameter although it appears any larger than my current setup will interfer either with the rear clip above the collectors or with a chassis crossmember below the collectors. Very tight /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Pat Buckley]

If you don't mind me asking, how much are you getting them done for? Thanks...

 

[Tim Kay]

Pat,

I'm just starting a 351w engine build up. I really don't know the cost yet, but my fabricator charged me $1600 the last go around on the 302.

 

[Frank Catt]

Tim, 1 3/4 inch is the normal size, if you have E mail I can send you details, Frank

 

[Mick]

Tim I have use the larger diameter pipe. Had to modify the RF crossmember but I think the result was well worth it.
I have used a header plate changing the bolt position at the heads, matched the ports to the larger diameter. Tuned length 32 1/2 inches per pipe. Drop me your email and ill send Pics. Regards Mick

 

[Bill Musarra]

Tim,
I contacted the people at Kirk racing products a year ago after I met them at Road Atlanta. They make custom bolt in roll bars/cages(powder coated, your choice of color, meet or exceed all governing bodies specs)) and headers. They do a top notch job and when I get my engine assembled(351W) will be going over to their shop for fabrication on a set of 1 3/4" pipes for my DRB. It may be June before I can get it to them. If I hadn't scratch built my cage, I would have probably gone with them. They told me that they could fabricate the headers from a set of pics that I made of mine before I sold the 1 1/2" version. Once mine are made they will have the jigs for making more. They quoted me a price of around $1000 at the time, and I believe they were ceramic coated. They said there was nothing they could not make up for the customer. I think they were just starting out at the time. Maybe not. However, they had a very professional display at the race. I will try and contact them this month when the season starts up at Road Atlanta on or about the 26th or so. Their contact info is/was:
Kirk Racing products
A Division fo Mark Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
P. O. Box 239
Mount Olive, Al. 35117
Phone: 205-608-1156
Fax: 205-608-1441
E-mail: [email protected]

If that doesn't work out, I had talked to Hedman Hedders also, but they were not interested in doing the R/D to set up the jigs. Guess they were only interested in a volume setup. They did turn me on to a guy who loves to do custom fabrication. All I have is a phone # in the Alpharetta area(Ga.).If interested let me know.

Bill

 

[Tim Kay]

Frank and Mick,

Thanks, if I could get those pics I would be thrilled. Send to:

[email protected]

Bill,
Great info, I need to schedule my fabrication to be complete by June so Kirk Racing may not be available. I will check with them.

 

[Julian West]

If 1 3/4" is best for a 351, what is best for a 302 giving 350-400 bhp?

 

[Tim Kay]

Mick,

Great pics, thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chris Duncan]

"If 1 3/4" is best for a 351, what is best for a 302 giving 350-400 bhp?"

probably 1-5/8"

www.burnsstainless.com has a form you fill out with your specs and they will recommend a primary and collector size.

 

I'm not too sure about 1 3/4" being the best for 351s. I have Edelbrock Victor Jr. heads on a stroked 351 and I used 1 3/4" tubing but the transition from the head to the pipe is kinda like farting in a train box car. Optimally the headers fit the port size with little transition.

Asthetically I needed the 1 3/4" tubing but suffered a performance compromise by doing it. Probably down to 560 or 580 hp so you can see why I opted for asthetics over performance.

For those who haven't seen it here's my set. Note the Burns Stainless merge collectors.

 

[Ron Earp]

Mark, have you done a rear wheel dyno measurement on that car yet?

 

[Ian Clark]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for posting the picture, great looking job! I'll take your word for it about "farting in a box car!" another example of bigger is not always better.

Cheers

 

[Murray Cowley]

Now that is NICE!
If mine turns out half as good I would be pleased!
Regards
Murray