How bad are the cheap headers

[Beck]

I haven't said anything about my newest project since it is again a late model, but I need some advice again. I picked up a 70 Camaro about 2 weeks ago. (I seem to be moving to the later model cars) It currently has factory exhaust manifolds. It isn't a resto so performance changes are welcome. While looking in Fleebay I came across a couple of places offering what appears to be the same cheap headers. These are stated to be 304 SS. Do any of you have thoughts on their quality. Here's a link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120715072906&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

This is going to be a cruiser with no strip time anticipated. I do want it to sound as though it can defend itself though. This is the same car I had asked about the Comp Cam Thumper camshaft for.

[wayne petty]

if you just wanted a cheep set.... of steel headers i have had a set of hooker headers from a 79 z28 kicking around for years... i figured i would use them on the engine stand like i normally do for test firing motors...

the collectors leaked at the center of the 4 way.. and some shop tried to weld it up unsuccessfully  ...  looked horrible..  so the owner got a new set.. i was going to drop them on the 71 RS camaro i had for a while.. but it was TOO low... with the 14" 50 series tires i had on it..


try this link...

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Exhaust/Part-Type/Headers/Make/CHEVROLET/Model/CAMARO/Year/1970/Drivetrain/RWD/?Ns=Rank%7cAsc


there have been some good buys on ebay...




decades ago.. a friend of mine was the manager of western performance.. who made PSP carded stuff.. performance shop products.. including headers.. i mentioned how i was tired of changing collector gaskets...  and next time they come up with a new design.. why not look at the OEM ball and cup type of connection..   so much better.. allows slight misalignment  and flex ability..

[Beck]

The stainless steel is what grabbed my attention on the Fleabay headers. Doesn't some of the cheap 304 still rust a bit?

I don't think I would be interested in a set of used ones that have a leak at the collector. Had a buddy that fought a set for a year. He finally did like your guy and bought a new set.

[enjenjo]

304 does not rust much. Cheaper 409 does, but only very slowly, and if painted with a good header paint, almost no rust at all

[Topsterguy]

LOL, guaranteed, if they're going to leak, and cheap headers will for sure, they're going to leak where the 4 tubes meet to go into the collector!........and that's a * to fix....at least so it lasts!