Custom SS Headers worth $740?

[Canyonero]

Got a quote from a place in Portland of $740 for custom fabricated headers for my Trooper. All T304 Stainless and TIG welded. Looks like the place specializes in Subarus. http://gpmototech.com/

Alternative is to get flanges and bend kits, try to do it myself. I can weld some, and I also have a good friend that's a professional welder. But, we've never made headers before. Suppose it might worth the extra expense to have someone do it right.

Since I simplified my cars by selling the Amigo, I could afford custom headers. Would be icing on the hybrid 3400 cake for sure.

Thoughts?

[ForcedFirebird]

Are there no Trooper headers available? IF so, just enlogate the holes on them and they will fit ther Gen2/3 heads.

[Canyonero]

There are no Trooper headers (except for the 4 cyl).

Only guy I know with Trooper V6 headers had them made by modifying a set of Pacesetters.

[IsaacHayes]

Well, for stainless custom that's not a bad price. Just coated steel headers in production for FWD 3400's run about that. Did you ask the specs on them? primary diameter, length, equal lengths etc?

[Canyonero]

I described the engine and vehicle, and he gave me the rough quote:

I can certainly fabricate some headers for you. I Charge by time and materials on custom jobs, my hourly rate is $95.

I estimate the materials to cost about $360 for both sides

Materials:

2X Head flange
6X 1.75" SS 180 deg bends
2X 3-1 collector
2X collector flange

I estimate the time to weld and fit to be 4 hours

Total estimate to build these headers: $740.00

End product will be all T304 Stainless steel TIG welded and perfect fit.

[bracketracer]

I would say this is a helluva deal for 1-off Stainless Steel headers. I am going to be doing sets with a welder buddy of mine for Gen II J-Bodies, and I know there is no way we could do them in stainless, and sell them that cheap. Heck selling them uncoated in mild steel they will need to be about $650, and then coating will cost about $200 more. Materials aren't cheap, and there is alot of time involved in all the cutting, fitting, & welding. Go for it!

[zofo61]

Those kind of prices for V6 headers make me want to vomit.........especially when you couldnt spend that kind of coin for V8s. I bought a pair of TOGs back when for 750.00 and sold them like an idiot........but the price still is sooooo taking advantage of an otherwise growing market segment....nothing but the same raping we are getting at the pumps these days....but...if you want them bad enough you'll pay....through the nose....but you'll pay. I just wish some of the fabricaters on this site had the balls to offer a set of 60* V6 headers for $300.00. Because even at that price they would make a few bucks....and........sell a shit load to folks who would actually appreciate them. But then again...................dreams are meant for fools arnt they

[Canyonero]

These are RWD headers, I figure they'll be simpler to make than FWD and turbo headers like this guy is used to making for Subaru's. I wonder if any other Trooper owners would be willing to buy a set.

[ForcedFirebird]

Those kind of prices for V6 headers make me want to vomit.........especially when you couldnt spend that kind of coin for V8s. I bought a pair of TOGs back when for 750.00 and sold them like an idiot........but the price still is sooooo taking advantage of an otherwise growing market segment....nothing but the same raping we are getting at the pumps these days....but...if you want them bad enough you'll pay....through the nose....but you'll pay. I just wish some of the fabricaters on this site had the balls to offer a set of 60* V6 headers for $300.00. Because even at that price they would make a few bucks....and........sell a shit load to folks who would actually appreciate them. But then again...................dreams are meant for fools arnt they

$300, I wish. Last set of quality 60* headers I built cost $250 in materials for 1 5/8" 14ga headers, betterthanyou's flanges, and 2.25" collectors - and that was mild steel.

[zofo61]

$300, I wish. Last set of quality 60* headers I built cost $250 in materials for 1 5/8" 14ga headers, betterthanyou's flanges, and 2.25" collectors - and that was mild steel.

With all due respect....I dont buy it..............in a set of 60* V6 headers............$75.00-$120.00 tops in materials..............simple steel hasnt gone through the roof yet............and all egos a side...its really not rocket science now is it. I challange anyone out there that it can be done for $300.00 and if necessary Ill just have to prove it the long way....wouldnt be the first time I blew up a myth. And wont be the last.

[Canyonero]

Well, you just get right on that. I'm sure people would love some $300 headers, IF it could be done. Unless you can get demand to mass produce, I can't see how that would be possible.

[SappySE107]

With all due respect....I dont buy it..............in a set of 60* V6 headers............$75.00-$120.00 tops in materials..............simple steel hasnt gone through the roof yet............and all egos a side...its really not rocket science now is it. I challange anyone out there that it can be done for $300.00 and if necessary Ill just have to prove it the long way....wouldnt be the first time I blew up a myth. And wont be the last.

Ill take 3 sets. Do it.

[Superdave]

With all due respect....I dont buy it..............in a set of 60* V6 headers............$75.00-$120.00 tops in materials..............simple steel hasnt gone through the roof yet............and all egos a side...its really not rocket science now is it. I challange anyone out there that it can be done for $300.00 and if necessary Ill just have to prove it the long way....wouldnt be the first time I blew up a myth. And wont be the last.

I have about $400 into my headers.. ceramic coating was $200 of it though..

[ForcedFirebird]

With all due respect....I dont buy it..............in a set of 60* V6 headers............$75.00-$120.00 tops in materials..............simple steel hasnt gone through the roof yet............and all egos a side...its really not rocket science now is it. I challange anyone out there that it can be done for $300.00 and if necessary Ill just have to prove it the long way....wouldnt be the first time I blew up a myth. And wont be the last.

Trust me, that's what they cost me to make them, after all the money to buy the materials came out of my account, except for the flanges - they were sent to me by Loner to make them for him.

This was for 14ga steel, though, and didn't include the crossover because I integrated that into the turbo inlet.

Here's where I bought the stuff:

It was:

QTY PART#
8 US-158
2 C3-158

Then there was the fact that the prices on the site are outdated, and shipping. Came to $209 and change. The flanges are $50 delivered from betterthanyou.

Here's a pic of them on my kitchen counter....



Pics of them mocked up on my engine...








Now the price wouldn't change much because these are turbo headers, the front manifold just would be the one to make the turn around the head. I did have one bend left over, so I guess you could subtract $18 or so.


I CAN make N/A headers 16ga steel, generic with only a crossover for about $400, though. I need to get back on that so they can be on the store, lol.


EDIT: Oh yeah, the installation...

http://60degreev6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39051

[Superdave]

If you go with a shorty style rear design you might be able to get them to fit a wider range of cars..