Logs vs tubular headers?

[Nightingale]

Okay I finally got a welder after months of dilly dallying, and I am preparing for my first welding project(of course after lots of practice on scrap). I am trying to decide between log headers or indiviudal tubular headers up until the collector(I'd do equal length but thats a little too involved for me). These headers will be used in either a turbocharged or supercharged application later down the road once I get more money stashed away (and if I don't end up buying a 04-05 monte SS supercharged ). The primaries will be 1 5/8" as I already have the flanges from betterthanyou. I think logs will be cheaper in the long run but guessing the tubulars even in non equal length style will yield slightly better performance. Been looking at pictures of other setups and wondering if anyone would like to share a parts list and maybe total cost up to the down-pipe(mandrel bends, flanges, flex joints, etc). Thank you for your time and help in advance.

[Superdave]

Log style headers/manifolds flow terrible... lol

I'd build shorties if i were you. I have personally built a set and other than fitting right they turned out great! lol

I'm in the process of building a set of 1.5" primary equal length long tubes (over the tranny). I spent about $40 on the flanges, $50 on the 3 collectors (2 3:1's and 1 2:1) and just spent about $140 on all the tubing.

I'll post progress pics of them in my other thread...

[IsaacHayes]

Don't bother to make logs, those are the worst and is what stock is. At least make "shorty" headers/manifolds that have individual runners. I'd go for long tube even if each one isn't equal length.

[Nightingale]

Ya the only reason I was considering logs was due to simplicity. What would be considered long tube headers for a transverse mounted v6 anyhow? If I go turbo all the tubes will end up meeting just about right under the TB and then go into the turbo. I have seen some interesting configurations by running the tubes under the engine but just seems like potential for disaster( higher oil temps for some setups, clearence issues, etc).

[IsaacHayes]

check the J bends thread on here, there's some pics going over the trans. Should give you an idea or two...

[Nightingale]

well i got my welder up and running and I have been practicing. Placed my order for bends at magnum force racing which seemed to be the cheapest place I could find. I ended up getting 9 1.625 2.5" ubends, 5 1.625 3" ubends, and a 5' section of 1.625 straigh tubing. I am gonna try and make them as equal as possible and duplicate the general design of this set I found over at a v6z24 post http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/...ontheaders.jpg. I think I am gonna use a pair of 3" to 3" header reducers from jegs with a short piece of 3" tubing to make a crossover and add a turbo flange to it which will feed into the downpipe for now. Planning on running 3" all the way to the back in anticipation of a future FI setup. Also will be getting hooker aero chamber and a catco 3" high flow cat. Probably will have the headers jet coated, and the rest of the exhaust I was thinking of putting a nice coating of header paint on and curing it in a large oven(I'd get the whole exhaust jet coated or I'd do all stainless but I just can't afford it). The 3" will be a tight fit but I've seen it done, and it will also hurt the bottom end for now but I will make up for it later. Car will be running lunati 210/210 cam and 1.6 ratio rockers and 3400 heads and intake so shouldn't be to much of a dog NA.

[IsaacHayes]

Nice. Should be good with that turbo and 3" exhaust. Going to be intersting seeing your long tubes going up to a turbo... Pics as you go!!

[Nightingale]

Ya I am still trying to work out turbo position... I have a general idea but I won't know 100% till I actually get a unit to test fit.

[AaronGTR]

Logs are ok if you are making a turbo, or at least as long as you make them larger than the stock ones you will still pick up some flow, and the important thing with a turbo is the pressure differential from in front to behind the turbine. Tejohnson made his own log manifolds for his turbo and they are doing well. Individual primaries into a collector would still be better though and shouldn't be too hard if you take your time. That's the only way I'd go if staying NA or supercharged.

[Nightingale]

Well since I already have enough bends coming I am gonna try my hand at fabbing nearly equal length headers with seperate primaries. Gonna get the collectors, ball and socket joints, and some 3" tubing for the downpipe today.

[Superdave]

Well since I already have enough bends coming I am gonna try my hand at fabbing nearly equal length headers with seperate primaries. Gonna get the collectors, ball and socket joints, and some 3" tubing for the downpipe today.

Equal length LT's are fun to make... I've got about 30 hours total into mine...



Probably another 10 or less and i'll be done.

[Nightingale]

where did you order your collectors from Superdave, and are you planning on coating those? I am definitely investing in the Jet Hot Black 2000 when I am done with my headers and downpipe. Everything after the cat will just be treated inside and out with Eastwood High temp paint, and cured in an oven to increase longevity of the system. Oh and just FYI for everyone I ended up buying myself a used clarke 180en and a harbor freight Chicago electric welding mask. Both work great and I was especially surprised at the helmet which works really well from my experience for 59.99.

[Superdave]

where did you order your collectors from Superdave, and are you planning on coating those? I am definitely investing in the Jet Hot Black 2000 when I am done with my headers and downpipe. Everything after the cat will just be treated inside and out with Eastwood High temp paint, and cured in an oven to increase longevity of the system. Oh and just FYI for everyone I ended up buying myself a used clarke 180en and a harbor freight Chicago electric welding mask. Both work great and I was especially surprised at the helmet which works really well from my experience for 59.99.

did you get the one with the blue flames? i did.. it's pimp. haha

the collectors came from www.ssheaders.com was about $50 for all 3

the ball flanges are stock cavalier downpipe flanges... with new gaskets they'll work great. Yes, the headers will get coated one way or another. Either from a local place or i'm going to buy some of the 2,000F matte black stuff and break out my paint gun and do it myself...

[Nightingale]

lol ya I went for the pimp blue flame helmet lol... I couldn't resist the call of the blue flames! I've been looking at diy header coatings atleast for a temporary fix, but the highest temp paint I've come across is VHT rated at 1500F plus it comes in a spray can so that wouldn't work to well for coating the insides.

[AaronGTR]

I'd just send them out and get them dipped. For the amount of time and money you put into making your own headers, it doesn't cost much to get them proffesionally done. Plus they have cleaning and coating processes that make them more durable that you just can't do at home.