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View Full Version : Don't Buy Cheap Headers!



M.A.V.
01-16-2012, 07:42 PM
Bought my suburban back in 06 at 17 years old, first thing I did was order an all new exhaust kit. It's the the 454 Vortec and I replaced the stock manifolds with some cheap knock off shorty headers, then followed them with 3" pipe to some gutted cats and flow 40's. Last year, I started to get a nasty exhaust leak, and I kept searching and searching for it but couldn't find it.

Took it into emissions today, and it failed the visual because of the exhaust leak.

I searched for the leak, and found it. I've spent hours trying to relocate a set of shorty's because like an idiot I threw out the manifolds like 3 years ago. The cheapest set I can find is ranging from $460-$1000+ and I don't roll in the dough. I did a search on here, but either the links everyone has posted have gone bad, or they're just as expensive as this.

Anyone know where I can find a set of shorty's or stock manifolds for a decent price? I find small block stuff all the time, and even big block but nothing with the forced air adapter crap or whatever the parts store asked me about for less than $460.

Mine are rusted out at the collector. I even drew an awesome picture that shows off my paint skilllz. According to the shop here, they're not repairable, and they quoted me almost $700 to replace them with another set of shorty's, or $900 to cut the piping and replace them with full length.

Red = Rust = Bad

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy300/DarkSeeker454/Header.png

1998454
01-16-2012, 07:46 PM
manifolds are usually on ebay.

kjk1500
01-16-2012, 08:58 PM
I bought a set of edelbrock shortys off of ebay for $369.00 they were from summit racing on ebay.

1997Chevy!
01-16-2012, 09:03 PM
That sucks for you i feel ya man.

M.A.V.
01-17-2012, 12:21 PM
manifolds are usually on ebay.

I'm sure you're right, but I looked and all I see are used sets and I've purchased enough used worthless items off ebay before. Everything from non working stereo's to "new in box" carbs that need rebuilt.


I bought a set of edelbrock shortys off of ebay for $369.00 they were from summit racing on ebay.

Were they for a 454 vortec with the return air? I looked and can't find anything.

M.A.V.
01-17-2012, 01:38 PM
Will headers off the 88-95 454 work? It has the the air intake, but I'm not sure.

These (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-454-HEADERS-1988-1995-AIR-INTAKE-/220934381047?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3370b71df7#ht_500wt_945)

BigAC
01-17-2012, 01:53 PM
Try this site. I looked and there were a buch of manifolds for cheap.

http://www.car-part.com/index.htm

BlacK20
01-17-2012, 01:54 PM
stupid question, can u not just weld up the hole?

M.A.V.
01-17-2012, 02:02 PM
Welding the hole would require pulling the header, cutting the collector off and welding the hole, then rewelding everything back together. I don't have a welder that's capable of doing it, and the exhaust shop won't touch it. I thinking about calling a metal working shop and seeing if they'll touch it. Only problem is they're ceramic and I'll have to strip it down to do it.

kjk1500
01-17-2012, 10:03 PM
They were for the 350 and you can get them with or with out A.I.R. .I Forgot you had the 454. Summit racing has Hooker Super Competition headers for $409.95. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2021HKR/

woody80z28
01-18-2012, 02:00 PM
I would blame the rust on your avatar more so than the headers. haha

M.A.V.
01-18-2012, 02:04 PM
Haha yeah yeah, it's had it's share of abuse in it's day. But the leak actually started long before that pic was taken. Long before I even started using it for off road. I always had a truck to use, but now the suburban is my toy.

pwrhous
01-19-2012, 11:58 AM
Go to Rockauto.com. They have manifolds for the 454 from $95 to $125. There is also a 5% discount you can use as well.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php