Best headers

kellzey · 12-22-2002, 11:58 AM

Looking for headers for my six conversion. Seems they are available from a variety of places at a wide variety of prices.

Who makes/sells the best headers?

I've also read on various posts about varying quality, fitment issues, etc.

Looking for recommendations. I'd like to buy a set of 1 5/8" headers and have them jet-hot coated.

Thanks,

campbellcj · 12-22-2002, 12:55 PM

Would you mind listing the main candidates you've run across? I'm in the same boat, or will be in a month or two.

I am only aware of 3 choices at this point:

Bursch - cheap and easy to get, but somewhat crappy. Jet-Hot coat or they will rust in about 3 minutes.

B&B - mid-priced, some say there are fit and quality issues

S-Car-Go - gorgeous and extremely spendy

kellzey · 12-22-2002, 01:04 PM

Add to that list those offered from Triad West (they may be resold from another manufacturer).

Zeke · 12-22-2002, 02:07 PM

Didn't Rich Johnson have some headers? He surprises me, he has more than meets the eye.

Rob-O · 12-22-2002, 02:57 PM

I know the last time I was over Rich's place, he had a set, but I don't think they were his. I don't remember who he said they were from, but I remember him not being really impressed with them. And, if I remember correctly, he made a remark about perhaps taking it upon himself to do it right.

As a matter of course, I'm selling my -6 heat exchangers. Should be on eBay by tonight or tomorrow.

Rob-O

J P Stein · 12-22-2002, 04:26 PM

Not the "best", certainly but I use the Bursch...even these aren't as cheep as SB chebbie headers. The fit is decent....They've been off and on several times. No leaking at the gaskets or other probs.

First you gotta do is blast all that sh***y black paint off em'.
I don't know where these vendors get that crap, but it's usually flaking off when it gets to me. Maybe a tanker full comes into PRofCA from commie China with a load of the crap, once a year, and all these vendors divie it up.

I use stove paint.....sand and re squirt them every couple years.
I don't drive in slop, so maybe mine is not a good reference.

maf 914 · 12-23-2002, 10:25 AM

I don't have a six, but doesn't MSDS offer six headers? Or are these actually someone else's?

Mike

ss6 · 12-23-2002, 12:16 PM

Doesn't Pelican sell yet another flavor, some 3 letter company, ie GHL or similar? Oh-yeah, and stay away from the B&B's.

campbellcj · 12-23-2002, 05:07 PM

IIRC Rich Johnson resells the Bursch headers, as do several other folks.

ss6 you're right, I didn't realize this, but GHL does make 914-6 heat exchangers and headers (no heat) in 2 different sizes, the 1 5/8" and 1 3/4". It still seems tough to justify $1400+ though, compared to JetHot coated Bursch mild steel ones at $600-700ish (the uncoated headers are $406.85 from Pelican).

I have no reason to believe the GHL or B&B units would perform any better than the Bursch's -- some real world stories or dyno tests would be appreciated.

Eric Fry · 12-24-2002, 10:07 AM

Triad West is still producing the six headers. I have a set on my 2.7 and love them. Fit is excellent. They fit equally well on two motors I've run. The exit flanges are the same as stock to fit most mufflers. Gee, Triad has mufflers too! I will do some digging on cost and availability for you. Or you can check his web site to get his e-mail. www.triadwestperformance.com