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05-16-2013, 12:20 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson Arizona
Posts: 164
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Header practicalities
I've been considering headers for my '85 GMC 2500 for a few years. One mechanic said they're a pain because they have to be removed for some routine maintenance. Also wondering how they might affect my emissions inspection here in AZ.
This is my everyday driver, putting on about 6000 miles a year since I retired. What realistic performance gains could I expect? There is no cat system on the truck. |
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05-16-2013, 12:36 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Preble county ohio
Posts: 1,914
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Re: Header practicalities
your mechanic hasnt dealt with headers in about 40 years, i have headers on my truck and i can reach everything just fine, plenty of room for the starter and the oil filter, trans pan etc!
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"DON'T TOUCH THE TRIM!!"-Early Kyler |
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05-16-2013, 12:54 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tustin, CA
Posts: 77
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Re: Header practicalities
Second that. I just did a tune up on my truck that has headers with no real issue. The only thing I can think of is that you have to use a wrench on the spark plug socket to get the #6 spark plug out. I really hope that isn't what he was talking about.
Also, you have to have the exhaust reworked a bit. Make sure you think of that too in your budget.
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1975 GMC Sierra Grande K25HD 350-4BBL 4sp LWB 2009 Infiniti G37S Sedan w/Stillen sway bar kit & K&N Typhoon dual snorkel intakes ASE certified for brakes, electrical diagnostics and heating and A/C & EPA certified in R12 and R134a |
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05-16-2013, 01:52 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lewis County, WA
Posts: 1,523
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Re: Header practicalities
Find a different mechanic, that one appears to be a moron.
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'77 K35 - 454, SM465/NP205, 4.56 D60/14bFF |
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05-16-2013, 01:56 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Arlington WA
Posts: 1,728
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Re: Header practicalities
it may take an extra 5 minutes to change your spark plugs.
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GMC C15 355 SM465 3.73 80 C10 cruiser build thread 79 short stepside crew cab. big and ugly. build thread |
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05-16-2013, 07:06 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,066
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Re: Header practicalities
The mechanic isn't wrong; but he isn't right either.
Can headers add to the complexity of routine maint? Sure. They can also make it easier depending on what you're doing. The 'cheaper' headers might be worse & possibly limit access. Spark plug & starter/batt cable access are the most common maint items I can think of that they would impact. The benefits of the correct headers (length & size primaries) w/matched exhaust tubing vs cast manifolds & poorly designed OE exhaust are power & efficiency.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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05-16-2013, 09:07 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson Arizona
Posts: 164
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Re: Header practicalities
Thanks to everyone for the info. Any affect on the emissions?
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05-17-2013, 08:05 AM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SLC, UT
Posts: 706
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Re: Header practicalities
Not really.
If you currently have a smog pump and the corresponding tubes going into your manifolds, then if you need to retain that for visual inspection, you will have to get headers that accommodate the tubes. If you don't have a smog pump, then just get whatever headers tickle your fancy. You may have to do a little carb tuning after the change, but ultimately headers aren't going to take a vehicle that passes smog and make it fail miserably. |
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