going from headers to manifolds

[dkn1997]

I started it finally.  got the pass side done.

out with the old and in with the new

[dkn1997]

anyone planning to run gaskets should look at the pics.

the ports on the gaskets were way smaller than the manifolds.  I had to trim them.  this could have been a major restriction so be careful what gaskets you buy.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I used the Fel-Pro gaskets and they were the correct size...I did trim them to fit each set of ports individually so you dont see the extra pieces of gasket.

Manifolds look great by the way!

[cudaken]

 Over all, I say you are a smart person dkn1997. For a mild street car headers are pretty much a waste. Yea there is some HP gain but not worth the head ache.

I am going to guess this is not the first time a round the block. But just in case pluga are wat easyer to change from under the Charger.

                         Cuda Ken

[firefighter3931]

While i'm a header fan for performance builds....they are a pain when leaking.   Most mild street engines won't notice a huge performance loss going to an HP manifold. I'll probably keep them on my 70 6-pack car when it comes time to restore it and build the combo around the manifold exhaust system.

Those look great ! nice job on the refinishing  

Ron

[Chryco Psycho]

I don`t use gaskets with the manifolds , copper seems to work best with headers though

[dkn1997]

hey guys, thanks for the compliments.  I actually am not even going to use those gaskets I pictured now.  I bought the set that Ehrenberg sells on ebay that has a heat shield built into it.  Not correct, but I want to run gaskets and the heat shield seems like a good idea to me.

and ken, I have not been around the block nearly as much as you guys, so any tips like that are appreciated, keep 'em coming.

btw, does anyone ahve the part numbers or a picture of the spark plug heat shields I should be running?  the manifolds are 68-69 hp pieces.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

hey guys, thanks for the compliments. I actually am not even going to use those gaskets I pictured now. I bought the set that Ehrenberg sells on ebay that has a heat shield built into it. Not correct, but I want to run gaskets and the heat shield seems like a good idea to me.

and ken, I have not been around the block nearly as much as you guys, so any tips like that are appreciated, keep 'em coming.

btw, does anyone ahve the part numbers or a picture of the spark plug heat shields I should be running? the manifolds are 68-69 hp pieces.

Bill Allphin sells the heat shields and plug wire brackets.   Great source of detail stuff

http://amhightechauto.com/

These pics are taken from his site...... (they are in the electrical/ ignition section of his site)

http://amhightechauto.com/images/parts/Wire_Kit_1.jpg

http://amhightechauto.com/images/parts/Wire_Kit_2.jpg

[dkn1997]

also, on the "no gasket" I would love to, but my machinist said that they were just a bit warped.  He can fix them, but did not actually have the fixture he needed to do these.  Oh well.  anyway, thanks 6t9, those pics help. 

also, I am switching to a firmfeel stage 2 box at the same time.  which should I attempt to pull first, the box or the drivers side header (I know, I did the easy side first).  I converted to power steering years after installing these headers, so I don't know if I will be able to get that side off before pulling the box.  eithe way, it promises to be a pleasant experience.

[8WHEELER]

I pulled the starter when pulling the LH header off, If you loosen the header you can pull the starter
and get the header out.

Dan

[dkn1997]

got the drivers' side off today.  Even my mini starter was totally captured by the 1 3/4" hedman headers.  had to take all bolts off headers, move them around a bit, pull bolts for starter and wrestle it out of there.  Then I jacked up the drivers side of the motor and the header slid out from the bottom.

It amazes me that jacking the motor 1" can make that much of a difference.  before I jacked it, there was no way in hell to get the header out.  after just that 1", it practically fell out.

anywho, now tht it's out, the steering box swap should be a breeze.  then some cleaning, touch up paint on the motor and I will bolt it all back together.

Then it's off to the man to get some head pipes made up to mate the manifolds to my existing exhaust system.  I priced tti's headpipes and they want 175 bucks.  even if I did that, I doubt that they would bolt up without mods.  I am leaning towards just towing it to the man and having him do the whole thing. probably cheaper too.

[dkn1997]

progressing, almost have the "new" valve covers stripped (I was running sheetmetal vc's), stripped and painted the starter, and will tackle the steering box next.  waiting on some engine paint and then I should be good to go. 

[dkn1997]

more

[ChargerAndy]

Good progress DKN! I am in line to do the same swap from headers to HP factory manifolds...... which have been sitting on the bench for about 6 months now.    Life gets in the way sometimes! Good luck with the rest..... Andy

[dkn1997]

Life gets in the way sometimes! Good luck with the rest..... Andy

yep, got home from dad's for a post thanksgiving thing last night at 9pm, wrenching in the garage until midnight.  waiting for the engine paint, air cleaner pie tin, and some other odds and ends and should finish up by christmas.

[ChargerAndy]

Life gets in the way sometimes! Good luck with the rest..... Andy

yep, got home from dad's for a post thanksgiving thing last night at 9pm, wrenching in the garage until midnight.   waiting for the engine paint, air cleaner pie tin, and some other odds and ends and should finish up by christmas.

Cool.... I can't wait to get my garage built ( on the foundation now) tweaks will be so much easier.......    I look forward to following your progress... Andy