The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fenton Headers help - two hole flange off-centered

Hi All,

So I got a set of fenton headers for a Chevy 235 but it didn't come with any flanges, even if I use the universal two hole flanges they don't fit, and part of it is because the holes drilled into the flange end of the headers themselves do not seem to be centered? Has anyone else experienced this? I will probably be returning them, but just wondering if this is an error or what my options are. It seems like the only option would be to get custom made flanges.. Here is a picture:


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd....0375288_faf6e0b08f6d5545936a77c629bcd4fc

I'm just wondering if it is drilled this way for a reason, or if I just have a faulty part. Really bummed out when I couldn't get them to work!

Depending on where you got them, they will probably exchange them. They don't look really horrible in the pictures, but when they are getting lined up with something that ISN'T off center it probably becomes very obvious. I'm pretty sure these are made in china, at least the box my fenton stuff came in said "made in china" on it. Lending credibility to your theory the holes are off center,

Is it horribly off center? Can you see the exhaust port with it bolted up? I know guys that run rectangle port intakes on oval port heads. Doesn't seem to noticeably effect performance. If it doesn't leak, I think I would live with it. Headers are gonna leak anyway, I went old school and doubled up my gaskets.

These don't use a donut gasket. They use a flat gasket with a metal ring. I'd put the proper gasket up to it and see if the ring will cover the hole. If not, I'd be wanting an exchange.

I just elongated the bolt holes on the flange for the tailpipe, allowing it to center the opening on the manifold hole. Then I let the tailpipe ride up into the exhaust manifold just a tad. Then tacked the flange to the tailpipe. Apparently very crappy or sloppy molds for the manifolds, mine from Patrick's were just like yours. Plus had to hog out the ports to fit my GMC. They can be made to work just fine. Good luck. Jim

The pair I bought had the holes centered. Weren't from Patrick's or Classic, can't remember where at the moment.

Cut the end off a bolt the thickness of the flange. Thread it in and tack a spot of weld on the top of the flange. Drill a new hole in the proper place.

I got mine from Patrick's last year and had no fit issues at all. It took forever to get them but once they arrived- no problems.

there was a thread a while back, was the fella that was supposedly one of the major actual importers. He was saying the patterns were getting extremely worn, and was retooling for the next generation. Which might explain why there has been so much concern lately about fitment, or lack therof. So if he wasn't lying, we should start seeing better results here eventually.