The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Which Headers Are Best?

Hi Guys,
I have noticed two distinctly different style of headers for an inline six. The Clifford style use long tubes like Hooker or other V-8 headers. The offenhuaser brand is shorter and looks like a larger diameter. The larger looking diameter may be due to them being made of cast iron. The Fenton headers I had on a 235 many years ago were just like the offy headers I saw.

Anywhoo, can anyone tell me which headers are best for what purpose and why?

Thanks,
Bob

The stovebolt engines do best with longer tubes of relatively narrow diameter in high performance applications. I don't know what you are looking for, but mild steel tubes will burn out in a couple of years. If you want them to last you want stainless steel (which I have not seen commercially available) or ceramic coated headers.

I think you will be much happier with the fit of Fenton or Stovebolt cast iron headers. Unless you have done lots of modification to the head they will flow plenty. They will also outlast the engine. My inline 6 BMW has similar cast iron headers from the factory and they work well.

What he said. I have a set of dual headers on my 250 from Hedman. They're good headers, but they started rusting within a week. You might want to look into a set of Fentons. Also, can you post a link or any info on the Offy headers? I haven't seen or heard of any made by them. Thanks. John.

I'd like to see a set of the Offy headers also!

The headers I said were Offenhauser are here:
http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/acartpro/

But I don't think they are offy, I assumed that because this company handle lots of offy intake stuff. Never Assume! It makes an [censored] out of you and me!
Remember that from the movie?

Bob

Those are Langdon's own Stovebolt cast iron headers. To my knowledge Offenhauser only makes intakes (currently).

I think the ideal production header for a street engine for the later 6s (230-292) is the Clifford shorty tube headers.

http://cliffordperformanceshop.com/catalog/52-0011_headers_street_rod_1824829.htm

They are very heavy gauge steel and have quality welds. I got a set that's practically new (the original paint in still intact) for a steal of a deal through the Inliners classifieds. Clifford thinks a lot of those headers because they get 289 a set plus shipping. As if that wasn't expensive enough add in another hundred if you want them to do ceramic coating. :rolleyes: I plan on having mine ceramic coated locally and I'll still have way less than 300 invested in mine, even withthe coating.

Stovebolts are a much better deal, in my opinion. They're well made (from what I've heard), less expensive and will outlast 5 sets of non-coated Clifford headers. Go for it!

-ftyler

Update!
I just got a new JC Whitney catalog, and they have a set for $179.95. The manufacturer is Pace Setter. Is anyone familiar with that brand?
Bob

If the header is for the 63-87 Chevy truck 230-292 engines they're probably the same as the Hedman and the Dynomax (just a different company name and logo). The primary and collector diameters, gauge of steel used and weld locations are all basically the same for all these type headers I've seen. Only the Clifford uses a higher gauge steel and has a thicker mating flange than the rest. They probably have use a different manufacturer.

-ftyler

Of course, then there are the insanely rare stainless steel Borla headers that were made exclusively for UPS trucks...

It was my understanding that Langdon was having the intakes repopped because Offy no longer made intakes for the Chevy six. If someone wants to contact Tom, ask him.

Better is sometimes a matter of opinion, so here's mine. I installed Fentons on my '54 235 about 6 months ago and I love them. I just painted them with some high temp gray and threw them on. They still look great.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/46826575/92773030mWtEVi

Hey Wingnut --- That's a nice truck!