The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Header Install nightmare.

After several days of frustration, I finally have my headers in place on my C30 with a 292. It seems they were not meant to fit a one-ton chassis? They would not clear the frame, thus I had to notch the frame, and then my clutch linkage needed to be reworked as it hit the headers BADLY! It took hours to get it all worked out! They are the Clifford long tube type. Now it doesn't run right.......I do not have any exhaust yet, but I fired it up and attempted to keep it running enough to back it out of my garage, and it runs like crap! Sounds like a massive vacuum leak. Could this be because it has no back pressure, or do I indeed have a manifold leak now? I do not have any warming tubes to warm the carb, but it runs bad. Was I supposed to seal the bottom of the intake where the heat riser used to be? I can't imagine there would be a vacuum leak there? Any suggestions? My next move will be to spray carb cleaner around the intake while it is running to see if it clears it up, but that will require a second person as it will not stay running without someone pullig the choke in and out.

What ws the purpose of installing the headers- - - -to make it run better or have more power? If so, epic fail! Try going back to a stock exhaust manifold for the easiest, least expensive fix! If you can find a 3-bolt flange manifold with the big pipe, you'll probably have as good an exhaust gas flow as the headers will give anyway.
Jerry

Jerry

Kerry, There is no need of "back pressure" to allow acceptable running in your case of limited use----for fine tuning, yes the engine will respond slightly to changes in exhaust restriction and shape.
There should be no need to seal the heat stove area to prevent vacuum leaks if the intake manifold is sound.
I think you are right in suspecting a manifold to head leak.
Running a stream of water over the suspected area can show a leak if you don't let it ingest too much.

Reason for putting headers on was the original manifold cracked......got a good deal on the headers (or so I thought) not so sure now!

Update.........the manifold leak was due to header-to-intake interference. Had to pound another big dent with my BFH in one of the tubes, so that the intake could bolt up tight. What a PITA! I dont know how these guys can sell this stuff with a clear conscience!!! I thought Clifford was good stuff?? I had to cut a notch in my frame 3/4 of an inch deep by 3 inches long just to clear the frame. Then I had to totally change my clutch linkage in order to keep it from hitting the headers. VERY disappointed so far. Anyway, it now runs....just need to get to the muffler shop and get an exhaust bent up!

It's done and running! After all the dicking around, it was indeed worth it! Anyone who claims that there is no increase in power is mistaken! It pulls way harder now than it ever did, and sounds very good as well. I'm still [censored] at Clifford for their crappy fit, but it does make power now, even with the stock 1bbl carb.! Can't wait to put a 4bbl on it to gain even more!