Don't skip a year - TEST THOSE HEADERS
#11
Registered

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9,981
Likes: 6,477
From: Chicago
How come no plug changes?
Super easy and accessible on my manifolds, no header tubes in the way to get at spark plugs.
Installation takes 1/4 of the time , no header botls against tubes to fight with and more room in the bilge
Super easy and accessible on my manifolds, no header tubes in the way to get at spark plugs.
Installation takes 1/4 of the time , no header botls against tubes to fight with and more room in the bilge
#12
VIP Member

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 2,136
From: SW Ohio
Guys,
Is this a saltwater thing?
I do find the idea of a single dump valve (per side, if need be) on a solenoid that would allow for everything to drain at the flip of a momentary switch.
Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991
Is this a saltwater thing?
I do find the idea of a single dump valve (per side, if need be) on a solenoid that would allow for everything to drain at the flip of a momentary switch.
Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991
#13
Just for what it's worth-
ALL headers are susceptible to cracking/rotting/leaking.
We replaced a set of 5in Stainless Manifolds and elbows on a really well maintained raceboat last year. They just rotted out. It happens to all of them eventually.
Flex flange helps a lot on CMI stuff. IMO that was some of the problem with the Merc sweepers. The GenX Sweepers with a flex flange don't have anywhere near the same amount of issues. We test the headers on just about every engine that comes through the shop. The only set I think I've never seen leak are CMI E-Tops. If maintained they really seem bulletproof.
We also have a 30 year old set of full stellings on the bench right now which miraculously don't leak...so it's all a crap shoot lol.
ALL headers are susceptible to cracking/rotting/leaking.
We replaced a set of 5in Stainless Manifolds and elbows on a really well maintained raceboat last year. They just rotted out. It happens to all of them eventually.
Flex flange helps a lot on CMI stuff. IMO that was some of the problem with the Merc sweepers. The GenX Sweepers with a flex flange don't have anywhere near the same amount of issues. We test the headers on just about every engine that comes through the shop. The only set I think I've never seen leak are CMI E-Tops. If maintained they really seem bulletproof.
We also have a 30 year old set of full stellings on the bench right now which miraculously don't leak...so it's all a crap shoot lol.
Last edited by TeamSaris; 02-13-2023 at 10:50 AM.
#14
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,318
Likes: 1,824
From: Merritt Island, FL
Saris,
Yes the E-tops seem to last (20 years for me) and flex I agree hurt the long tubes, why I asked if it is a stag setup. Seems Very few have a brace, think of all the SS hanging there AND I see guys stand on the tubes! But for a stag setup if I had one and it needs replaced, the old Kieth black cast manifolds that are pretty much long tube headers sure seem to be the way to go.
Dead people,
Look at a Fountain that has manifolds, the dam things touch each other in the center, I am a 58 year old fat guy with a 32, no way I can get my arms between the two motors. I would have to call the Good Doc feelgood every time.
Yes the E-tops seem to last (20 years for me) and flex I agree hurt the long tubes, why I asked if it is a stag setup. Seems Very few have a brace, think of all the SS hanging there AND I see guys stand on the tubes! But for a stag setup if I had one and it needs replaced, the old Kieth black cast manifolds that are pretty much long tube headers sure seem to be the way to go.
Dead people,
Look at a Fountain that has manifolds, the dam things touch each other in the center, I am a 58 year old fat guy with a 32, no way I can get my arms between the two motors. I would have to call the Good Doc feelgood every time.

#15
Registered


Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1,062
From: Orlando, FL
Saris,
Yes the E-tops seem to last (20 years for me) and flex I agree hurt the long tubes, why I asked if it is a stag setup. Seems Very few have a brace, think of all the SS hanging there AND I see guys stand on the tubes! But for a stag setup if I had one and it needs replaced, the old Kieth black cast manifolds that are pretty much long tube headers sure seem to be the way to go.
Dead people,
Look at a Fountain that has manifolds, the dam things touch each other in the center, I am a 58 year old fat guy with a 32, no way I can get my arms between the two motors. I would have to call the Good Doc feelgood every time.
Yes the E-tops seem to last (20 years for me) and flex I agree hurt the long tubes, why I asked if it is a stag setup. Seems Very few have a brace, think of all the SS hanging there AND I see guys stand on the tubes! But for a stag setup if I had one and it needs replaced, the old Kieth black cast manifolds that are pretty much long tube headers sure seem to be the way to go.
Dead people,
Look at a Fountain that has manifolds, the dam things touch each other in the center, I am a 58 year old fat guy with a 32, no way I can get my arms between the two motors. I would have to call the Good Doc feelgood every time.

#16
I just can’t figure out why people are still buying headers,if you have to test them every year. Buy Stainless Marine and you don’t have to worry about pressure testing exhaust every year,I have better thing’s to do with my time.
#17
I don't disagree, but jeez are they pretty.
I think it's worth it to me to spend an hour or two on a rainy winter day to get to look at them all summer. My perspective will probably change as I get older
I think it's worth it to me to spend an hour or two on a rainy winter day to get to look at them all summer. My perspective will probably change as I get older
#18
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,527
Likes: 706
From: Taunton Ma
For me, I wasn’t willing to give up 25-30 hp per side.
#19
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,318
Likes: 1,824
From: Merritt Island, FL
This was done years ago on a HP 500 motor, I would assume as you go up in HP on a NA motor the more pronounced change there would be. The Eickerts I would think should be the closest to long tube headers.
How do you upload a .pdf?
How do you upload a .pdf?
#20
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 1,062
From: Orlando, FL
I don't think you can. I'd do a screenshot of it and upload it in jpeg format.



