CMI makes a good product
and the grade of stainless they use on all their headers even those for the 525 is just fine.....
the problem with the 525 headers more in the early versions versus the newer ones is the fact that there was an issue with the post welding annealing process this has been corrected from my understanding....

No, I dont have drain plugs. That sure would be easier if I did.

Guys, people have been doing this for years. I've personally known and seen it done for 10+ years now. I've been preaching it for a long time now but apparently no one was listening until now....

Got any pix or specs of an adapter to replace the blue plug at the back plastic fitting?

whatever you need i will make it for you....!!!

they had either pipe threads or the straight threads for the blue plugs....

The perfect fitting would be 316SS with the correct straight threads like the blue plug threads on one side, a 3/8" hose barb on the other end, and a .060 orfice hole through the middle, with 1/4" counterbored ends to reduce weight. Then drill the hull for a Hardin Marine 3/8" SS hose barb hull pass-thru above waterline, connect with hose and you are done

Seems to be a hot topic lately and while I don't currently have CMI headers on my boat will most likely have them on my next.With everything I have heard about them they will not be there long.There seemed to be different opinions on if you could use Stainless Marine exhaust on the 525s so I spoke with Jerry at Stainless today.Yes you can but you have to re-drill and tap the heads as they are not GM heads the bolt pattern is different.Stainless Marine has a jig to do this and they will lend it out (with a deposit) to anyone who buys there product.There are a couple of other minor modifications like moving the water tank but the also offer the bracket for that.


*Note this is not my boat just one Stainless sent me*

Did SM happen to mention if they plan on making something that is a direct bolt on? I don't really like the sound of redrilling my heads.

Unfortunately I don't but I would use this opportunity to get rid of that plastic elbo on the 525.

I can't imagine they would re-tool their castings just to accomodate the different bolt pattern. It would be a large investment for any company to make when a simple drill/tap would suffice.. but what do I know. I wouldn't be too scared if you have a jig.