lightning headers
 

Thinking about buying a used set of lightning fresh water headers, was wondering if any body has had problems or complaints with them. Thanks any info would be great Justin

We had a set, and they did a good job. They lasted about 7 or 8 years before they started to leak, but we ran them in salt water. The one thing that helps make them last is to drain the water after running the boat.

Until you cam the motor you should be fine, buy direct only though!!!

I have been running them for four years now with no issues. I am running a fairly agressive cam with no reverision issues. I got them through CP Performance.

Thanks for the info it makes it a little easier to spend the money with some reliable information thanks again justin

i have a customer that has 12 yrs on his..

I bought a set new in 2002 and used them for about 5 years, when I went up to a cam in the 240/250 range they reverted at idle. I sold them to "Old Navy" on here and he still has them on his Checkmate 10 years old with no problems yet. CNC on here had a set on his early 90's Baja, they were about 18 years old before they just started leaking so they are built pretty well in my opinion, Smitty

Buddy had a issue with his dry lightnings..they leaked water into head somehow...

Yup, still going strong. Freshwater summer only boat. I had to replace the flapper in the diverter and shaft seals. They are very quality headers!

I will vouch for them!! had a set made in 1989 for my 25 Cheeckmate, B&M Blower, #2 Speedy, NOS with water Injection (no Chillers back then) Cam was 242/248 duration(not a roller, big differance in profile, Smitty is correct on reversion) The guy I sold it to still uses it, headers are still working great 23 years later. I would drain them after every use. Had two sets made for my then new 2000 boat still using them today 12 yearslater. Plus the owner of Lighting is a real good guy!!! my 2 cents worth.

Mine are 14 years old and just sent them in to be checked.They are still in excellent condition and I have a 242/252 @ .050" with a 112 degree LSA roller cam and no reversion. They seem to have a good drop from the bend to where the water is introduced. I've never seen a complaint on OSO, they'll be on my next boat.

Ss steel or steel headers
 

Are the headers that you folks have had good results with made of steel or stainless steel

Mine are steel.

Mine are Steel also.

Yours are actually steel on the outside tubes and 304L stainless on the inside tubes:
"Our fresh water header starts with mandrel bent 304L stainless steel interior tubes. The standard tube headers use 2" OD primary tubes. Our big tube headers use 2 1/4" OD primary tubes. The exterior tubes are mandrel bent heavy wall steel tubing. The standard headers use 2 1/2" tube. The big tube headers use 2 3/4" tube. By using large diameter exterior tube this leaves a generous water jacket area that runs the entire length of the tube. This is essential for a long service life. Next the exterior tubes are mechanically etched prior to assembly. During assembly the complete header is TIG welded and a custom alloy welding rod is used in all critical areas. Finally a corrosion resistant silicone ceramic coating is applied to the interior of the header while the exterior receives a black power coat finish. Colors are optional. Headers come complete with aluminum water distribution tubes, gaskets, hose, clamps, bolts etc."
The salt water versions use a better grade of stainless on both the inside and outside tubes, 316L verses 304L on only the inside tubes of the freshwater versions, Smitty

I have had good luck with mine. 10 years in fresh water. They good power and last. Mine are the steel outers with ss inner pipes.