[markmitch]

Just curious if anyone has ever built their own headers? I have seen kits for this on a few sites. Anyone done this?

 

[MechBob]

LOL,ya, back in the 70's. But I can think of reasons to not do it, and for not having headers in a van.

 

[Mmusicman]

People build them all the time... usually racers and custom car builders
(not usually vanners.. lol).
I can think of good reasons why headers are beneficial on any engine.
Personally I've never had a performance engine in any car or van that didn't have them either.

 

[markmitch]

One of the engines I bought last summer for 100 dollars was for parts only, and it came with headers for a 94 Silverado 4x4. The driver's side header fits my 350 in the AWD frame. However, the passenger side does not, but only because the first pipe down from the flange hits the shock tower on the frame. SO I was wondering if the one pipe could be cut and re-welded using another section of the same size pipe but curved different. Which is how I found the builder kits.

 

[MechBob]

Sure, you can do that, and on a stock engine, the difference of the tube length would be negligible.

 

[markmitch]

I have MIG welded my exhaust system, but I think the thickness of steel on headers may be less, I would have to practice lol

 

[Rod's Trucks]

I have MIG welded my exhaust system, but I think the thickness of steel on headers may be less, I would have to practice lol

Not sure what your welder is capable of, but if you are using .035 wire, you might try going down a size or two and practice a bit with that.
Rod J

 

[justbegoodtoher]

S10 shortys