http://www3.telus.net/public/corym/header/

Hey guys.
Rare for me to ask other peoples opinions about aesthetic things but I need some input.
Building headers from a V8 kit. I stopped halfway through the 2nd one because I dont know if I like the way they look. I opted to go straight out with them because the angle of the pre-bent tubes. They would have to come out of the heads angled forward to get the collector to hug the body. Also I want to run the longest muffler possible as I don't like the exhaust note of these engines.

So basically my choices are:
Carry on like this (tubes straight out, longer muffler).
Cut tubes shorter at the heads and angle collector along body. This makes the tubes angle forward and requires a curved piece between collector and muffler. Shorter muffler.
Or quit fooling around being lazy, and cut up these headers and use the bends to get the exact profile I want. Still don't know exactly what profile that would be though.

Thanks for the input.
Cory

imo they stick out too far, and by you asking on here, you're obviously not happy with them. difficult to explain how i think they should be, i'll maybe try and draw it out in a sec

you're also missing 2 cylinders from your V8



edit:
here, like this

Description

you shouldn't need to do the whole lot again, 6 cuts (one on each tube) and reweld tot he flange plate should see you right i think

[Edited on 5/9/09 by blakep82]

Looks silly tbh.

Better to do it properly and you'll always be happy with it. Not wishing you'd done it right first time

got to agree with blake on this one, i think they stick out too far for a seven type car. his diagram illustrates how it should be nicely. very nice talent you have there though if you made them yourself

Yup, TOOOOO far out. Solution as above. If youve got this far whats an hour or two extra time to get it tickety boo.

Too far from the 'body line', and too angular.

Reminds me of a Model T Hotrod

If you look at picture 2 it seems almost straight then to a 90 degree, (and far too tight) bend.

Bring closer to the body line, and think of smooth flowing sexy curves...

IMHO of course.....

Fozzie

i though they were ok til I saw the last picture with the body work fitted - a little bit too far out.

but why not get some 2 inch plastic pipe and mock them up rather than doing if for real?

would it work out if you welded the other end of the pipe to the flange

I agree too....looking side on they should all be swept back. Yours drop vertically down (or even point forwards) meaning they take a longer route and have to bend sharply before following the horizontal.

Hey guys. Thanks for the comments. I agree they did look stupid sticking out that far. I guess I was looking for an excuse to not fix them. Unusual for me to be such a wuss but I had a cold and was feeling lazy I guess.

Today I shortened one and got it where I was happy enough to weld it up tight (other than 2 pinholes I cant get too.... ack!). It is still "angular" which doesn't bother me too much because: It means its an equal length header, and this is a Canadian car. Meaning it's going to be looked at as a hotrod here, and the supercharger that will stick out the bonnet kind of adds to that. I understand why you guys would prefer them swept back, and I may go that route eventually, but this is the way it's going to be now. If for no other reason than because I don't think I'm skilled enough to get equal length headers that sweep back. For this car, function > form. Once I finish cleaning up the welds inside they should flow nicely. I may use a torch to curve the front of the primarys in closer to the bodywork but that will be done later. Pictures of the finished one here: http://www3.telus.net/public/corym/header/

Cheers,
Cory

Also wanted to mention that they will be coated/wrapped so that will hide a lot

And yes, I know I am missing 2 holes off my V8... which is why I want my exhaust as quiet as possible. Just want to hear the blower whine and not the buzzy exhaust.