Header Assembly Help

[PaulR]

I have a set of Chevy SB Sprint Style Patriot Headers (with the HOT Coat on them) and collectors that I need to assemble. What is the best way to do this without messing up the coating? I know the coating will get messed up where the collector slides onto the header. Not a problem with that. Just looking for some input/help on how to put them together.

Thanks,
PaulR

 

[409T]

There are two flanges that come off each turn-out which you will ultimately put a bolt through and tighten to hold the turn-out onto the collector. Wedge something like a big screw driver blade into the gap between the two flanges to spread the opening of the turn-out and slide it on to the collector. Usually with Patriots, I find that you have to grind a little of the coating off the end of the collector as well, your mileage may vary. If this is the case just measure up on the collector to make sure you aren't going to grind so high that installed turn-out won't hide the work.

Jeff

 

[Rick]

There are two flanges that come off each turn-out which you will ultimately put a bolt through and tighten to hold the turn-out onto the collector. Wedge something like a big screw driver blade into the gap between the two flanges to spread the opening of the turn-out and slide it on to the collector. Usually with Patriots, I find that you have to grind a little of the coating off the end of the collector as well, your mileage may vary. If this is the case just measure up on the collector to make sure you aren't going to grind so high that installed turn-out won't hide the work.

Jeff

Also with the Patriot the muffler on the inside rusts up and it's a Bi%#h to get out if you have to change out the fiberglass packing.

 

[PaulR]

Jeff - The turn-outs/mufflers are slip on type. No flanges, there is a bolt to tighten the collar down so it does not come off. I was thinking of putting in a screw (out of sight) for added insurance to prevent me from running it over some day if it decides to come apart.

Rick - At this time I think I'll just let it get a little louder as the packing wears out. I can't see it being easy to get them separated after they have been used for a while.

Thanks for the replies....


PaulR

 

[Rick]

Jeff - The turn-outs/mufflers are slip on type. No flanges, there is a bolt to tighten the collar down so it does not come off. I was thinking of putting in a screw (out of sight) for added insurance to prevent me from running it over some day if it decides to come apart.

Rick - At this time I think I'll just let it get a little louder as the packing wears out. I can't see it being easy to get them separated after they have been used for a while.

Thanks for the replies....


PaulR

I took mine right out after starting it he first time.I liked the sound but thought the police might object.Thought what the heck and tried to pull them to rewrap them but they were to hard to get out so i said let it be loud.I did get them out once but it's a bitch.

 

[fordsbyjay]

I read that it is best to wash them with soap and hot water when you get the installed to make sure there is no oil on them for the first fire up. As well, I would suggest taping them up until you get them installed. I put a scratch on one of my mine when I was fighting to the get the muffler part in. The sandersons have a burr on the edge so it can be a little tight slipping the muffler part in. I didn't want to grind or file the burr off because then it would be rusting in a couple weeks.

 

[409T]

I always buy the turn-outs that are bare inside and then add my own baffles. This usually gets me dirty looks from the more conservative folks however.

Jeff

 

[Rick]

I always buy the turn-outs that are bare inside and then add my own baffles. This usually gets me dirty looks from the more conservative folks however.

Jeff

What is the best header gasket to use on the patriot headers?

 

[fordsbyjay]

All I ever use is Felpro Hi performance ones. Never had a reason to use anything else.

 

[2old2fast]

I'd had some trouble in the past w/ leaks , so the last time I put mine back on, I put a bead of the copper hi-temp silicone on the header side of the gskt. No leaks in 3 years, so that stuff works! dave

 

[409T]

What is the best header gasket to use on the patriot headers?

I've had the best luck with stock Chevy gaskets. The ones that come 3 pieces per side and hang on the bolts. They're also the easiest to put on because you can bolt the headers on loosely and then drop the gaskets in.

Jeff