Ian96XJ

Since I'm upgrading to the 2000+ intake manifold, 62mm bored TB, and 703 injectors, I figured I might as well drop in a header.

I'm tentatively going up to L.A. to pick up a Doug Thorley HDX-634Y ceramic header for $250. The guy says that it was installed, ran on a dyno 3 times, and then uninstalled. Maybe it doesn't perform like it's advertised; I don't know why he doesn't want it. I'm going to get it as a preventative measure to hedge the eventual cracking of my exhaust manifold (if it isn't already cracked). At that price, I might as well, right?

Anyway, he says he kept the hardware and I'd just be getting the header. He says that I can just use the stock bolts, but he recommends using new ones. Anyone know what they are? Also, is there anything else you think I should be getting or that should NOT be missing when I pick it up? Thanks!

F1Addict

That seems kind of steep for a used header with no hardware plus the $100 tank of gas you'll use up between San Diego and L.A. Summit sells the same header for $535 brand new.

Add the cost of gas, a dozen Grade 8 bolts and and a new exhaust manifold gasket and the $250 doesn't seem like such a bargain.

Ian96XJ

That's why I was asking. I'm not sure what hardware is missing. Gas is not an issue (I'll be in the area for other reasons anyway) and I have a new exhaust manifold gasket because I was already going to install the 99+ intake manifold. So if I need to JUST buy bolts (a dozen, really?) and not anything extra like flanges or what-not, then it's not too bad, I don't think.

Ian96XJ

TeamCherokee has the OEM exhaust manifold bolt set for $22. I'm not sure if Grade 8 is really needed in this particular application. Yeah, it's a risk buying a used header, but spending $535 vs. $277...the money saved can go towards a nice cat-back exhaust, the last thing left in my exhaust system upgrade. (The PO already installed a hi-flow cat.)

F1Addict

Yeah, if you're going to be in the area already then it seems like it might be worth it, especially if you've already got the gasket and the bolts are only $22. Agree, not sure you need Grade 8 bolts for that application and honestly, I'm not sure how many it takes (12 was just a guess, 2 for each exhaust port).

I say go for it, great header for about 50% of new.

Ian96XJ

The TeamCherokee bolt pack has 11 bolts in it. Let's hope YOU aren't right! And believe it or not, the gasket is only $13 there, too.

I don't know if any of it will make much difference, but it's fun "enhancing" the Heep and, other than heading out to the boonies, gives me a reason to blow off doing stuff I really should be doing.

Ian96XJ

Picked up the header today. It looks really good! The guy builds race engines. He said that it dyno'd to posted specs, but it wasn't what he wanted, so he built his own header. Also got a pair of Rough Country LCA's for free. Damn good deal!

F1Addict

Sweet man, post up pictures when it's bolted up.