Header Question for 304

I am looking at replacing the headers on my '75. The ones that the previous owner put on there are homemade pieces of junk. The only issue is that I noticed my steering linkage wearing a groove into the number three tube. Anyone have some recommendations on what to buy that will work? I thought about switching back to manifolds, but they are about as expensive as headers.

 

I've been running the Edelbrock shorties for over a year now and really like them.

 

I had hooker comp's on mine and they didn't touch the steering shaft. I hated them and went to stock manifolds. They now collect dust in the garage.

 

I am using the Edelbrock shorties as well. I like them alot. The coating is holding up very well and they are very well built.

 

What are you doing for a y-pipe?? I have the outside of the frame long tubes with bullet mufflers, and hate them, no idea on the brand. I would like to go to an exhaust inside the frame and not have extra crap out there to hit things when wheeling. So if you are wheeling, dont get the ones that go outside the frame.

I am considering going back to manifolds. But I dont have a y-pipe or anything. Looks like its gonna be more expensive than just getting long tubes and starting from scratch.

 

I believe for any pre-76 CJ you'll have to get the y-pipes made, they don't exist.

 

Aw that sucks.

 

I've got a set of 'generic' headers from JC Whitney. They are pretty poor quality, thin 1/8" mounting flange, really thin cheap steel tubes, and required a dimple in one tube to clear the stock steering shaft. The steering shaft clearance problem really isn't a big deal, but getting dual exhaust between both framerails is a real challenge and requires a good custom exhaust fabricator, mainly on the side with the transfer case.

If you get a good quality set of headers, and mufflers, and know a good exhaust fabricator, you can get a good setup, but headers are kind of a waste on a jeep, unless you're drag racing it. At low to moderate RPM's, headers really aren't necessary, and the stock manifolds are probably a better route if you're starting from scratch. They'll also be quieter, with the heavy cast-iron construction.

If you want a totally factory-like exhaust, you'll need to have someone fabricate the y-pipe that connects the two manifolds. These are not available via aftermarket manufacturers.

 

My #1 tube just touched the steering shaft, so I heated up the area of the tube, to slightly red, and tapped a flat spot there, to clear the tube.

It's hard to see, but here are a couple of pics...





Rich