Which V6 headers?

On my last trail run, I noticed an exhaust leak at the manifold gasket. I put these BlackJack headers on 10+ years ago, never blew out a manifold gasket before. I guess I was due
These headers are pretty thin now. Last time I had to rework them to mate up my header buddys, I blew through them around the collectors way too easliy with the welder. I'm figuring I'll just have problems if I pull them to install a new manifold gasket, then try to reinstall them.

So I'm thinking about a new set of fenderwell headers.
What are you all running?
Where did you get them, who has the best price?
Quality? Fit-up?
Have you found any good coating to prevent rust? (I was thinking the POR 15 gray manifold paint?)

TIA

 

I would definately say do not go with Pacesetter headers. Save your money for a better quality header.

But I would also say consider getting sotck exhaust put back on. I am tired of the headers, and I actually want to put a set of nerf/rockslider/steps on the jeep for my wife to get in, and for me to to trash my rocekrs anymore.

I think i bent my headers in Tellico somehow. I noticed that the drivers side exhaust is really cloe now to my rear tire, never was like that, but it is now, i think i used a rock to relocate the exhaust while i was in tellico. And with stock headers you may run a little better with a bit of back pressure. I noticed a big difference in my engine running the other month when my buddy cupped one tailpipe, i i cupped the other, that backpressure made the engine smooth out.

So that is what i am going to do after i get th ecommando lifted.. put new exhasut on. I think on ebay somebody is selling two sets of exhaust in the same auction.

 

Brad, I'll ask him tomorrow.

I'm not convinced that I want to go to stock cast manifolds (231/225) and inside-the-rail exhaust. It's potentiall more expensive, and a PITA if I have to drop any drivetrain. It's still on the table, but for the 2K miles I put on a year, I can tolerate headers.

I was paging through my Summit catalog here at work. I see that Heddmanns are 18 ga, Hookers are 16 ga, and Thorley's are 14 ga (and chromed to prevent rust)
I sent Thorley an email to see if they have any for the 225, price, etc. I'll post their reply.

Meanwhile, still looking for other input, share your stories/opinions here...

 

Ouch!!
I'll see if they give me a decent price on just headers, no installation or other system components.

 

Tim, thanks, I checked them out:
AA fenderwell headers, 225/231 V6:

p/n 717020, 3/8" flanges, 18 ga tubing, chrome, $252.71
Without chrome, $225.39
These are the AA website prices, some dealers may be less.

Tubing sounds thin at 18 ga., compared to Thorley at 14 ga..., but the thick flanges are a plus.

 

Response from Thorley:
"Sorry, we do not make a header for that application."

:evil:

 

So, there's the Heddmanns for $99, plus $184 for ceramic coating. But the manifold flanges and collector flanges are only 1/4", and they will warp. Total $283 plus shipping.

Or there's the AA chrome, with 3/8" thick flanges, $252 plus shipping. Hard to believe that AA may actually be the bargain.

Of course I could just get 3 sets of the regular uncoated Heddmanns for nearly the same price, three sets should outlast me

 

or you can get 5 sets of the pacesetters with mufflers


The AA doesnt sound that bad, but then you are slave to the quality of te chrome, being chrome doesnt mean it will last. You know how many crappy chrome jobs there are out there :?

 

Thats Right!!!!

You can also spend alot of your time with that anti-blueing polish that the Harley riders use. Make sure it is all polished, and then you can be a Hip-Hop superstar!!!

 

I like blue

 

Joel, I'm ebay impaired
(my company has a block on ebay, and I don't have a computer at home)