Can't really tell from the picture, but the tire to header distance looks pretty tight.
I think if I had your skills, i would have tried to modify the right frame rail to clear the exhaust manifold. Even as a kid I learned to hate the exhaust exit next to my ear and I was running an OEM type muffler.
Thank you for the kind words, Fred. There is about four inches between the tire and the closest header tube to the front tire, and I will be using a slightly smaller diameter tire when it's all said and done. I think the headers are going to be better in the long run, and I was up for the challenge. It was good practice for making an intake and exhaust for a future Hornet engine.
I’ve started on the other side. The third tube is going to be a challenge. It is almost perfectly centered on the firewall strut. I’m not sure yet, how I am going to address that.
Good work takes time ---the headers look great! Curious whether you prefer Gas Welding over TIG for this type of work? Seems most folks opt for TIG these days. Personally I've haven't invested the time perfecting how to TIG mainly because I cut my teeth on MIG and Stick (arc) and both have served on everything I've encountered in automotive work thus far.
Something to consider when welding tubing is to gas purge the ID during the welding process with any inert gas, argon being a common choice. Tape one end closed and poke several very small holes in it. A sharpened tungsten from a TIG torch being often used to poke the holes. Tape the hose from the gas source into the other end. The gas pressure should be very low only a pound or two. Bleed the gas in for a bit, the object being to push all the oxygen out of the tubing. Maintain the purge during welding. This is to prevent the ID of the weld & base metal from being oxidized during welding. If oxidized material if left in the ID this can be a location for future corrosion.
Good work takes time ---the headers look great! Curious whether you prefer Gas Welding over TIG for this type of work? Seems most folks opt for TIG these days. Personally I've haven't invested the time perfecting how to TIG mainly because I cut my teeth on MIG and Stick (arc) and both have served on everything I've encountered in automotive work thus far.
I have equipment to arc weld, or gas weld…. Until today. I bought a tig welder today. Now I will be learning a new skill. I hope this doesn’t slow the buil down too much.
One of the keys to a good TIG weld is to match the type tungsten to the material being welded. Any reputable welding supply house near you should be able to help with that. I see your torch has a long gas lens. You may find it easier with the tight welds to be made if you have a shorter gas lens.
I got the call on Friday evening, that the coating was done. Four days instead of two weeks… I picked them up this morning. I really like the old school look of white headers.
I got to work on my car a little bit today, cutting away what was necessary to clear the headers. I still have a little more to go, and I will add material forward of the header, above the upper control arm.
Comments
I think if I had your skills, i would have tried to modify the right frame rail to clear the exhaust manifold. Even as a kid I learned to hate the exhaust exit next to my ear and I was running an OEM type muffler.
That's what I envisioned for the brace.