This is what the Speedway...
This is what the Speedway Motors header kit looked like when we received it.
We started by bolting the...
We started by bolting the header flanges to the head.
Since we wanted the collector...
Since we wanted the collector tubes full length, we welded on the collector end cap.
After placing the long tapered...
After placing the long tapered tube in the approximate area, we held up the first U-bend by the Number One cylinder. This showed us where the cuts had to be made.
When we were satisfied with...
When we were satisfied with the angle of the first pipe coming out of the front exhaust port, we tack-welded it to the flange.
An adjustable jackstand was...
An adjustable jackstand was used to hold up the rear of the header tube. This will designate the angle of the pipe. It's a good time to stand back and look at the overall design and check to make sure the pipe doesn't interfere with the opening of the door.
We placed a square beside...
We placed a square beside the header flange to locate where the rest of the tubes will land. Marks were made from the front and back of each exhaust port.
A step drill was used to start...
A step drill was used to start the holes where the other tubes will eventually mate up.
The next pipe to be installed...
The next pipe to be installed was the rear one. We marked the length and angle. All of the others will be cut to match accordingly.
After the pipe was cut to...
After the pipe was cut to length, it served as the template for marking the tapered be.
A set of tin snips was used...
A set of tin snips was used to remove the excess material for a smooth flowing transition from the header tube to the tapered collector tube.
The header assembly was reinstalled...
The header assembly was reinstalled at this time. Everything looked great, so we tack-welded the unit together.
After the header was tack-welded...
After the header was tack-welded together, the exhaust had nowhere to exit because of the block-off plates on the end of the collector tube. We had to add a small flange that will connect to an exhaust system which will run underneath the car.
We welded the headers, reinstalled...
We welded the headers, reinstalled them, and they were looking great. All they need now is high-heat coating.
You say you have more talent and time than you have money. You want your headers to be different and stand out from the crowd. Speedway Motors has several kits to choose from for various engine makes and displacements. The company offers header kits for both street and race track applications. By building your own headers, you can choose what the final outcome will look like, with factors such as overall length; angles; flow; port-matching, if desired; right down to the finish you want. Building the headers is a fairly easy task to perform, and it doesn't take a lot of tools. The job should take around a day and a half to perform the first time, providing you don't try to grind all the welds perfectly smooth. Let's see what we can learn by following the crew at Precision Street Rods & Machines as they build a set for a chopped and channeled big-block Chevy-powered Model A coupe.