Header Pipe

[wattiefan]

Going through some of the opel stuff housed at the parents place i found this header. I did a search on the forum and found some threads that have picture of it but could not find a name or really any information on it. I think it is an aftermarket header pipe. It is very different than the exhaust manifold that my 72 gt has. Does anybody know anything about this type of header pipe? Thanx in advance.




Nick

[wattiefan]

Here are the more common ones i believe. This is the style that is on my 72 gt. I got a few more with the pickup load of parts i got when i bought my car.

[GTJIM]

The subject of exhaust 'tuning' is large and complex - if you want to know more try and find the book mentioned inthis website tech article:

Theory

For more detail on the specifics of header theory read the book: ‘The Scientific Design of Exhaust and Intake Systems' by Phillip H. Smith’.

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by wattiefan Going through some of the opel stuff housed at the parents place i found this header. I did a search on the forum and found some threads that have picture of it but could not find a name or really any information on it. I think it is an aftermarket header pipe. It is very different than the exhaust manifold that my 72 gt has. Does anybody know anything about this type of header pipe? Thanx in advance. Nick

Nick;
The header you have is probably the one that was most produced. It was made by PACESETTER, and I hate to say, it was a poor design and poor quality. Not that it wouldn't work for a show car, but, for everyday use, it will give you problems. The other pics you have are of the standard exhaust manifold on just about every Opel till 1975, when they switched over to F.I. and used the "sprint" manifold, which is similar, but, without the heat riser part to attach to the bottom of the intake.

[wattiefan]

Thanks to both of you for some information. Cars are still relatively new to me. It would probably explain while the po went with the original exhaust manifold and not the other design. I am assuming if it is the more common pace setter design there is not much demand for it as it wasnt the best design like you said BQS4.My 72 gt is not a show car, so function wins out over looks. Does anybody else on this site use these pipes?

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by wattiefan Thanks to both of you for some information. Cars are still relatively new to me. It would probably explain while the po went with the original exhaust manifold and not the other design. I am assuming if it is the more common pace setter design there is not much demand for it as it wasnt the best design like you said BQS4.My 72 gt is not a show car, so function wins out over looks. Does anybody else on this site use these pipes?

If you're referring to the header, I had two of them, one for a GT and one for the Manta/Ascona. The GT one I had the header crack on me twice, had it rewelded, the collector gasket had to be constantly be replaced, and it rattled against the trans tunnel. I didn't even use the header for the Manta/Ascona, I just sold it. I currently use the stock manifold and have never had any problems. The "sprint" type manifolds are getting fewer and fewer in this country and getting expensive. There's more in Europe, but, the shipping is hideous, and there are two types of sprints, the only difference is where the head pipe bolts up, one is a little larger than ours. For daily driving, stick with the stock manifold, and go with a 2" or 2 1/4" custom exhaust set up. That's what I did. Use just one muffler (the front one) and have a custom "U" shaped pipe made for the back to match the cut outs and use chrome tips.

[jvandyke]

What is the collector gasket? The one at the exit end where the four tubes join up? Where did yours crack? I've got a Pacesetter on my GT and I don't like the look of the flanges up against the head, there's some gapping there, probably leaking. Hard to tell.

[BQS4]

Jeff;
Yes, the collector gasket is where all 4 tubes come into one under the car. As for the gasket where the head is, there's a way of doing it to prevent leaks. Soak the gasket in water before installing, and install the gasket wet. when installed, start car and run motor till the gasket is dry, then recheck the tightness of the bolts. Kinda like breaking in a good pair of cowboy boots. You take them out of the box, fill your tub with warm water enough to cover the bottom of the boot where your feet are. Put the boots on and step into the tub and get them wet, then walk them dry. After they dry, clean them good with saddle soap and you'll never have blisters (sorry for the cowboy lesson)

[jvandyke]

Maybe that'll be one of the things I do over the winter (which appears to be arriving Monday around here): take off the intake and reinstall it. My goal is to resolve my exhaust/hot motor smells (and gas smell after fill up) by Carlisle time so I can take my 14 year old daughter down there with me in relative safety.