[gtzero]

HELP...need headers for GT

Hi All,

I saw the earlier thread about Manta headers for a GT. But no one asked where one might get headers for a GT.

According to OGTS, the headers I need are from LENK, part # LT10. They are discontinued. And OGTS does not have any. They suggested calling Bob Dennard (sp?) as he had voiced interest in re-manufacturing this item.

Is this my only option or does someone know of another source. I'd like to get one ASAP.

Thanks,

Manny

 

[bear]

Rallye Bob stated earlier last week in a post about this subject he is in the process of building a prototype for OGTS, that will give a performance boost from stock to OH Boy. But with the other projects in the works and recent injuries he has put it on the back burner. One day, he may be able to get to it, but his priorities are to get better first, then the pressing obligations he has with individual owners that are paying for his services. Gotta keep groceries on the table.

Ron

 

[gtzero]

Rallye Bob stated earlier last week in a post about this subject he is in the process of building a prototype for OGTS, that will give a performance boost from stock to OH Boy. But with the other projects in the works and recent injuries he has put it on the back burner. One day, he may be able to get to it, but his priorities are to get better first, then the pressing obligations he has with individual owners that are paying for his services. Gotta keep groceries on the table.

Ron

Thanks Ron, I saw that post after I posted my situation. Can I just have the crack welded? My mechanic says it's not good because it will weaken the metal and won't last. But maybe it will last long enough until Rallye Bob finishes the prototype.

I haven't seen the crack so I don't know where on the header it is.

Yes, no, maybe???

Manny

 

[GTJIM (R.I.P.)]

Welding headers

If the "headers" you have are steel tube after market type the any good welder can probably patch them. As long as they are not too thin.
Repalcing tubes is another option if you can find a muffler shop with the skills and tube bending apparatus. Some muffler shops can perform miraciles with a pipe bender and a mig welder.

 

[RallyBob]

Manny, I have had to deal with cracked headers on racecars a lot, since they tend to run so damn hot as it is and I have always made matters worse by using header wrap to keep the heat away from the intake. The header wrap just makes the metal hotter, and eventually cracks tend to form.

But not to worry, they can be repaired. MIG welding, while the most common method, is the most brittle, and it can crack again just adjacent to the weld area. But, if you drill small holes at the ends of the crack (about 1/16"), and then clean well and TIG weld it, it should be a permanent fix. The TIG welding is softer and will flex with the pipe rather than fight it, and drilling the holes tends to 'end' the crack area so they don't just spiderweb in 4 different directions.

HTH
Bob

 

[gtzero]

Manny, I have had to deal with cracked headers on racecars a lot, since they tend to run so damn hot as it is and I have always made matters worse by using header wrap to keep the heat away from the intake. The header wrap just makes the metal hotter, and eventually cracks tend to form.

But not to worry, they can be repaired. MIG welding, while the most common method, is the most brittle, and it can crack again just adjacent to the weld area. But, if you drill small holes at the ends of the crack (about 1/16"), and then clean well and TIG weld it, it should be a permanent fix. The TIG welding is softer and will flex with the pipe rather than fight it, and drilling the holes tends to 'end' the crack area so they don't just spiderweb in 4 different directions.

HTH
Bob

Hi Bob,

I also have header wrap on my car. Thanks for the welding lesson. I'll pass this along to my mechanic. Thanks to all as always for your wealth of knowledge.

Manny

 

[gtzero]

Exhaust manifold vs header

Hi All,

I have a cracked header that is no longer available and welding the crack might not result in a long-lasting fix.

I have been offered an exhaust manifold. What differences will I experience, if any, by switching from a header to an exhaust manifold?

Aren't headers supposed to be matched to cam shafts so that the gases are evacuated as efficiently as possible?

Will I notice any drop in performance by switching to a manifold?

The welder saw my header and immediately said "your engine is running rich and this thing must be glowing red!". Gil put larger injectors in my engine and I ran it rich for about 5-6 months. This was about 5 years ago. The headers have been cracked for about 3-4 years. Is 5-6 months enough time to do damage to my headers?

On top of the headers being "glowing red" hot, I had them wrapped in exhaust wrap. I guess that would make a "hot" situation even worse.

Manny

 

[Gary]

Manny - do a search for sprint manifolds. (or just look at the "Similar Threads" feature at the bottom of this page) There were a couple of threads that talked about manifold vs headers. If I remember correctly, the '75 fuel injection manifold (sprint) was just as effecient, if not better than, the headers.

 

[RallyBob]

The headers have been cracked for about 3-4 years. Is 5-6 months enough time to do damage to my headers?

Manny, 5-6 minutes at full throttle is all it takes. My old highschool friend 'Guido' used to do 135+ mph banzai runs in his Manta, but didn't have the DCOE's dialed in correctly....

We'd get off the highway and check under the hood, the Sprint manifold would be completely glowing orange! After one particular run in the fall, he got off the interstate, drove through a puddle, and then we both heard the manifold crack very clearly....

Bob

 

[gtzero]

Will the sprint manifold bolt right up to a 2.4 block? If so, it sounds like I should just get the manifold. I'll hold onto the header for a chance at reproducing it at a later time.

 

[RallyBob]

I assume you have a 2.4 head then Manny, but yes, the Sprint manifold will bolt directly to all the CIH heads (with the exception of the rare Group 2 CIH racing head). Another alternative is the stock 2.4 manifold. Basically a bigger 'Sprint' design. Gregg Nosiglia's 2.5 litre 152 whp Sportwagon uses one of these, with a custom 2.5" exhaust.

Bob

 

[gtzero]

I assume you have a 2.4 head then Manny, but yes, the Sprint manifold will bolt directly to all the CIH heads (with the exception of the rare Group 2 CIH racing head). Another alternative is the stock 2.4 manifold. Basically a bigger 'Sprint' design. Gregg Nosiglia's 2.5 litre 152 whp Sportwagon uses one of these, with a custom 2.5" exhaust.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

How readily available are the 2.4 manifolds? And the gaskets and whatever else might be needed?

Manny

 

[RallyBob]

Thanks Bob,

How readily available are the 2.4 manifolds? And the gaskets and whatever else might be needed?

Manny

Actually a few months ago Gregg was selling a spare 2.4 manifold but I don't believe anyone bought it. Gil should have the gaskets, you'd have to make the headpipe up custom however.

Link to 2.4 manifold pic:
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6152&postcount=1

Bob

 

[gtzero]

Actually a few months ago Gregg was selling a spare 2.4 manifold but I don't believe anyone bought it. Gil should have the gaskets, you'd have to make the headpipe up custom however.

Link to 2.4 manifold pic:
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6152&postcount=1

Bob

Thanks for the info Bob.

I think I'm going to get Trent's 2.0E Sprint Manifold. He also has the headpipe and gasket that goes between the manifold and the headpipe. All I need is the gasket that goes between the head and the manifold. Should that just be a stock gasket available anywhere for Opel 1.9?

Also, this combination of manifold/headpipe...will it match the length of my old header? If not, I'll have to adjust the rest of my exhaust system to fit it.

Manny

 

[madhatterpdc]

I noticed that the 2.4 "Sprint" style manifold has an 02 sensor... handy for those that are considering/running Fuel Injection.