Listed on Ebay, looks like a decent setup for the money?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-GMC-...Stainless-Steel-Headers-w-Y-Pipe/232936388772
Mike
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-GMC-...Stainless-Steel-Headers-w-Y-Pipe/232936388772
Mike
Ebay Long Tube Headers, Has anyone got these?
- Thread starter 73TA
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iamdub
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They don't specify the grade or thickness of the metal used, but I'd assume it's pretty thin. For the cost, they're probably okay with a stock or mild engine and normal-spirited driving. Your environment (salted?) may be a factor in their longevity. My concern would be the thin metal radiating noise and heat and excess expanding and contracting possibly leading to loose fasteners and/or leaks. Speed Engineering has a setup that seems to be established as the go-to for entry-level budget headers. They'd be around $405 shipped (I just used Raleigh, NC to ballpark for worst case shipping cross-country). I didn't account for their optional GM MLS gaskets ($30), which you should use whichever headers you get. Don't even waste your time using the cheap paper gaskets most come with. Speed Engineering advertises theirs as 304 stainless but doesn't mention the gauge. I'm sure I found what gauge they were a while back when I was researching headers and saw where someone with them measured the tubing. Their collector design is better than the eBay ones and they look to have extra parts included to ensure a bolt-on installation. Buuuuut, they're out of stock until 1/22/2021 (estimated). I'd highly recommend having headers (of any brand) ceramic coated to reduce heat and sound.
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drakon543
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the few times ive gambled on ebay exhaust parts haven't went well. most people i know that have went the same route have had similar experiences. not fitting correctly o2 bungs not being where they are supposed to be or where they actually need to be. described as direct fit but it ends up needing hours worth of diy work or ends up at a garage spending more than just buying a brand name thats proven to fit. lastly just generally being worse than the stock components in function or quality. i advise against it to out it simply. however i will say some people get lucky and it works out.
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
In the pics they look like the Speed Engineering headers.
iamdub
Full Access Member
In this aspect "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" absolutely applies.
Headers are a rather large item to ship, so that's a considerable cost. If they can get them headers to your door for $250, then they're selling the headers for around $200. They're obviously making a profit off that $200, so that should tell you the value of the headers themselves. Them $250 headers can easily cost you $400+ if you have to pay a shop to cut and weld to get them fitted up. Then, what if they crack or rot out in a year or two? Mr. Seller McCheaply on eBay isn't gonna warranty that, if that seller is even still around.
Headers are a rather large item to ship, so that's a considerable cost. If they can get them headers to your door for $250, then they're selling the headers for around $200. They're obviously making a profit off that $200, so that should tell you the value of the headers themselves. Them $250 headers can easily cost you $400+ if you have to pay a shop to cut and weld to get them fitted up. Then, what if they crack or rot out in a year or two? Mr. Seller McCheaply on eBay isn't gonna warranty that, if that seller is even still around.
iamdub
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Compare the collectors.
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
I was just going by the pic of the headers themselves.
iamdub
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I wouldn't be surprised if many of the budget header companies copied each other. Hell, they'd just have to walk over to the next Chinese sweat shop and snap a few pics for ideas.
Now that I'm curious, I snagged a pic off that eBay link for comparison:
The SE primaries appear to be more of an equal-length design. The eBay ones have the #1 and #2 primaries turning horizontal before turning downward. Those cylinders are the longest distance from the headers, yet they're made to be even longer paths. The eBay ones also have a short, rather abrupt collector with a funky step-down in it. SE's collectors are longer and more gradual and have a smooth transition to the 3" outlet size. They also have "merge spikes" to further smooth the transition. I don't know if these merge spikes make any notable increase in performance, but it's a difference nonetheless.
Now I kinda wanna compare these eBay ones to the other cheap-o headers. lol
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
What caught my eye real quick were the passenger side headers--I was looking at the tubes going down. Honestly I didn't even look at the collectors.I wouldn't be surprised if many of the budget header companies copied each other. Hell, they'd just have to walk over to the next Chinese sweat shop and snap a few pics for ideas.
Now that I'm curious, I snagged a pic off that eBay link for comparison:
The SE primaries appear to be more of an equal-length design. The eBay ones have the #1 and #2 primaries turning horizontal before turning downward. Those cylinders are the longest distance from the headers, yet they're made to be even longer paths. The eBay ones also have a short, rather abrupt collector with a funky step-down in it. SE's collectors are longer and more gradual and have a smooth transition to the 3" outlet size. They also have "merge spikes" to further smooth the transition. I don't know if these merge spikes make any notable increase in performance, but it's a difference nonetheless.
Now I kinda wanna compare these eBay ones to the other cheap-o headers. lol
iamdub
Full Access Member
Speaking of headers, while you're doing brakes would be a good time to adjust yours to see if you can make it 4WD again. Wouldn't you need it for winter?
Tonyrodz
Resident Resident
I def could use it. I wish I had access to a lift. Maybe when I eventually do the tie rods I'll be able to mess with it.
swathdiver
Full Access Member
The thing that attracted me to them was the y pipe being included. I realize the "you get what you pay" mentality. I am a member of other LS and Charger forums. A lot of members have good luck with most ebay headers.
They claimed they have sold 255 sets. Only one bad review for the O2 bung and bolt.
Not in rush to purchase.
Mike
They claimed they have sold 255 sets. Only one bad review for the O2 bung and bolt.
Not in rush to purchase.
Mike
just because we get the snowy, icy goodness of winter doesn’t mean we all need 4wd... some of us know how to drive in the snow .. we mostly grew up with rear wheel drive’s and figured it out pdq.... although some re-re’s still haven’t mastered it ... it’s fun to see them stuck in the middle of road..... even with their ‘awd’ and traction control (that stops them in their tracks) .... I really only used 4wd when I was plowing back then... even now when I mount the plow on the tahoe I use auto and depending on snow load 4hi.
sorry to derail your thread there fir a minute OP...
iamdub
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FrankU
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My 2 cents FWIW.... with headers I go with Kooks AR etc. The cheap Chinese etc. headers are not worth it IMO. They deteriorate and sound different than a high quality header. We use Swain coating also. Swain is a very thick coating that silences noise and keeps the headers rust free for a very long time also keeps under hood heat down.
iamdub
Full Access Member
+1 for Swaintech coating. Also consider Finishline Coatings as they spray extra thick inside and out.
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