crossover question

[turbojoe]

what are the pros/cons of the available one piece and two piece designs available/ Are the two piece crossovers easier to install? ALSO, I just installed a DS ATR header and the instructions state that if the stock DS header that you pull off is distorted (oblong) at the crossover flange, Do not use the original crossover but to buy a new one. Has anyone replaced the driver's side header with an ATR unit and continued to use the original crossover without leaks or sealing issues? Thanks, JOE

 

[Instro84]

dont know about ATR but i used a new driver side with the stock crossover and it sealed up fine.

 

[turbojoe]

Thanks Hybrid85. I would like to get away with using the original but fear that i might distort the new DS header flange when i tighten it back up to the original crossover. The instructions i received with the ATR header are very specific about NOT using the original crossover pipe if the original header is distorted at that connection. My question is, Then what if the Passenger side header's crossover flange is distorted or oblonged? Wouldn't it just distort a brand new crossover pipe flange upon tightening it up at that point as well? Basically, Short of replacing Both DS and Pass side headers and using new crossover To guarantee NO leak, what else is there to do? Sounds like a "Catch 22" if you ask me! Thanks for reply anyway. JOE

 

[buickpower]

you won't distort the flange unless you tighten the crap right out of it. Also 304 stainless is relatively springy stuff as ATR will tell you. i think you'll be fine, they probably just want you to do a visual check in case the previous owner got really crazy on tightening.

 

[turbojoe]

Well, I took a look at the flange on the original header i took off and it is distorted or oblong instead of round. So, are you saying that it would be alright to attach the old crossover to the new header despite the crossover possibly being out of round now as well? Apparently someone was in there before me and overtightened the bolts. :frown: Is there a way of restoring the crossover to its original concentric shape prior to reattaching to new header? I just would hate to have to buy a new crossover if i can avoid it.
ALSO, Again if i had to buy a new crossover pipe, which one is the best one to get, Two-piece (Poston's) or a One piece unit (Kirban's or John's perf.)??