Kenne-bell headers
- Thread starter gn-geoff
- Start date
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Unless you're getting a killer deal go with the ATR's.
Mine have been on the car 4 yrs and the D/P rusted away. The O2 bung broke out (I run a lot of race or avi gas so I replace O2's at least every 500 miles), they are cracked and welded everywhere and don't seal to the heads for ****. They leak at every connection (try having any boost control with that) and are just generally junk.
When I got my car all the exhaust was shot and I didn't have many options.....seems like maybe something from Postons but it was a ton of cash.
Mine have been on the car 4 yrs and the D/P rusted away. The O2 bung broke out (I run a lot of race or avi gas so I replace O2's at least every 500 miles), they are cracked and welded everywhere and don't seal to the heads for ****. They leak at every connection (try having any boost control with that) and are just generally junk.
When I got my car all the exhaust was shot and I didn't have many options.....seems like maybe something from Postons but it was a ton of cash.
For all out performance the KBs are the best on the market period. I've NEVER had a leak the at heads (the damn flange is 1/2" thick so I don't think it's going to warp). You obviously can't use header gaskets with them or any header or you'll have leaks. Never a single crack after over 5 years of use and they regularly get bright orange. I've even been pissed at the car and cooled them off after a run with a garden hose. The fit was absolutely perfect and the DP did not rub at all. I had mine jethot coated before installation so rust has never been a problem. They come with the more expensive style V-band clamps than the ATR headers that have been on and off the car 6 times and still don't leak.
I would really like to know how they don't perform. Duttweiler told me to my face if you want all out performance and have the money, the KBs are the way to go but the others aren't that far behind.
The only problem I've ever had is the gasket from the header to uppipe blowing out under high boost. Then again I'm not using the one supplied with the headers because I damaged it when replacing a headgasket. On my friend's hotair GN they have been absolutely trouble free and leak free for 5 years now.
I would really like to know how they don't perform. Duttweiler told me to my face if you want all out performance and have the money, the KBs are the way to go but the others aren't that far behind.
The only problem I've ever had is the gasket from the header to uppipe blowing out under high boost. Then again I'm not using the one supplied with the headers because I damaged it when replacing a headgasket. On my friend's hotair GN they have been absolutely trouble free and leak free for 5 years now.
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Matthew Stuart
Guest
Cool84
why do you say not to use header gaskets....I wonder because I have been and recently have a small leak and I can't seem to find it. I'm not sure if it is the header at #2 cylinder (the bottom) or the down pipe with the dougnut gasket. Anyway I'm about to tear it apart and was going to go with a new gasket and the ultra copper permatex on the header and the doughnut gasket. I believe I read that method from a post in here. I want to do this only once as we all know what a PITA tearing this side down is. The driver side has never had a problem.....imagine that...lol
why do you say not to use header gaskets....I wonder because I have been and recently have a small leak and I can't seem to find it. I'm not sure if it is the header at #2 cylinder (the bottom) or the down pipe with the dougnut gasket. Anyway I'm about to tear it apart and was going to go with a new gasket and the ultra copper permatex on the header and the doughnut gasket. I believe I read that method from a post in here. I want to do this only once as we all know what a PITA tearing this side down is. The driver side has never had a problem.....imagine that...lol
Yeah, the easy side never had problems LOL. You shouldn't use header gaskets. The factory didn't use them and I've never used them. A little RTV won't hurt though. If you do use gaskets, copper gaskets will work but the regular gaskets from the auto parts store will burn up or blow out quickly if you run the car hard. Once you get a little leak in one, it eats the gasket away very quickly.
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Matthew Stuart
Guest
That sounds very logical....I will soon find out if that in fact is the case....now that I think about it...I think when I rebuilt it the copper gaskets is what I used.....I don't know...have slept since then....never drive the car just sits in the garage under a cover and looks pretty....really a shame actually.....just to damn hot in Texas right now to jack with it. I guess I should go start it...it has been about 3 months.....uhh. Thanks for the advice.
Ive had them on my car for about 4 yrs now and they are awsome. No leaks any where and no cracks. They dont touch or rub any where either. I do disagree on the headrer gasket issue though. I use fellpro stage 1 header gaskets (the blue ones) never had a leak. these headers are worth the money. Just like with any thing made some people will like it and some wont. My opinion is that they are good.
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Matthew Stuart
Guest
Been bustin my Ass over this car since I have had some time off. Pulled passenger side exhaust system off and timing chain cover due to a small oil leak coming out of front seal....damn it. Found out that # 2 blew the exhaust gasket....what a bitch to pull this all down again....!!! The crank or should say timing chain cover has me a little baffeled. Had oil in pulley of crank but seal looks good...??? Will change anyway. Also installed a KB oil pressure booster kit when I rebuilt and I do not think the bolts were long enough(they will not hold pressure) because of a small leak there also. Speak to me OH GURU'S.... I have a couple weeks off to get this GN up and proud. She is a pretty one. One last thing ....been down for a year and will re-plug the car...I have seen many recommendations about spark plugs and gap...can't find in posts...tell me experts which way to go on plugs and gap....thanks Dudes...lets rock-n-roll....friggin ragheads...!!!!
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Matthew Stuart
Guest
Trust me Guys and Gals......get the copper gaskets.....after a year of letting my car sit.... I finally got off my A-S and started to fix all my little bugs...oil leak out of font rope seal timing cover and oil leak out of KB oil booster pump... needed longer bolt one hole.....but #2 cylinder had blown header gasket and the gasket was a combination composition steel and paper. I put it all back together and fixed two out of three...no more oil problems....but without a gasket you should here those headers leak. Pulling back down tomorrow in search of copper gaskets. I like the headers and do not know why I didn't go with my gut feeling on this......more cuts and bruises....lol...but it is do much fun....RIGHT...!!!!!
