Headers for a straight 8

[Bill Stoneberg]

Does any one make headers for a straight 8 engine ?

I know back in the late 50's Buick's had some speed equipment for them but I imagine now they would be hard to find.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Smartin]

I wonder if someone could custom make them for you <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[NTX5467]

Check out "California Bill's Chevrolet GMC & Buick Speed Manual", (ISBN 1-55561-106-0) 1954 Edition. It's a reprint of the 1954 publication with a lot of interesting information and specs. Lots of it is about Chevy inline 6 cylinders and GMC inline 6 cylinders too, but there's a section on 248 & 320 cubic inch Buick Straight 8s. There is mention of using flexible exhaust tubing from each exhaust port on the Buicks with a picture that shows something of that nature too. This stuff was in the bush leagues by modern comparison, but was really high tech for those days. Even mentions how to mix alcohol/nitromethane fuels to use in the street cars back then (for racing purposes).

There are some good comments about the construction and longevity of the Buick Straight 8s compared to other engines of that timeframe. An installation in a Hudson that raced on the drag strips and salt flats of the day is also detailed (engine specs and performance instead of how to put it in the Hudson).

I found the copy I have at Barnes&Noble several years ago so you might find it on their website. Retail at that time was $14.95 US. A really neat piece of automotive racing history literature!

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[The Old Guy]

Bill,

I could not find any headers, so I got a 1941-42 dual carb set up ,and used just the exhaust manifolds. I really do not care for the dual carbs, so I used the later intake from a 263 which takes the 4 bolt carb ,and used the carb from the 320 inch Buick. The exhaust manifolds are in actuality two cast iron headers that use a Y pipe in stock configuration. I capped the exhaust manifolds with a 3/8 plate where the heat for the intake originally was. Then I had exhaust pipes made . The rear one goes to the stock muffler and the front goes under the pan and over to the right side. The frame was cut to match the left side holes for the pipes, and I used a flat muffler to give clearance to the heater motor under the drivers seat.I was accused of putting a V8 in my 40 when people heard it ,because it does not sound like a straight eight anymore .One problem you will have on the newer(48-53) engines is the motor mount is in the way of the front pipe. If you have a source that can weld or braze cast iron, you can kick the outlet enough to clear it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Matt Harwood]

Jyrki Pykäri (he comes here often) has a pair he made for himself from a kit. They look awesome--his craftsmanship is impressive! Perhaps he'd be willing to make you a set or a limited run. I'm sure there would be interest. Check out his work:

Making the Headers

Headers chromed

Headers on the engine

If you're here, Jyrki, jump in and let us know more details!

[Guest imported_JPIndusi]

I like The Old Guy's set-up. I often wonder why Buick didn't go with the dual exhaust on the 1941 &42 compund carburetion models since they already had the two separate exhaust manifolds. Imagine the power and even smoother operation of a straight eight with the modern sequential fuel injection of today.

Joe

[Bill Stoneberg]

Thanks all,

Good ideas and places to look.

Joe, I like your idea of using the earlier manifolds. May be the easiest way.

I also found http://www.headersbyed.com which has all kinds of information

about building your own headers.

I will let you know which way I go.

[old-tank]

Hey Bill

What are you going to put the headers on?

Willie

[Jyrki]

Thanks for the kind words, Matt!

You can get pre-bent U-pipes and collectors from many sources. I would suggest www.headersbyed.com, but all major makes carry either kits or loose parts. Might be available from www.summitracing.com & alike. But making the flanges is a pain. Buick's exhaust ports are round, so they can be drilled with a hole saw, or arbor, or you could use acetylene torch to cut a bit smaller holes, and then finesse with carbide cutter. For flange thickness, I used 3/8" mild steel billet. They could be thinner, but 1/4" is too thin and will warp for sure.

The headers must be fabricated with the flanges bolted on the actual engine/car to make the headers fit, that means YOU have to do the eyeballing, cut the pipes and tack weld the pieces together in your car. Or take the whole car to a shop to have them make it for you (like Header's by Ed)