Exhaust header temperatures

[Stangerize]

What is the approximate temps. that a header should be? I want to get an infrared digital pyrometer and Summit's only goes to 750 degrees. That isn't near enough, or is it?

[OBX-AUTOMOTIVE]

ON THE V12 DETROIT DIESEL ELECTRIC...WE WOULD GET THE TEMP FROM THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER..... IF THE PACKING BLEW WHILE YOU WERE TAKING IT ...YOU WERE UP THE CREEK....THAT TEMP WAS TAKEN AT FULL BORE WITH A PYRO,AT NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY RPM =1000 HP......WHY I'M TELLING YOU THIS, WELL!!!!!....YOU SAID PYROMETER AND ALL THAT CAME BACK TO ME...... ;) ;) :confused: GARY

[Ralph]

From your other post about headers, I gather that you're concerned about the usefulness of your original exhaust system.

Just so you know, if I had to do it all over again, instead of buying the Edelbrock headers (and all the other stuff, including custom-bent stainless tubing, a Dynomax catalytic converter, and Edelbrock's biggest muffler) I would've had my original manifolds machined for perfect flatness.

Then I would've sent them to Jet-Hot for a thermal coating in black rather than shiny. Not very expensive (because the shiny kind actually contains silver). And your manifolds would look great forever.

[Stangerize]

Not concerned with stock exhaust. The stock exhaust has been long gone for 1.5 years now. I still have the stock manifolds. They have been in a box in my shed for a year and a half.

I went with the Heddman Headers, 2.5" dual exhaust with baby turbos 1.5 years ago. But the Heddmans rusted and flaked. I sanded them and painted them with Eastwood's "header black". And some of that peeled off. Maybe because I was unable to heat treat them the way they said too. Oh well. They are just 18 ga. material anyway.

Plus, mine is old enough that it didn't come with cats or emissions controls. Doesn't even say to use unleaded gas. Shoot, I should even be able to get antique tags for it now and not fool with emissions testing. Nah, too much fun taking it and watch them try to put it on the rear tire rollers. LMAO "Is this in 4 wheel drive?" "Yep, Always".

The reason for this post is that I was wanting to get an infrared digital pyrometer like this one... http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=10488 and I wanted to know if since it only goes to 750 degrees, if that would top out the readout. But after looking at some of the EGT gauges when I searched for this pic, it seems it would top out. The gauges go from 600-1600 degrees. Oh well, would've been nice for tuning it and troubleshooting.

Thanks for the pointers, I didn't know Edelbrock made headers for them.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ralph:
From your other post about headers, I gather that you're concerned about the usefulness of your original exhaust system.

Just so you know, if I had to do it all over again, instead of buying the Edelbrock headers (and all the other stuff, including custom-bent stainless tubing, a Dynomax catalytic converter, and Edelbrock's biggest muffler) I would've had my original manifolds machined for perfect flatness.

Then I would've sent them to Jet-Hot for a thermal coating in black rather than shiny. Not very expensive (because the shiny kind actually contains silver). And your manifolds would look great forever.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

:D :D

[Veepster]

EGT's are approx 900 degrees at idle and somewhere between 1200-1400 at WOT.....and I agree about the headers being a pain....I would have ported my exhaust manifolds and coated them if I had it to do again.....

[Rob]

Can you explain what's wrong about the headers, other than that's difficult to reach plugs.

So far I only read stories of gaining 30 hp and more and rigs running better than ever.

I was just about saving the last holyday bucks for a pair of headers. Looks like I have to reconsider my investment.

[Stangerize]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rob:
Can you explain what's wrong about the headers, other than that's difficult to reach plugs.

So far I only read stories of gaining 30 hp and more and rigs running better than ever.

I was just about saving the last holyday bucks for a pair of headers. Looks like I have to reconsider my investment.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I haven't experienced what I'd call a "problem" with my headers except that they rust (just like a stock manifold) and flake (unlike a stock manifold). They may need to be tightened from time to time when they develop an exhaust leak. Mainly in the beginning until the header gaskets seat themselves and get heat cycled.

It's not an item you can install and just go, they need a tune-up now and then. But what in this game doesn't?

The Heddman headers are a touch thinner than the Doug Thorleys or Hooker Super Comps. 18 ga. wall thickness vs. 16 ga. Thicker = quieter under the hood.

My Mustang came stock with shorty headers and I never had any problems with them. I just recently replaced them with a set of MAC Equal Length shorties and they work great.

If you don't mind a little tinkering now and then and decide to get the headers, make sure you spring for extra bucks for a good coating.

[Stangerize]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Veepster:
EGT's are approx 900 degrees at idle and somewhere between 1200-1400 at WOT.....and I agree about the headers being a pain....I would have ported my exhaust manifolds and coated them if I had it to do again.....<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, I thought it might be. Considering that infrared pyrometer only goes to 750, it doesn't look like it'll do what I intended it for.

[Mikey]

i am trying to decide if i should go with a set of hedmen headers or a edelbrock manifold any suggestions or comparing pros and cons would help.

[Iron Horse]

From what I've read here; If you go with headers buy the best you can afford~ that seems to be the Thorley's, and then send them out to be Jet-Hot coated. All in all you're look'in at about $550 for the headers and another $250-300 for the Jet-Hot. Headers are one of those areas that more $ = better product.