My old thin rusty, wrapped headers have some patches and a few minor leaks. New GOOD quality headers are pricey for an FE. I've had the idea for some time to do a stainless 304 set but it's just until recently I've committed to doing it! I started off with the purchase of Stainlessheaders.com Tri Y merge collectors.
http://stainless.eclipticcms.com/ima...0Collector.JPG

The collector is for a 2" primary(OD), about 2.5" secondaries into a 3.5" exit. My only concern is a 2" OD primary. It is a 16 gauge , .065 wall so ID will be slightly smaller than a thin wall tube. I wanna keep this a low rpm torque motor for a heavy truck. I debated on making all custom fender exits but decided it has too many variables in the way on the driver side like shocks, cab mounts, steps, and an aux side fuel tank. I'm going to duplicate my headers I have now trying to stay with equal length , 32" tubes. Any input would be appreciated.

 

I am going to be doing a custom set for my 390 also.
For sure going fenderwell exit and dumping out the side behind the cab.
The book i have on building fe's says 2 inch primary, 32 to 36 inches in length into 3.5 collectors is ideal for 390 to 428 cid
it also notes for most torque to go with 32 inches so your right on.
My motors still on the stand and there is a 351m in its way.
but once the heads get back form the rebuild shop the 351 is getting the boot.
I will have a complete write up on it soon.

 

Well I'm glad I'm in the ballpark. I'm not close to any detailed write ups. I still need to order the stainless 3/8 fe block flanges and I've just lined up some 2" tube.

 

I ordered in a weld up header kit for a 350 chevy and bought the flanges seperate.
This was the cheapest way for me and there flanges are very nice. thick plate with crossbolt also. the ports are very smooth and the supplied gasket and bolts fit beautifully.
they already have the stub welded on
here is the flange linkHedman Hedders 11315 - Hedman Header Flanges - Overview - SummitRacing.com
I got them from mopac in edmonton. I think there is one in vancover to.

 

Yeah I need stainless flanges though. I was going to order these in 304 stainless

Engine Header Flanges