Chevelle 2.0

[ScotI]

Originally Posted by Yelcamino

A really long time ago I read an article about a company doing this. When I started thinking about it, I couldn't find the company so I resigned myself to building my own. Then two people I know on Facebook posted about their new headers etc, etc. Talk about good timing!

I went to PRI last fall and after talking to the GP guys and I was sold.

It came down to spending close to $1200 plus for a kit, then making numerous mistakes because I've never done it before, ordering more tubing to replace what I tossed in the trash can, make more mistakes because I don't know the tricks and processes, so on and so on. If I were to have done it myself, I probably would have spent just as much money and a lot more time!

Exactly & that's why I mentioned an appreciation that they listed an average costs on the materials.

I did my CC duallys exhaust w/stainless excluding the headers. I got my material free from a scrap/demo barrel where I work. I picked through the barrel daily searching for various 90's, 45's, & straight sections in the sizes needed. I had to cut all the elbows but I figured it would be do-able by just cutting on the weld line & keep things as true as possible. But, w/each of those pieces just slightly off/different caused me to go through a BUNCH of extra work trimming/buzzing things for the right fit. That was the only one I did w/used bends LOL. The next one I did using new bends & cut straights..... So much easier & better. The bends weren't free but I get them for much less than NET pricing I looked up & I used food/medical grade stuff.

Yours came out great & the best part is you know they'll clear all your mods.

[214Chevy]

This will be a great back up plan for me. I bought a set of Ultimate Headers, ceramic coated, with the nice collectors and all...so you know they weren't cheap. Waited several months to get them. Only to final install them and they didn't fit. Of course, this was very frustrating. Nothing out of the ordinary with my engine either. A simple DART LS Next block with 6-bolt heads. On the driver's side, one of the tubes is hitting the head bolt boss. So, I called Jim at Ultimate Headers and I'll give them a chance to make this right first. He said they would. So we'll see...

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by ScotI

Exactly & that's why I mentioned an appreciation that they listed an average costs on the materials.

I did my CC duallys exhaust w/stainless excluding the headers. I got my material free from a scrap/demo barrel where I work. I picked through the barrel daily searching for various 90's, 45's, & straight sections in the sizes needed. I had to cut all the elbows but I figured it would be do-able by just cutting on the weld line & keep things as true as possible. But, w/each of those pieces just slightly off/different caused me to go through a BUNCH of extra work trimming/buzzing things for the right fit. That was the only one I did w/used bends LOL. The next one I did using new bends & cut straights..... So much easier & better. The bends weren't free but I get them for much less than NET pricing I looked up & I used food/medical grade stuff.

Yours came out great & the best part is you know they'll clear all your mods.

I really really wanted to build my own but for once, I used my brain! lol I have the skill to weld stainless, aluminum, ect. I know I'm not the greatest, but I can do it. On top of materials and time, I would also have had to set up a purge system, which would have meant another argon tank, regulator, hoses, and plugs. If would be different if I intended to make multiple sets, but in this case, one and done, so it wasn't worth the investment.

[the5farrs]

Awesome car, I love 66 chevelles.

[ScotI]

Originally Posted by Yelcamino

I really really wanted to build my own but for once, I used my brain! lol I have the skill to weld stainless, aluminum, ect. I know I'm not the greatest, but I can do it. On top of materials and time, I would also have had to set up a purge system, which would have meant another argon tank, regulator, hoses, and plugs. If would be different if I intended to make multiple sets, but in this case, one and done, so it wasn't worth the investment.

I get it. Pick & choose your battles well.

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by 214Chevelle

This will be a great back up plan for me. I bought a set of Ultimate Headers, ceramic coated, with the nice collectors and all...so you know they weren't cheap. Waited several months to get them. Only to final install them and they didn't fit. Of course, this was very frustrating. Nothing out of the ordinary with my engine either. A simple DART LS Next block with 6-bolt heads. On the driver's side, one of the tubes is hitting the head bolt boss. So, I called Jim at Ultimate Headers and I'll give them a chance to make this right first. He said they would. So we'll see...

Hopefully they'll get this fixed for you!

[WSSix]

Since I couldn't do my own tig welding, I have $2k and 6 months in my headers. I did all the fitting and mock up. The final welding I paid for plus the coating. I'm learning to tig so I'll be able to do it again for less but it's still time consuming and expensive. It's something you have to want to do. It's typically not cheaper than finding someone to do it for you. Those GP Headers look awesome. Why did they not fully weld the collectors on?

[Yelcamino]

Originally Posted by WSSix

Since I couldn't do my own tig welding, I have $2k and 6 months in my headers. I did all the fitting and mock up. The final welding I paid for plus the coating. I'm learning to tig so I'll be able to do it again for less but it's still time consuming and expensive. It's something you have to want to do. It's typically not cheaper than finding someone to do it for you. Those GP Headers look awesome. Why did they not fully weld the collectors on?

Thanks, they turned out nice and the best part is they fit! As for the collectors, They were supposed to be slip fit but I had no reason for them to be removable, so they welded them. I assume the way the tubes wedge into the collector, there's no need for complete welding.

[WSSix]

My assumption was that it was a tight fit but I wasn't sure. Thanks Herb.

[payne]

Are your brake ducts going through the frame? If so, as one piece or do you have a coupler through the frame and attach the flex hose on each side of the coupler?

Love the build!!!