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Projects Model A Roadster Headers

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by BobRob72!, Jul 27, 2025.

  1. BobRob72!
    Joined: May 6, 2022
    Posts: 22

    BobRob72!

    I'm building a 31 Model A roadster that will have a 383 sbc stroker. I am looking for some headers that are not the usual lakester, block hugger or zoomie exhaust. I would like to find something that is unique. I would welcome any suggestions you might have. Thanks in advance.
     
    -Brent-, Sharpone and dana barlow like this.
  2. 26 T Ford RPU
    Joined: Jun 9, 2012
    Posts: 12,501

    26 T Ford RPU
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Unique usually means make your own. JW
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2025
    Sharpone, Stan Back, jet996 and 10 others like this.
  3. dana barlow
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 5,409

    dana barlow
    Member
    from Miami Fla.

    I like chrome,but the cost of doing custom headers is up there.
    One off custom type are pretty high $,an even then can be not as good as hoped for.
    Fender-well types can be cut into some far out customs styles.
    Custom canbe cool.
    The best set,over the years,I've done for my 28A Roadster,was a used set of chrome SBC header from a buddy's T- bucket that had cracked at the flange=So he got a brand new set,gave me the cracked set. Thing is,my 28A is powered by Ford Y V8. I cut the Chevy flange off,moved the center tubes a little bit ,to match Ford Y,welded Ford flange to tubes { and painted the welds header heat silver< every thing,other then the center EX = Chevy use same as Ford anyway. :D:p:cool: Bobtail 28 roadster DB's.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2025
  4. 1935ply
    Joined: Oct 21, 2007
    Posts: 308

    1935ply
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from peyton,co

    IMG_0032.JPG IMG_0051.JPG 35-36 drive shafts. As said above make your own.
     
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  5. Just Gary
    Joined: Oct 9, 2002
    Posts: 5,759

    Just Gary
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    If you want something unique, make your own.
    I mocked these up with coat hangers, then made them with a Lincoln 140 MIG welder & tubing from Summit.
    20200212_0001.jpg
    20200212_194243_3.jpg
    20200212_193203_3.jpg
    20200129_193055_HDR_2.jpg
    full exhaust 01.jpg
    20250531_110319~2.jpg
    20241225.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2025
  6. Pav8427
    Joined: Jul 30, 2021
    Posts: 271

    Pav8427
    Member

    I have a set of old school modified dirt track chrome headers.
    They run straight out from block and straight back.
    They are for spread ports, but could be adapted fairly easy.
    Check with local dirt trackers and you might find something to modify to make work.
    Will try to get a pic when I get home tonight.
     
  7. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 3,704

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    Close to 50 cid bigger , No bling
    Race Rod
    First built for & A,
    then switched to a Duce ,
    2.250 primary,
    IMG_3685.png IMG_3684.png IMG_3688.png IMG_3687.png IMG_3686.png IMG_3683.png
     
    vtx1800, alanp561, Deutscher and 4 others like this.
  8. Motorwrxs
    Joined: Aug 15, 2021
    Posts: 488

    Motorwrxs
    Member

    I have seen pics of a two piece header for Sbc that Fenton made? Super cool looking headers.
     
    Joe Blow and Just Gary like this.
  9. Joe Blow
    Joined: Oct 29, 2016
    Posts: 1,757

    Joe Blow
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    They were reproduced for several years - 6 or 7 years ago.....Classic Industries sold them. Used repros are scarce and originals are scarcer.
    Screenshot 2025-07-28 7.48.38 PM.png
    FB_IMG_1739049874859.jpg
     
    jet996, Sharpone, deadbeat and 9 others like this.
  10. grdra1
    Joined: May 20, 2013
    Posts: 651

    grdra1
    Member

    I just finished fabricating these headers for my coupe, 383 chev, 2 inch pipes. Glen 1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg
     
    Sharpone, Tim, alanp561 and 3 others like this.
  11. Pav8427
    Joined: Jul 30, 2021
    Posts: 271

    Pav8427
    Member

  12. Just Gary
    Joined: Oct 9, 2002
    Posts: 5,759

    Just Gary
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Beautiful!:cool:
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  13. 26 T Ford RPU
    Joined: Jun 9, 2012
    Posts: 12,501

    26 T Ford RPU
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Is this another thread where a question is asked and the OP never comes back? JW
     
  14. WC145
    Joined: Jul 21, 2012
    Posts: 245

    WC145
    Member
    from Maine

    Doug's fenderwell exit headers for a '64 Chevy II on my '30 Model A-

    image.jpg
     
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  15. BobRob72!
    Joined: May 6, 2022
    Posts: 22

    BobRob72!

    Thanks to all for some great ideas. Looks like I will fabricate some or at least modify some existing. I appreciate everyones suggestions.
     
  16. X-cpe
    Joined: Mar 9, 2018
    Posts: 2,245

    X-cpe

    A set of Tri-Y's.
    DSC00200.JPG

    DSC00199.JPG
     

    Attached Files:

    jet996, Turns, Sharpone and 4 others like this.
  17. iafraser39
    Joined: Aug 2, 2009
    Posts: 199

    iafraser39
    Member
    from Warmland

    heres mine in my R.P.U.
    its a 425 nailhead, headers are home built, and are
    ceramic coated, P1010002.JPG
     
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  18. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 11,204

    jnaki







    upload_2025-9-11_4-27-36.png Nice even bend/flow style with individual pipes

    Hello,


    Your request has two routes to finish. But, you failed to mention if the model a roadster has fenders or is open wheel.

    On both accounts, the exhaust routing needs to be neat and smooth, without any radical bends, just for looks or thinking it will improve horsepower with curves and a collector. The modified T roadster had the best looking shaped exhaust pipes of any open roadster. Each pipe was shaped evenly and extended past the driver’s location. Yes, they had the rumble of 8 open header pipes, but each one had a baffle to meet the CHP loud pipe law.

    At least, the parallel design running on both sides was fashioned to keep with the smooth style of the body/frame. Some roadsters have pipes that lead to the back, but are not in line with the body design and look as if it was an after thought. Besides, if it is for performance, wouldn’t individual pipes flow the easiest?

    Yes, collector tubes are popular, but the high performance motors of drag racers all have individual pipes. Ever see a top fuel dragster with collector pipes? Yes, it has/had been done on Jr. Fuelers to see if it improved performance, but all reverted back to individual pipes.
    upload_2025-9-11_4-28-58.png If the headers are for an open wheel roadster, then the smooth design still plays an important part. Parallel to the body or frame.
    upload_2025-9-11_4-30-8.png
    An old Friday Art project or...
    upload_2025-9-11_4-31-3.png
    outside of the frame with even shaped header pipes leading into a collector, if so desired.

    Jnaki

    Inside or outside of your Model A Roadster still calls for a smooth evenly spaced flow of exhaust pipes. Those crazy curves/short lakes pipes do nothing except to stick out and get in the way. YRMV

    Remember, the fad of collector pipes were created with the stock racers in mind. No stock bodied race cars had the room to use individual pipes for their street legal builds. The Gas Coupe Race Cars had collector pipes due to the rules restrictions. When the rules became lax, then most went to individual pipes as a header systems. Increased performance was had and so the story goes…


     
    Sharpone likes this.
  19. -Brent-
    Joined: Nov 20, 2006
    Posts: 7,754

    -Brent-
    Member

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