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.
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.
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.
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.
Close to 50 cid bigger , No bling Race Rod First built for & A, then switched to a Duce , 2.250 primary,
They were reproduced for several years - 6 or 7 years ago.....Classic Industries sold them. Used repros are scarce and originals are scarcer.
Thanks to all for some great ideas. Looks like I will fabricate some or at least modify some existing. I appreciate everyones suggestions.
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. If the headers are for an open wheel roadster, then the smooth design still plays an important part. Parallel to the body or frame. An old Friday Art project or... 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…
62-65 Nova headers! Also, check this thread: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...rs-for-a-full-fendered-model-a-coupe.1062104/
Those headers look great! It’s kind of difficult to know how something like that will work without being able to test fit them.
I fabbed a header for a Pinto/Volvo with cones from Coneeng and VW stinger muffler inserts in each one and a turn out at ends. Based on a drawing JeemSmeeth did of a sectioned Model A
This. I had my builder make them to get around the '32 box on the '32 frame with a flathead. Used a '35/'36 driveshaft split in 1/2 and they dump right behind the door.
Well since this woke up I'd like to suggest cleaned up rams horns. Ceramic maybe, but what a rodder would do back in the day because headers were sometimes out the que$tion. Want more power? That means Vette rams which aren't a cheap date but still kool. No manifolds at all? Tri-Ys always look kool, and will rock your midrange world (where these cars live most of their lives anyways).
Not a Chevy or a model A but they are close enough for inspiration and are probably my favorite set of headers I’ve seen someone build in the last ten years Titus built these in 17 I believe .
The Jalopy Journal
