Headers

[Mickfly]

Has anyone put headers on their Delorean? If so, is there one brand ( company ) that is better than the other? Thank you.

[Delorean Industries]

We offer multiple options. Always in stock. Simply the best available. All exhaust systems ship same day as order/payment.

Headers only:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-header-kit-pair/



Complete system:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-i-exhaust/

[dn010]

I can tell you my experience:

I installed the stainless headers/exhaust system that is offered from the UK. I did this about a decade ago, and today the headers are now dark and rusty, along with certain places on the muffler. I'll be replacing this eventually as it doesn't look good anymore.

[Mickfly]

I can tell you my experience:

I installed the stainless headers/exhaust system that is offered from the UK. I did this about a decade ago, and today the headers are now dark and rusty, along with certain places on the muffler. I'll be replacing this eventually as it doesn't look good anymore.

What company did you buy yours from? Thanks.

[sdg3205]

We offer multiple options. Always in stock. Simply the best available. All exhaust systems ship same day as order/payment.

Headers only:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-header-kit-pair/



Complete system:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-i-exhaust/

I believe Josh can ceramic coat for you too. Do it - it helps dissipate heat and keeps the components looking good.

[dn010]

What company did you buy yours from? Thanks.

http://www.stainless-exhaust.com

I do not know if they still make these for the DeLorean but when I asked them last year about gaskets they responded as if they still did, and the DeLorean exhaust can be seen in their photo gallery, #6. The one good thing I liked about this company was the ability to tell them how loud I wanted the exhaust to be, after agreeing to not hold them responsible should I get noise complaints...LOL

[Grover]

They still do make the exhaust, I bought a system in 2012 I believe. They now only offer one sound type, I believe it is their "Medium" offering from when they had quiet, medium and loud.

[Mark D]

We offer multiple options. Always in stock. Simply the best available. All exhaust systems ship same day as order/payment.

Headers only:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-header-kit-pair/



Complete system:
http://www.deloreanindustries.com/spec-i-exhaust/


Josh, do you have any dyno sheets or horsepower increase estimates for either of these two options? I'm on the fence about upgrading my exhaust and I'm curious to know what kind of benefit I'd be getting in addition to the better appearance and sound.

[Delorean Industries]

Josh, do you have any dyno sheets or horsepower increase estimates for either of these two options? I'm on the fence about upgrading my exhaust and I'm curious to know what kind of benefit I'd be getting in addition to the better appearance and sound.

Mark,
I will be running another car this week and will post the most recent results. 5 Speed car with stock engine other than the system. Do you have an auto or five speed car?

[Patrick C]

They still do make the exhaust, I bought a system in 2012 I believe. They now only offer one sound type, I believe it is their "Medium" offering from when they had quiet, medium and loud.

I have one of their first exhausts they made, if not THE first. It's the "loud" variety.

[dn010]

I have one of their first exhausts they made, if not THE first. It's the "loud" variety.

Curious to know how yours has held up over the years...

[Nicholas R]

Curious to know how yours has held up over the years...

I cant speak for Patrick, but before my swap I bought a setup from stainless-exhaust at the end of 2007 (a rep from there came to DMCTalk.com and got a group order together). I had it up until I did my engine swap in 2012. In those 4+ years, I had very little corrosion occur. The greatest discoloration certainly happened to the headers (lots of blueing), but it never compromised the metal. The collector pipes and muffler barely discolored at all. There was some browning to them but when I removed it, I was able to hand polish a lot of it out. Below is a photo of when it was removed from my car (it's very dirty in the photo). A lot of the brown went away with mothers polish, and even a lot of the blue on the headers cleaned up. As a whole it pretty much polished right back up to a mirror finish. None of the parts ever showed signs of rust or corrosion.

I loved the sound of this exhaust. It's still my favorite DeLorean exhaust thats available. I really went back and forth on whether or not to sell it, just in the event that I ever bought another stock DeLorean. In the end I couldn't justify storing it; plus it's probably unlikely that I'll own another DeLorean.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhom1Ah-Jg0/TyRjGt3fxZI/AAAAAAAAAZk/3jzTusVb8Yg/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG

[Patrick C]

Curious to know how yours has held up over the years...

Lots of bluing/brown spots, but it still looks pretty good. I have the polished version too, which probably helps.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I see those headers don't have equal length tubing. How important is that for HP gain?

[Patrick C]

I see those headers don't have equal length tubing. How important is that for HP gain?

On a 130HP engine, probably not much

[dn010]

Pardon the lack of picture quality, but my exhaust is sitting on shelves or buried under parts during this frame swap.

Considers yourselves lucky, this is what mine looks like :sad30:

3234432345

[Patrick C]

Pardon the lack of picture quality, but my exhaust is sitting on shelves or buried under parts during this frame swap.

Considers yourselves lucky, this is what mine looks like :sad30:

3234432345

Whoa!

[BABIS]

it sounds strange since it is a stainless system!

[chris williams]

Considers yourselves lucky, this is what mine looks like
Have you ever checked with the supplier about this?? Not trying to stick up for them but I have NEVER seen one go like this (and I have fitted about 6 of them) plus there have been loads sold into the UK, it's almost as if it's made out of mild steel rather than Stainless.
Chris

[dn010]

I have not checked with them about this issue, but it is almost like 400 grade stainless was used. I was going to attempt cleaning them up to see what the results would be, but I haven't gotten there yet. And before it is asked, no, I've never used a grinder near the pipes, never wiped them down with steel wool; never had any kind of carbon steel contamination that I know of. They still have some small spots - and you can see it in the pictures - that are still stainless color, but very, very few!



Have you ever checked with the supplier about this?? Not trying to stick up for them but I have NEVER seen one go like this (and I have fitted about 6 of them) plus there have been loads sold into the UK, it's almost as if it's made out of mild steel rather than Stainless.
Chris

[SS Spoiler]

Magnetic?

[dn010]

Magnetic?

I can check in about 8 hours LOL

[Mark D]

Mark,
I will be running another car this week and will post the most recent results. 5 Speed car with stock engine other than the system. Do you have an auto or five speed car?

Thanks for the feedback Josh, I'm looking forward to hearing the results! my car is a 5 speed and is totally stock except for a cold air intake.

[delornut]

I see those headers don't have equal length tubing. How important is that for HP gain?

Ideally you need at least 1" of straight pipe coming out of the exhaust port prior to any curves to allow the best flow. Some headers I've seen have some of the tubes coming off the port at an angle and this causes the exhaust to swirl back towards the port. To get the most out of header design the length needs to be tuned to the engine's flow characteristics. Just because they look good or sound good doesn't mean they're producing the best results. There's quite a difference in the tube length of the various offerings out there so I'd question the supplier as to how they came to choosing their particular length. In the end none of this will probably make any big difference in a stock DeLorean engine's performance. It's all a matter of what goes in must come out so without doing something to the other end of the equation, aka the intake system, headers will look and sound cool but any HP gain will be minimal.

Bruce Benson

[5875]

I just got my SPEC I exhaust from DPI and I can definately say you would be buying a quality product. I haven't hooked it up yet, but looking at the welds and interior of the headers for a nicely bored finish - it's amazing quality. No risk of blow-out with these.

In terms of improved HP, I think a significant gain comes from removing the ineffecient cross-over pipe from the pass side header.

[dn010]

The DPI exhaust system has my vote, and it will be my next exhaust when the time comes.

[alexwolf1216]

The DPI exhaust system has my vote, and it will be my next exhaust when the time comes.

I bought one and am in the process of installing it. Super nice.

[dn010]

Definitely magnetic! :angry:

I will be composing an email to them shortly, seeing as there is a lifetime guarantee!


Magnetic?

[refugeefromcalif]

Definitely magnetic! :angry:

I will be composing an email to them shortly, seeing as there is a lifetime guarantee!

Before you get Too mad at them, Ask what grade of stainless it's made from. Some grades of stainless steel ARE magnetic.

George

[dn010]

My receipt from them says it is "fully polished in s/s 304s" and their site has always said they only use 304. Glad I kept my receipt, from February 2005! I'm not really mad, just surprised - and actually glad someone gave me kind of a nudge to check with them about this first otherwise I would probably have just let this go for even longer. Besides, things happen all the time, so I'll bring it to their attention and see what they say - no worries.




Before you get Too mad at them, Ask what grade of stainless it's made from. Some grades of stainless steel ARE magnetic.

George

[opethmike]

DPI Spec 1 exhaust. You can not go wrong with it.

[Nicholas R]

Can you still remove and install the stock starter with the DPI Spec I setup in place? This was one reason why I wasn't a fan of the Stage I exhaust because the starter was inaccessible with the header in place. At the time I had a run of starter issues that required it to get swapped out a few times so having to remove the exhaust every time was not happening. The UK System still allows full access to the starter. I think Herveys do to. I've never been close enough to a DPI system to know.

[5875]

Can you still remove and install the stock starter with the DPI Spec I setup in place? This was one reason why I wasn't a fan of the Stage I exhaust because the starter was inaccessible with the header in place. At the time I had a run of starter issues that required it to get swapped out a few times so having to remove the exhaust every time was not happening. The UK System still allows full access to the starter. I think Herveys do to. I've never been close enough to a DPI system to know.

I'll have to see about clearance with the stock starter once I get the DPI set-up in place, but the one thing that turned me off Hervey's set-up is that you need to change out the stock starter for an alternate modified starter to fit his headers. So, I'm not sure there's a lot of clearance using Hervey's setup either. I liked the fact that with Spec I, I didn't have to modify anything else to get it in.

[Patrick C]

the one thing that turned me off Hervey's set-up is that you need to change out the stock starter for an alternate modified starter to fit his headers. So, I'm not sure there's a lot of clearance using Hervey's setup either.

Says who? I never had to modify or replace my starter back when I was running Hervey's headers. In fact, his headers are made using a jig that has been around since the early 80's, so I would venture to say his headers were the first style ever available.

[5875]

Says who? I never had to modify or replace my starter back when I was running Hervey's headers. In fact, his headers are made using a jig that has been around since the early 80's, so I would venture to say his headers were the first style ever available.

Says Hervey. I asked him two months ago if anything needed to be modified using his setup and he replied that a new starter kit is required to fit his pass header and that they are currently on back order from his supplier.

[alexwolf1216]

Can you still remove and install the stock starter with the DPI Spec I setup in place? This was one reason why I wasn't a fan of the Stage I exhaust because the starter was inaccessible with the header in place. At the time I had a run of starter issues that required it to get swapped out a few times so having to remove the exhaust every time was not happening. The UK System still allows full access to the starter. I think Herveys do to. I've never been close enough to a DPI system to know.

It doesnt look that way. I have my passenger header loosely installed, but we had to take off the connection to the starter to get it to fit. Now, I cant get my fat hand back there to reconnect ha. The pic isnt a great representation, but you can kinda see how close it is.


32354

[Patrick C]

Says Hervey. I asked him two months ago if anything needed to be modified using his setup and he replied that a new starter kit is required to fit his pass header and that they are currently on back order from his supplier.

Either he has a different header design now, or he just wants to sell more Eagle starters just because. Haha

[5875]

Either he has a different header design now, or he just wants to sell more Eagle starters just because. Haha

Ya, could be! :-)

I was seriously considering his set-up too due to the cost difference of the two systems, but when he metioned the starter thing I figured the two systems would be closer on price if Hervey's needed additional stuff to complete the install.

[Dangermouse]

Definitely magnetic! :angry:

I will be composing an email to them shortly, seeing as there is a lifetime guarantee!

Out of curiosity, has anyone with a non-darkened UK set checked to see if they are magnetic? Perhaps they all are.

(Or DPI's Spec I) ?

[dn010]

I am in contact with them and they say "normally after this amount of time you would expect some deterioration on the surface like dark brown spots this is caused by the bending formers and being mild steel the tube can sometimes pick this up that's why a magnet sticks". They then went on to say that I can try to clean it up with emery.

I don't know how it is possible to clean all this up...

3235532356

[orbitron3000]

Throw in another vote for the DPI Header Exhaust. Sounds great, quality build, pretty easy to install. Hardest part was finding new languages to curse in when I was removing the old exhaust...

[Bitsyncmaster]

All stainless has at least a little magnetism. What you can do is compare the magnetism with some steel or iron at the same time. If it holds onto it with a cheap magnet, it's probably cold rolled steel.

[5875]

Throw in another vote for the DPI Header Exhaust. Sounds great, quality build, pretty easy to install. Hardest part was finding new languages to curse in when I was removing the old exhaust...

:hysterical:

[Jeremy Popp]

I am in contact with them and they say "normally after this amount of time you would expect some deterioration on the surface like dark brown spots this is caused by the bending formers and being mild steel the tube can sometimes pick this up that's why a magnet sticks". They then went on to say that I can try to clean it up with emery.

I don't know how it is possible to clean all this up...

3235532356


If it helps, I'm going to try a magnet on mine this afternoon. I've had the UK set up since 2011 or so, though I've only put approximately8k miles on since then. I think they've discolored some, but nothing like what you posted.

[dn010]

That would be great, I am interested in knowing the results. With a small magnet, it stuck right to the pipe, I could let it go and it would hang there. A large magnet, I could feel the attraction while I was hovering it over the pipe, but it was too heavy to stay stuck on it.



If it helps, I'm going to try a magnet on mine this afternoon. I've had the UK set up since 2011 or so, though I've only put approximately8k miles on since then. I think they've discolored some, but nothing like what you posted.


The pipes are welded to stainless flanges and the pipes have very small areas that seem stainless, I don't believe it is cold rolled. I will try your magnet suggestion and see what happens though.



All stainless has at least a little magnetism. What you can do is compare the magnetism with some steel or iron at the same time. If it holds onto it with a cheap magnet, it's probably cold rolled steel.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Says who? I never had to modify or replace my starter back when I was running Hervey's headers. In fact, his headers are made using a jig that has been around since the early 80's, so I would venture to say his headers were the first style ever available.

Patrick you're right that he copied a set that was made in the eighties and yes the stock starter will fit with that design.
Rob

[PJ Grady Inc.]

DPI Spec 1 exhaust. You can not go wrong with it.
I agree with that and I stock Josh's system too.
Rob

[5875]

Patrick you're right that he copied a set that was made in the eighties and yes the stock starter will fit with that design.
Rob

Maybe I'm not understanding Hervey's response to me, but this is exactly what he said when asked:

"Do I need anything else to make this install happen? I send you along with the kit a new starter motor, but right now I’m waiting on more to come in."

I'm I missing something here??:confused2:

[Jeremy Popp]

That would be great, I am interested in knowing the results. With a small magnet, it stuck right to the pipe, I could let it go and it would hang there. A large magnet, I could feel the attraction while I was hovering it over the pipe, but it was too heavy to stay stuck on it.

The pipes are welded to stainless flanges and the pipes have very small areas that seem stainless, I don't believe it is cold rolled. I will try your magnet suggestion and see what happens though.

I was also able to get a small refrigerator magnet to stick to certain areas, but not others. It will hold itself on at or near the bends, but the straightest parts of the pipes it will not hold. Also, it will not stay on the muffler anywhere, but will on the bends of the tips. I'm surprised no-one has tried this before (myself included).

[Nicholas R]

I was also able to get a small refrigerator magnet to stick to certain areas, but not others. It will hold itself on at or near the bends, but the straightest parts of the pipes it will not hold. Also, it will not stay on the muffler anywhere, but will on the bends of the tips. I'm surprised no-one has tried this before (myself included).

That's actually not that surprising that it is magnetic in the bends. When you cold work stainless steel (bending/forming/rolling/etc.), it gets work hardened, and the grain structure begins to change from austenitic to martensitic. Austenite is largely non-magnetic, but martensite is magnetic. A similar occurrence happens when you weld stainless, which is why the welded areas are also likely magnetic (though this can also be due to the weld filler metal used).

Another example of this is our torsion bars. You know how they're "cryogenically treated stainless steel?" The purpose of cryogenically quenching stainless steel is to convert the austenitic grain structure to martensitic. Martensite is much stronger than austenite, and therefor much better for a stainless steel bar that you intend to twist 90 degrees every time your door opens or closes. Still, if you take a magnet to your stainless steel torsion bar, you'll find that they are VERY magnetic. This is due to the martensite. It is true that there are some grades of stainless steel that are mildly magnetic; however, those grades also typically corrode easier. Since it's usually pretty rare to find stock torsion bars with much corrosion on them, I'm going to assume that they are probably a 300 series stainless steel which in its stock austenitic state is nonmagnetic (like the body panels). Does anybody know if there's any documentation on what grade stainless the torsion bars are? I'd be interested to know.

[Mickfly]

So, is there a header system out there that does NOT require you to change out the starter or have to take the the header off to get at the starter if you need to replace it?

[Patrick C]

So, is there a header system out there that does NOT require you to change out the starter or have to take the the header off to get at the starter if you need to replace it?

The UK exhaust is one of them.

[jamesrguk]

The UK exhaust is one of them.

I can vouch for that, I have my engine out at the moment, and to remove the engine you have to loosen some bolts via the hole for the starter motor (on an automatic anyway) I did this pre-removing the exhaust, indeed the engine is on my bench with the headers still attached.

James

[dn010]

Just an update to my rusty header situation, in case anyone encounters this at a later time:

Emailed company about the rust issue, provided pictures.

They responded to try emery to get rust off.

Provided pictures post emery showing lots of pits and rust

Company responded saying they inspected their formers and they are worn so they need to replace their formers. They also noted that since my car sat for 5 years (garaged in Florida, mind you) moisture is most likely the culprit of the rust.

They further stated that I need to have them blasted to bring them back to their former glory. So much for their lifetime guarantee... Now I have to waste my time and energy blasting STAINLESS headers and pipes, not to mention the cost of glass bead or walnut shells.

I'm going to blast them and sell them. I'd rather have DPI exhaust.

[jamesrguk]

Just an update to my rusty header situation, in case anyone encounters this at a later time:

Emailed company about the rust issue, provided pictures.

They responded to try emery to get rust off.

Provided pictures post emery showing lots of pits and rust

I'm going to blast them and sell them. I'd rather have DPI exhaust.

I'm amazed to hear you have encountered this problem, I have had my UK exhaust for 7 years and whilst it has discouloured, which I would expect from the heat cycles, I don't have anything that resembles rust.

What do you think would make DPI's any better? I don't know how long his systems have been out in the field, are Josh's made from a different grade of stainless?

Just curious

James

[dn010]

I am a bit let down that after the expense, I am left with a pile of rust while everyone else's seems nice. When contacting the company I am also let down with the responses of just use emery, just blast them. Obviously there is something wrong with mine and the responses are basically "you're screwed, good luck". And so, I am.

What makes DPI's better? I am running an EFI system, so having a port on each header is important to me. They are in the US, I can pick up the phone and call him with any issues I may have. One thing I am not fond of is the fact it has catalytic converters on it, but I have not asked any questions about the cats nor did I ask about the material used to construct them.

Don't get me wrong, the UK exhaust is (was, for me) nice, but when you end up with something looking like my pictures after all and then get responses that I did, you feel out of luck. Like I said in my first few posts - consider yourselves lucky!



I'm amazed to hear you have encountered this problem, I have had my UK exhaust for 7 years and whilst it has discouloured, which I would expect from the heat cycles, I don't have anything that resembles rust.

What do you think would make DPI's any better? I don't know how long his systems have been out in the field, are Josh's made from a different grade of stainless?

Just curious

James

[Delorean Industries]

available with and without converters. Off road use pipes are supplied separately per request.

[dn010]

HA! I specifically put in the part about not asking you about it for that very reason - I knew you'd have that covered. I'll order your system next month, I'll have a few questions which I'll email.


available with and without converters. Off road use pipes are supplied separately per request.

[Delorean Industries]

HA! I specifically put in the part about not asking you about it for that very reason - I knew you'd have that covered. I'll order your system next month, I'll have a few questions which I'll email.

Sounds good!

[Dangermouse]

I'm going to assume that they are probably a 300 series stainless steel which in its stock austenitic state is nonmagnetic (like the body panels). Does anybody know if there's any documentation on what grade stainless the torsion bars are? I'd be interested to know.

According to the patent, which you have probably already read, Nick, they could be 301 or 304, but it isn't specific about what was finally used.

[Trstno1]

I cant speak for Patrick, but before my swap I bought a setup from stainless-exhaust at the end of 2007 (a rep from there came to DMCTalk.com and got a group order together). I had it up until I did my engine swap in 2012. In those 4+ years, I had very little corrosion occur. The greatest discoloration certainly happened to the headers (lots of blueing), but it never compromised the metal. The collector pipes and muffler barely discolored at all. There was some browning to them but when I removed it, I was able to hand polish a lot of it out. Below is a photo of when it was removed from my car (it's very dirty in the photo). A lot of the brown went away with mothers polish, and even a lot of the blue on the headers cleaned up. As a whole it pretty much polished right back up to a mirror finish. None of the parts ever showed signs of rust or corrosion.

I loved the sound of this exhaust. It's still my favorite DeLorean exhaust thats available. I really went back and forth on whether or not to sell it, just in the event that I ever bought another stock DeLorean. In the end I couldn't justify storing it; plus it's probably unlikely that I'll own another DeLorean.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhom1Ah-Jg0/TyRjGt3fxZI/AAAAAAAAAZk/3jzTusVb8Yg/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG

Did you end up selling the exhaust system? If not, how much would you want for it?

[Trstno1]

Just an update to my rusty header situation, in case anyone encounters this at a later time:

Emailed company about the rust issue, provided pictures.

They responded to try emery to get rust off.

Provided pictures post emery showing lots of pits and rust

Company responded saying they inspected their formers and they are worn so they need to replace their formers. They also noted that since my car sat for 5 years (garaged in Florida, mind you) moisture is most likely the culprit of the rust.

They further stated that I need to have them blasted to bring them back to their former glory. So much for their lifetime guarantee... Now I have to waste my time and energy blasting STAINLESS headers and pipes, not to mention the cost of glass bead or walnut shells.

I'm going to blast them and sell them. I'd rather have DPI exhaust.

Did you sell your exhaust system yet? If not, how much?

[Nicholas R]

Did you end up selling the exhaust system? If not, how much would you want for it?

Long gone. Sorry.

[dn010]

Did you sell your exhaust system yet? If not, how much?

I have not sold my system yet, I am saving it in case I cannot get a DPI system as soon as I'd like. Unfortunately, I've already made a deal with someone for when the time comes to sell so unless they back out, it will be sold.

[Farrar]

Speaking of rusty headers...

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=33182&stc=1

;)

[cis6409]

I am in contact with them and they say "normally after this amount of time you would expect some deterioration on the surface like dark brown spots this is caused by the bending formers and being mild steel the tube can sometimes pick this up that's why a magnet sticks". They then went on to say that I can try to clean it up with emery.

I don't know how it is possible to clean all this up...

3235532356


I ve had my system since 2006 and unfortunately mine has gone the same as yours.. which is a pity cause I love the sound it makes ..
very disappointing
shane

[dn010]

Are those DMCH's?


Speaking of rusty headers...

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=33182&stc=1

;)






I thought I was the only one... Just curious if you've contacted the company regarding them or done any restoration work to yours?


I ve had my system since 2006 and unfortunately mine has gone the same as yours.. which is a pity cause I love the sound it makes ..
very disappointing
shane

[Farrar]

Are those DMCH's?

Yes, although it would be more accurate to say they were DMCH headers. These are part of "Performance Exhaust" from 2004, before they began producing the system in stainless steel. At the time, they were coated mild steel, and used a larger-diameter muffler than currently in use.

[dn010]

Ah yes, I remember them from when I purchased the kit and sent it back a decade ago. It has held up rather well I must say, especially compared to my stainless one! :hihi2:


Yes, although it would be more accurate to say they were DMCH headers. These are part of "Performance Exhaust" from 2004, before they began producing the system in stainless steel. At the time, they were coated mild steel, and used a larger-diameter muffler than currently in use.

[cis6409]

Hi Dan
No and no ... In my ignorance I thought it was just like that thru heat and / or wear and tear over the years .

Shane







I thought I was the only one... Just curious if you've contacted the company regarding them or done any restoration work to yours?[/QUOTE]

[Andrew]

I'm considering purchasing a set of headers for 5052; however, my question is whether you have to remove the passenger side header to replace the starter if necessary?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Andrew

[DMCMW Dave]

Depends on which headers and which starter. Generally the aftermarket (smaller) starter can be removed without removing the header.

[Andrew]

I have leads on a a used set of Special T headers or a set of early PJ Grady headers. As much as I would like the performance benefit that comes along with having headers, I don't want have to mess with manifold bolts if I'm replacing a starter. I know that the early Special T headers are made from mild steel and prone to rust, however I'm not familiar with the Grady headers. Is one better than the other?

[DMCMW Dave]

While I'd certainly like to sell you a set, you're probably on a budget or you wouldn't be looking at used exhaust parts.

Still, keep looking, you really don't want to go thru the install process more than once in a long time, so try to avoid the ones, anyone's, made of steel. Hold out for something in stainless.

I'd also highly recommend having even stainless headers ceramic coated. By a reputable coater. It's not particularly cheap but they will hold up and look better much longer.