Need exhaust manifold gaskets... Time for stainless headers? What should I get.

[DeLorean]

I am getting a bit of the telltale ticking of a bad manifold gaskets. I would like to upgrade to a stainless header system rather then simply replace the gaskets and re-install the cast iron low flow manifolds. I don't need a cat, and don't need a lot of muffler, I don't really care how loud it is.

What system should I get? I do want something that will fit as well as the original system.

[DMC5180]

Prepare for the CHEVY,FORD,MOPAR Biased answers

Basically there are are 3 US made offerings

1. DMCH STAGE I (excellent quality) Crossover muffler. Cat-less option available

2. DPI SPEC I (excellent quality) Crossover muffler. Cat-less option (I think)

3. Special-T (Loudest) utilizes 2 Magnaflow mufflers


I use a Modified NON-Stainless Version of an early DMCH Stage I. Was all that was available back then. Works for me.

Performance yields are pretty close with 1-2 not sure about 3. probably all with in 5 HP of each other.

So it just comes down to how much money you want to spend.

1-2 are fairly close in price. 3 is considerably less. (not my favorite personally)

[DeLorean]

But how is the fit with the special-T system? I have ordered a few things from him in the past, reasonable quality - but are the other 2 options worth the extra expense?

[DMC5180]

But how is the fit with the special-T system? I have ordered a few things from him in the past, reasonable quality - but are the other 2 options worth the extra expense?

It boils down too personal preference.

Special-T option Is a Will fit (maybe) you never really know with him. It's also not a Tuned design. Just something he did to be a cheaper alternative to the others. Not sure if he offers it in Stainless ( I'm not in the market )

the other 2 options Have been Dyno-tuned (optimized)

If you really want a nice Setup (pretty) extra cost. Get 1 or 2 with the Ceramic coated option. It will look fantastic and hold up years longer than a Ceramic coated Mild-steel system. Mild steel tends to show surface rust bleed through after a few years. The stainless does not rust but will turn dark brown from Heat almost immediately once put into service. The ceramic keeps it looking nice an shinny.

[DMC5180]

I know someone who has the Special-T system. He told if he were to do it again. He would go with a different set up. The loudness and resonance of the exhaust in the cabin is rather annoying. FWIW: all of the systems transmit some resonance. some are worse than others. Mixing of the exhaust note makes a difference. Special-t is the worst. I'm sure folks just get used to it.

[1batt4u]

I have my Stinaless headers from SpecialTauto for sale! Brand NEw!!
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1313-A-couple-of-BRAND-NEW-DeLorean-Parts-4-Sale-Check-it-out!!

[outatym2001]

Basically there are are 3 US made offerings

1. DMCH STAGE I (excellent quality) Crossover muffler. Cat-less option available

2. DPI SPEC I (excellent quality) Crossover muffler. Cat-less option (I think)

3. Special-T (Loudest) utilizes 2 Magnaflow mufflers


DMC5180 forgot option number 4.
The 2011 version of the stainless steel exhaust system from DMC Houston. Or maybe it is called the DMCH Stage I. All I know is this version came out in 2011.

You can see pictures that I posted in this thread. Please see my post number 50.
Stage III Supercharger Upgrade Thread
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2130-Stage-III-Supercharger-Upgrade-Thread/page5

I know the pictures are mostly of the supercharger but I uploaded a video to youtube and the video link is in my post number 56.

I asked Toby Peterson of DMC Northwest and he said the stainless steel exhaust system would be $2,000 and the install would be $700.

[DMC5180]

Getting a DMCH Stage I New Today now comes with the Stage III muffler automatically. I didn't forget, just didn't mention it.

[opethmike]

I am currently in the middle of installing a Spec 2 kit (heads, exhaust, cams), so I haven't run the exhaust yet, but the fit & finish on the Spec 1 is excellent.

[Delorean Industries]

Our SPEC I system is also the only system available that is tig welded, built from US 304 grade stainless and comes with a life time warranty directly from our manufacture Stainless Works.

Included items not available from others:
Aft fascia heat shield
Throttle shield
Spark plug wire bracket (passenger side of manifold)
Stainless engine pick up
Stainless idle micro switch bracket

[jmettee]

I've heard #3...headers without CATs....all I can say is :thumbdown: Honda's with fart-pipes actually sound better (& I HATE those things). Loud, buzzy, obnoxious is my opinion.

Actually, Jeff, when you were at Alex's back in June, Chuck's car had this. Not sure if you were there when he left, but he has that setup. He did say he was happy with it, but that it was really loud in the cabin.

[DMC5180]

Included items not available from others:
Aft fascia heat shield
Throttle shield
Spark plug wire bracket (passenger side of manifold)
Stainless engine pick up
Stainless idle micro switch bracket

Stainless Engine pick up as in (lifting rings). Do you have the left front version too. The flat long one?

[Delorean Industries]

Hi Dennis. yes that is the one. Link attached to the individual item on our store. I have done a terrible job of keeping up with all of our new products, company updates etc.

Here are some of the included Stainless items. As always if you have or do purchase anything and then buy the complete system there is a prorated price for previously purchased items:

Engine pick up
https://www.deloreanindustries.com/shop/originalstainless/engine-pick-up-stainless-steel.html

Throttle shield
https://www.deloreanindustries.com/shop/originalstainless/throttle-shield.html

Aft Heat shield
https://www.deloreanindustries.com/shop/originalstainless/stainless-lower-heat-shield.html

Plug wire bracket (on sale put price going up next week)
https://www.deloreanindustries.com/shop/originalstainless/bracket-plug-wire-stainless-steel.html

Micro switch bracket
https://www.deloreanindustries.com/shop/originalstainless/28-bracket.html


The Exhaust kit price will increase on the first of March. We are revamping the kit with new items included to make it truly the best bang for the buck. Included items are both stainless idler brackets with adjustment bolt, A/C line bracket, both air metering housing brackets and a few surprises.

Additional prorated add on's will include:
Jet hot coating (shop only)
powder coat package install (shop only)

[DeLorean]

Well I'll consider it, special T system I have... "concerns" about because the only thing that seems to be holding the mufflers up is the header pipe, under that sort of strain I would not expect those headers to last very long.

the DPI system I really like the look of, - I'll probably put that on my wish list... Which also currently includes convex mirrors, improved Lower control arms, and an AC receiver-dryer & lines.

Summers coming... got to get this stuff done in the next few months and it will be a nice driving car for summer 2012!

[Delorean Industries]

Looking forward to making this happen! You won't be disapointed!