Costs adding up... looking for a new header. Mine has a crack in the wrong spot! (1 Viewer)

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So, got her for $12k. Pretty solid find in my opinion. Dropped $7k into fixing leaks, rebuilding knuckles, carb issues, etc. Now I find ou got a cracked head.

I've been leaning on the "idea" if doing a V8 swap. I have an LT1 vette motor available. But not sure where to start with that motor. I have read about a lot of LS swaps, but no LTs.

What is the cost to 1) find a replacement header for a 84' 2F? 2) cost to install fix?

I'm wondering if it would make sense to just start looking at the swap more seriously...

Thoughts? Any feedback and suggestion welcomed!
 
if all the bolts don't break it shouldn't take more than 2 hours. I've got a header hanging on the wall in my barn, is there a reason your current header can't be repaired?
 
An LS/LT swap is $20k+(engine included) if you're just dropping it off at a shop to have done. If you're handling the swap or at least part of it, it brings cost down. Good info here: How to LS Swap a FJ60 or FJ62. Quick and dirty guide for regular folks wanting to do an engine swap in their driveway. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-ls-swap-a-fj60-or-fj62-quick-and-dirty-guide-for-regular-folks-wanting-to-do-an-engine-swap-in-their-driveway.1270702/

SOR has some exhaust headers for $800+: Land Cruiser Specter's Quality Header System - https://www.sor.com/cat324.sor

Might be able to source a used one in good shape on cruiser parts.
 
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An LS/LT swap is $20k+(engine included) if you're just dropping it off at a shop to have done. If you're handling the swap or at least part of it, it brings cost down. Good info here: How to LS Swap a FJ60 or FJ62. Quick and dirty guide for regular folks wanting to do an engine swap in their driveway. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-ls-swap-a-fj60-or-fj62-quick-and-dirty-guide-for-regular-folks-wanting-to-do-an-engine-swap-in-their-driveway.1270702/

SOR has some exhaust headers for $800+: Land Cruiser Specter's Quality Header System - https://www.sor.com/cat324.sor

Might be able to source a used one in good shape on cruiser parts.
Thanks for the link. And the feedback!
 
are you in CA? does it need to pass smog? you may need the CA smog OK legal header
or go back to a stock manifold
 
Progress is continuing on re-creating the old Downey/Mark A. Header, thread somewhere in the 40/55 tech section.
Will the 3F exhaust manifolds work?
 
Check with Mark A. Call and leave a message.

 
Check with Mark A. Call and leave a message.

Thanks! I have been looking for a LC specialist in Socal.
 
What do you think the real difference is between the stock manifold and an aftermarket header? As I stated before, I live in the state of California. My mechanic has all the parts to put back on the stock manifold which would then make her smog legal in the state. However, I can keep it registered in Texas where I don't have to worry about Archaic California smog laws.

How much of a benefit does this old tractor motor get from headers versus the stock manifold? It's roughly the same price too same price to put either one on as Far as labor. Is the performance benefit really worth the added cost?? Not to mention I feel like the resale value for these landcruisers is a little higher in California so if I made it California compliant I potentially could get more money when I go to sell it.

Thoughts?
 
There is a lot to address here. I have no input on the registration. As far as header vs manifold, I can give you some things to thing about. First if you already have a header you have probably gotten rid of the EGR, EGR cooler, EGR pipe...etc and all that stuff will have to go back as well as the smog pump and air injection system tp pass emissions. So I'm guessing going back to stock harder than just replacing the header with a manifold.

Positives for going with OEM manifold. 1. they last a LONG time. 2. you can probably pick up a used one fairly cheap. 3. they have a built in heat flapper that allows the engine to warm up quicker. (although in TX or southern CA you probably don't need this)

Negatives for the OEM manifold. 1. No longer available (NLA) new...so you're gonna have to get a used one. 2. You're gonna have to check it for cracks and wear, resurface the head mating surface. 3. Depending on how rusty the flapper shaft is, you may need to remove the flapper valve and plug or weld the holes. 4. you may need new horn rings and you will need a heat riser diverter plate or block off plate (EDIT) and gaskets 5. everything needs to seal when you replace it. I mean the head to manifold gasket, the heat riser gaskets, the horn rings and the down pipe gasket. If any but the last are leaking after you install it you will have to take it back off to fix whatever didn't seal and try it all again. 6. You'll need a block off plate for the EGR pipe assuming you don't have the EGR system. (they don't really bolt up to a header)

Positives for the header: 1. One piece construction. unbolt the old one an put in the new one with a gasket/sealant. 2. don't have to deal with all the negatives listed above for the OEM manifold. 3. improved exhaust performance...althought it is a NOT a muscle car and your HP/torque etc is not going to dramatically change.

Negatives for the header: 1. A bit louder than stock exhaust. 2. cracks just like the one you have now. 3. Can't hook the EGR system or make it emissions compliant.
4. they can come loose from the head and leak. 5. you may still need a block off plate to get the heat away from the intake manifold (depending on design)
 
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3fe manifolds work well, low cost, minimal modification to make fit. Lots being sold from parted out
 
I've got a Man-A-Fre 2 piece header FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 Headers Ceramic Coated Tuned F 2F Engines ManAFre 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 - Landcruiser Parts - https://manafrelv.com/product/man-a-fre-tuned-ceramic-coated-headers-f-and-2f-engines/ that I could sell you. I had it ceramic coated but never got around to installing it. I then went to a 2FE conversion and its now just sitting in the garage. I'm at sea on a ship and won't be home until the end of Aug. I think that I could possibly get my wife to send it to you if you're interested. It won't fly with CA emissions but it should work in TX.
 
I've got a Man-A-Fre 2 piece header FJ40 FJ45 FJ55 FJ60 Headers Ceramic Coated Tuned F 2F Engines ManAFre 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 - Landcruiser Parts - https://manafrelv.com/product/man-a-fre-tuned-ceramic-coated-headers-f-and-2f-engines/ that I could sell you. I had it ceramic coated but never got around to installing it. I then went to a 2FE conversion and its now just sitting in the garage. I'm at sea on a ship and won't be home until the end of Aug. I think that I could possibly get my wife to send it to you if you're interested. It won't fly with CA emissions but it should work in TX.
I'm interested. I'm not sure how to send you A PM. Message me if you can. Let me know what ypu want for them. - thanks.
 
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