FJ40 header (1 Viewer)

[fonso]

Hi, I need to change the exhaust header of my FJ40 because it`s broken, so I want to get the best option, I want to know if I must get a 6-2-1 header or a 6-1 header (like the one that is in my car now).

I read that the 6-2-1 option helps to get more torque!!!

thanks

 

[mudnyreye]

I like the 6-2-1 header that downey sells. The angle of the output is more free flowing than the 6-1 header, and, takes the brunt of the heat off the bottom of the tubes. I have used this header for the last 10 yrs. I have replaced 4 customer 6-1 headers in the last 3 years. I think the price is close to the same. M2cents

 

[tlc_4play]

I had one made at a local exhaust shop - its 6-2-1
Some good advice - have it ceramic coated
I had mine ceramic coated it doesnt rust or disclolor and looks great in silver.

 

[fj hunter]

I replaced mine as well. I have no way to justify "more torque" but there seems to be an increase in hp by a small margine. I might add that shortly after, I was unhappy with the 2 barl carb, and put on the offenhauser manifold and 4 barl carb at 650 cfm, and ... wow now it's a very noticable increase in hp and I surmise torque as well. So now I am going with 35's and that's that.

 

[DickM]

Do yourself a favor and use a Remflex gasket when you change the header. I fought an exhaust manifold leak with my header - grinding, gasketting, gooping-until I bit the bullet and spent the money on the Remflex. Now quiet w/ now more popping on deceleration. There is a guy selling them on Ebay for $50 inc. shipping ($20 cheaper than from Remflex wesite!). Go to Ebay motors and search Remflex. It's spendy but it worked for me.
Good Luck

 

[Downey]

Our 6-2-1 is a "positive interference" design that should produce better performance than any other design, it will outperform the pants off of a 6-1, but we have not tested it against the dual designs offered by SOR and MAF. We do use 14 gauge on all of our Headers, smog legal or not, since that is required for our smog legal Headers.

 

[fonso]

Thanks for your advices!!!!

As you can see, I`m in Costa Rica, so it`s difficult for me to find some Downey, etc headers. I must go to a local shop and ask them to build my 6-2-1 header.

I hope they know what are they doing and really improve the performance of my car.

have a nice day

 

[Downey]

Fonso, last time I heard UPS delivered to every country of the free world!!!

 

[joeyg1973]

but we have not tested it against the dual designs offered by SOR and MAF.

I would love to see these results because I have my doubts about the MAF tuned ceramic.

 

[fonso]

Fonso, last time I heard UPS delivered to every country of the free world!!!

Yes, UPS, DHL, FEDEX, USPS, etc deliver to CR, but it`s expensive because the header is "a little" heavy and big.

So I could apreciate if someone can post a photo of a 6-2-1 header!!!

thanks

 

[Downey]

This is it:This is smog legal version though. You would not need all the hardware!!!

 

[iron_giant]

The Remflex gaskets you see on ebay are mine. They are the same price and often a few dollars cheaper directly on my website, however. I am also willing to ship anywhere but due to the awkward size it can get spendy. Let me know what you decide to do and if I can help in anyway. I know there are a ton of cruisers in Costa Rica, maybe you can organize a group buy with several vendors around here to cut down on shipping and get these products at a workable price.

 

[TrailBlogger]

Our 6-2-1 is a "positive interference" design that should produce better performance than any other design, it will outperform the pants off of a 6-1, but we have not tested it against the dual designs offered by SOR and MAF. We do use 14 gauge on all of our Headers, smog legal or not, since that is required for our smog legal Headers.

@Downey I am digging up this 6 year old thread since you seem to be in California and are mentioning a smog legal header. Do you still make these? If so how much? I have 78 FJ40 California edition that need a new exhaust manifold and I am finding them to be nearly impossible to locate.

 

[spotcruiser]

The original CA exhaust manifold on my '78 got so many cracks in it about 20 years ago that I tossed it in the recycling bin. I replaced it with a used Federal exhaust manifold, head pipe, and EGR pipe. If you can locate those parts used, I think you'll find that set-up to be better, long-term, than a header. I've run a header at times also, but a cast iron manifold and OEM head pipe are better, quieter, and cooler for a DD.

 

[TrailBlogger]

The original CA exhaust manifold on my '78 got so many cracks in it about 20 years ago that I tossed it in the recycling bin. I replaced it with a used Federal exhaust manifold, head pipe, and EGR pipe. If you can locate those parts used, I think you'll find that set-up to be better, long-term, than a header. I've run a header at times also, but a cast iron manifold and OEM head pipe are better, quieter, and cooler for a DD.

Thanks for the tip. I got similar suggestions from other forum members saying to go with the federal version instead and that CA no longer requires the old Thermal Reactor version. The thread I started is here https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/my-1978-fj40-with-her-top-off.856256/

 

[DSRTRDR]

Downey is no longer in business

and if you do get a header, take a ceramic-coated version - the plain headers produce a lot of heat

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

There is only one source that I know of that still sells the Downey header @ nearly 500.00 dollars. I was hoping to get one off Mark @ Marks off-road when he had them stocked, unfortunately he's been out of stock for some time and at nearly 500 dollars, I'll be looking at other options...

 

[antFJ]

Don't you need paperwork with the header to prove its good for california emissions? If not then you can buy one used and you should PM me

 

[Downey]

Don't you need paperwork with the header to prove its good for california emissions? If not then you can buy one used and you should PM me

After I closed Downey, Marks Off Road continued to make the Downy Headers. Now too little call for the Headers and/or particularly the smog legal Header. The smog legal Headers do come with the smog decal needed for C.A.R.B. when and if the smog Header makes it back onto the market.

 

[antFJ]

Im dealing with this B.S. with my wife's 2007 compass. Most websites say they won't ship a federal emissions exhaust manifold/catalytic converter to CA because it is only 48 state compliant but there is no way in hell I'm paying extra for a CARB one. I put the purchase order in on JCwhitney so we'll see if they send me the federal one. I thought I could escape california craziness by not being a resident but man they are controlling. I wonder if they block my google searches too...