Header replacement 78 FJ40. (1 Viewer)

[Paul]

I know this has been addressed in the past. But it appears we need an update on this, and I need MUD's expertise.

I will replacing a very old header that has a major hole in it.
I recently bought my 40 back from I guy I sold it to 5 months ago.
It came back to me with a SOR 2 piece Header.

Please school me on your experience regarding swapping in a Header, gasket recommendations and any PEARLS OF ADVISE on this job.

I will be posting pics of the process.

BTW my 2F has a Howell EFI. I will have to re-mount and weld in a new 02 bung for the sensor.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[brian]

i had a sor two pcs on my 60series sometime ago. fitment was no issue, flange thickness was close enough. tube material was on thin side as i had opted for the upgraded coating on them, and they still didn't last that long.

fel-pro gaskets all week long and twice on sunday.

 

[Brian/99uzj100]

I run a Downey ceramic header that is going on 18 years and still running strong with no leaks. It is one of the best non-OEM mods I've installed. With a 2.5" exhaust (also Downey) it really woke up my 2F.

I think there is a Mud vendor that sells a remake of the Downey header, hit the search or maybe they will chime in.

 

[JohnnyC]

Any steel header make sure you ceramic coat it first if you live in an area of rusty things ... or you will be replacing it every 5-7 years

I got the SS header that sor offered a while back ... never had to worry about replacing the header again

 

[iptman]

I think @65swb45 owns the rights to the Downey header design but don't think he's made a run of them in a while.

 

[Downey]

Yes, Mark (65swb45) will be the one to reproduce the Downey Header if he can ever work out a fresh/decent deal with the bender ???. I don't care what gasket you use, the secret to sealing the Header has always been a thick coating of Copper Coat on all four surfaces (Head, Header, both sides of gasket). Then I'd tighten until you think the nuts are going to strip.

 

[Paul]

My SOR header is SS. Thanks for info on the gasket. Sounds like Fel-pro is the way to go.
Need advice on specifics regarding removing the intake manifold.
thanks,
Paul