custom headers??

[Andy M]

All,

Any one know of a good place around Houston and the surrounding area (I'd even consider bringing it to Dallas) which can fabricate headers using stainless steel??

I'd like to get some long tube equal length headers made for my Cobra R, so that when I get my new engine (eventually), I'd have the headers ready to go. Who ever I get to do this would also have to either make a new X pipe to mate up to the new headers or alter the existing Bassani X pipe to do the same. I'd also like to keep the CATs on the car for inspection purposes and to keep the noise levels from reaching stratospheric levels. ;)

Any recommendations on this would be most appreciated!

[Evilcartman]

I may suggest Jason at BGR. He knows this guy named Rick that is real good. He custom builds pro stock cars. I know he custom fabbed a set of headers for a Dodge Dakota with a Ford 351 in it. He is in the Clear Lake area. Call 281-464-0202 or Jason's cell is 281-799-9670 (try his cell first). Make sure you take to Jason.

If that falls through, try Nathaniels (713) 780-8666. They are also pretty good and are located at Foundren and Harwin. Let me know how if that helps.

[Andy M]

Thanks Keith. I got the name of another guy today from Kenny Bumbera.. the guy's name is John Harrison and he owns Specialty Metal Craft on Hempstead Hwy. I will let you know how that goes? and I will probably call these other guys, if nothing else but to compare prices and to get references?

Thanks again!!

[Big Daddy]

Andy if you can wait a couple of months both Bassani and Borla are currently developing equal length headers for the Cobra. I should have more information on them in the next couple of weeks. IF you can wait. :D :D

[tnturbo]

Griggs and Kooks both have headers available as well. I would imagine that you could get Griggs to do some in stainless or whatever. Kooks may offer them in stainless. Probably save $$ over custom with just as good of results. I believe Griggs necessitates their K-member. Griggs and Kooks are both individual tube designs, unlike the BBK, MAC and Hookers. For some good information on headers, header construction, and exhaust materials in general try www.burnsstainless.com they have one of the better explanations of the different grades of tubing and its appropriate use. Also a good source for high end tubing in stainless, inconel, or titanium. For a picture of a real nice custom header look at the Inconel tech article. Another nice exhaust write up (BMW) is at http://e30m3performance.com/installs/installs-2/exhaust/exh1.htm

[Andy M]

Guys,

I really appreciate the effort and recommendations on this, but everyone I've called has told me the same thing.. basically, headers designed for the Cobra (4.6 engine) will not fit on the 5.4 in the Cobra R. The 5.4 engine is both taller and wider than the 4.6. Therefore, I think the only solution is to have someone custom fabricate them.

Please let me know though if you find out that one of these companies has headers for a 5.4 ??? I will call them all to find out and let you know.

Thanks again!