Headers question

[sbx22]

In the market for headers. I have questions regarding specs. What does "primary tube diameter" mean and what does "collector diameter" mean? I'm looking at this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-69090/ I want to have dual exhaust 2.5" piping all the way. Does that mean the "collector diameter" should be 2.5"? Thanks.

[thachevythang]

Primary tube is the size of the headers intake ports. They should match the size of your heads exhaust ports.

The collector diamater is the end of the header, where the rest of your exhaust system will be fabbed for 2.5 piping. The headers you are looking at have the reducers included so no need to look for another set. Just make sure they fit your heads.

Also keep in mind if you have a/c you may need a bracket for your compressor. Hope this helps.

[beastie_3]

do you want a ball and socket collector flange?

[sbx22]

Ok, gotcha, thanks for all the info. Now for the type of flanges, I don't know much about that. Are there any pros & cons about the different types of flanges out there and which one should I be looking at? I'm a simplistic type of guy, so anything simple and functional I'm good with. Sorry for my newbie questions. BTW, mild street 350 SBC.

[sbx22]

So what if I do get a set of aftermarket headers (which I pretty much am), how am I going to mount the A/C brackets on? There would be no place on the aftermarket headers for this? Help?

[1979C20]

If I remember correctly the ac bracketa mount to the front ofthe passenger head and to the edge of the intake? Do you mean the power steering bracket?

[sbx22]

If I remember correctly the ac bracketa mount to the front ofthe passenger head and to the edge of the intake? Do you mean the power steering bracket?

You've got everything correct, except that it's on the driver's side instead of the passengers on my truck. It is the AC, not the power steering. I'm sure someone here has gone through this. Thanks ahead of time.

[1979C20]

If I remember correctly the ac bracketa mount to the front ofthe passenger head and to the edge of the intake? Do you mean the power steering bracket?

You've got everything correct, except that it's on the driver's side instead of the passengers on my truck. It is the AC, not the power steering. I'm sure someone here has gone through this. Thanks ahead of time.

ohhhh, I didnt think about it being on the drivers side. Sorry.

[bobcooter]

http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/ae191/bobcooter/AC%20brackets%20for%20headers/
I posted some photos of what you need on Photo Bucket. I think this will help you out.
I wish I had some photos of my headers still installed but I took them off and went back stock.

I had put comments on the photos but I see they are gone. I really suck at this stuff. Anyway, the bracket from Hooker replaces the long bracket over the #1 and #3 spark plugs and it holds up the rear of your A-6, driver side mounted compressor. You can buy it from Summit for fairly cheap. Now look at the very first bolt on the Exhaust Manifold. That's were the spacer goes. You haveto make up the thickness of the cast iron exhaust manifold. I cut a piece of 1/2" galvanized water pipe at 1 1/4" and ran a bolt through it to mount the front bracket properly. I couldn't find anything for sale to address this issue. I just painted it black and no one knows what is. One guy on here said he used a stack of washers to get the space correct. I hope this helps you out.

[reload]

For the power steering bracket, you can use a long threaded bolt and two nuts to compensate for the flange size.  I will get a pic of my setup later today. 

[bobcooter]

I dont remember any issues with the power steering bracket after I installed my spacer I made. It's all part of the same bracket.

[reload]

For the power steering bracket, you can use a long threaded bolt and two nuts to compensate for the flange size.  I will get a pic of my setup later today. 

Here is how I adapted mine, granted a sleeve would be ideal, but this works well too. 

[bobcooter]

I see what you mean. Funny no one addresses that when they are selling you headers and AC brackets.

[beastie_3]

Hooker does

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-2453-1HKR/?rtype=10

[bobcooter]

Yeah, that's the same part I posted pictures of. What no one mentions is that you need a shim or sleeve or stack of washers to mount the bracket that the power steering pump and the front end of the AC compressor connect to.