flathead header questions

[don fowler]

I'm new with flatheads. I have a stock 1939 with dual exhausts that need replacing and have the following questions:

What are the pros and cons of cast headers (Fenton) vs tubular headers such as Reds Headers? Is there much difference in sound and engine compartment heat with the two types of headers?


I notice that Bob Drake is advertising his own tubular headers. Does anyone have an opinion on those?

Does using larger exhaust and tail pipes cause a noticeable loss of torque in a flathead.

Thanks,

32geebee

[Tim]

I don't know about others but Red's is a top notch outfit and the Headers I bought fit just like he said they would. I'm a customer for life.


Tim

[Don]

Got a set from drake for my 36 with 59ab engine ,havent got them to fit yet, will probally sent them back.

[jakesbackyard]

I put a set of Red's on my '35. They fit great. Mainly did it to help with cooling.

[Charlie ny]

DF,
Red's!
Charlie ny

[flatjack9]

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I've got Fentons on my 39 and it is a real problem getting the left side connected up. But it can be done. I think I'd go with Red's.

[Roger/Sacramento]

Cast iron is quieter than tubular.

[Lawson Cox]

Originally Posted by Roger/Sacramento

Cast iron is quieter than tubular.

Hey, I thought louder was better!! At least that is what a lot of folks say. Just wait till they need hearing aids. LOL

[phartman]

I've got Fentons on mine. Worked out ok, but you'll need to make certain that the dipstick will clear the left side on certain years.

[ole39]

got fentons on my 39 std, had to do some grinding on the drivers side, but mine has an 8ba, been told they are a tad wider.

[blucar]

The value of headers on a street engine is another myth that just wont go away.
Headers are intended to be ran as "an open exhaust, no mufflers". As a general rule headers do not start to do their work until the engine approaches 3,000 rpm's or higher.
Stock cast iron manifolds with 2" dual exhausts will provide all the performance that a street engine can muster.
Of course stock manifolds do not provide the bragging rights that headers do.

[OLD...BILL]

DON: A good tube header will out perform the cast Fenton, because the tube is smmmmooooth inside, for those of us that spend time and money to smooth the ports on our engines, see the adavange to make the engine run better, and cooler, it just breath better, and sound better too.... there will always be some, like yo, no bige deal yo. ... but it does feel good to. ... OLD...BILL

[flatmotor40]

If you want good tube headers go to Tatom and he has the best.I put a set on my 40.Full tube

[chuck stevens]

I have red's on my 47 and 49, they worked good. They all are tight on the left side,(clutch, steering box, dip stick, wishbone, master cylinder....)

[Shadetree]

I have Red's Headers on my `35 and have had absolutely no issues.

Shadetree

[Planojc]

Red's on my 39 Std. along with Red's extention pipes with no problems.

[BABAR40]

I have Fenton headers with Red's extensions and tailpipes on my '40. Left side took some jockeying around but they fit well with no issues. I put the short Smithy's on them and used a very small floor jack to position the muffler outlets for the tailpipes. All else very satisfactory.

[f1builder]

well, fentons are the coolest looking and the tubulars sound "tinny" to me. a set of fentons and smitty's (especially after they are broken in good) is as good as it gets for exhaust. fitting the fentons is just another part of the process, you just do what you gotta do. also, i think the tubular headers are way overpriced for the material. JMHO...

[40 Deluxe]

Is anybody running Fenton's with a non-stock steering box? Will they fit? (Just planning ahead. I want Fenton's and may need to do something with the steering, too.)

[rbabb]

i have a set of reds on my 39 pickup with extentions all fit well with smittys 22'' and 2'' out the back sound great worth every penny they bolt up fine no tweekin tight fit outlets are sraight through the crossmember i would go with them again