More info Wabbco on Doug's side headers. ? and if ya did it again would you have orered the lot off him? i.e. side pipes as well?
Jethro,
the only issue I had with fitting the Doug's headers was clearancing for the R&P shaft but this was expected. Everything else clears well.
The rocker mouldings need trimming as they sit high and close in this area, however I would rather have this then sitting low under the moulding. The rear primary tubes clear the underside of the chassis by about 3/8" using the standard engine mounts. I also removed the exhaust mounting bracket from between the gearbox extension housing and mount, this gives slightly more clearance between the primary tube and the chassis underside.
I asked questions about fitment on US forums and only got one reply saying he had no fitment issue with a big block. A search found a few other posts saying the same thing.
I purchased them through Summit for $674 (for the ceramic headers only) but had them air freigthed which was expensive. If I was not in too much of a hurry I would have sent them to Long Beach to be put in a container.
The Doug's do not come in stainless steel, only black, chrome and ceramic. I would have preferred SS but had the decide between chrome and ceramic. I went with the ceramic because all the hype about the benefits of ceramic and I also had to weld an O2 bung on the inside of the collector.
The pipes are a copy of Hookers so my SS side tubes and mounting hardware fitted with no problems. If I didn't have the side tubes then I would have ordered the Doug's tubes with the headers.
I only issue I had was the look of ceramic collectors onto SS tubes, but I am starting to get used to it now (see picture).
The first inserts I used where STS, these are quite loud so changed them out for a resonator insert from Classic Chambered Exhaust. There still loud but have a deeper tone then the STS, which makes them a bit more bearable (sitting 2 feet from the exhaust exit dosn't help). I will try get better pictures and sound clip in the next few days.
In all I am happy with the quality and fitment of the Doug's headers.
I noticed on the box these are also made in Mexico as with the Hookers but I guess with a more accurate jig and better quality control.
Hope everyone has a great Christmas
Brad