Well I cannot justify the cost of new SS sports headers so I would like to port and polish my stock headers. I have a couple of questions. I did a search but did not come up aith much.

1) I have a compressor and a die Grinder, what is the best bit to use?
2) Where is a good place to get replacement Gaskets (2 of each of them) ?
3) Anyone done this themselves, any tips?
4) Anyone done a DIY on it?
5) Where does one get Ceramic coating in north east Florida?
6) Is it worth it?

Thanks

SWR

 

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...eader-mod.html

I think the pics are not working though

A good carbide bit works great. I prefer electric die-grinders otherwise your compressor will be going non-stop. Any discount dealer will have the gaskets for a good price (Suncoast, etc). Well worth it IMO.

You can pick up a set of headers for cheap on Ebay so you have no down time.

 

Jet-Hot is who I used to get the headers coated. Make sure to specify that they DO NOT do the inside of the headers. I bought new gaskets but they were not needed. The new ones cost about $120 and are metal.

 

Last time I bought the gasket from head to headers they were only about $10's a piece from Porsche.

 

Didn't do the 996 yet, but I've done 2 sets for my stang at one some time.

+1 on the Carbide Bit, I got a real good one from my buddy who owns a machine shop so I don't know what brand. Electric grinder is a must, dremel works. The most important TIP: Put a strong fan to blow sideways when you're grinding stuff. Otherwise you'll be picking out sharpenel out of your forearms. Safety glasses are a must.

Welder is nice, since in some spots, for max flow you have to add material on the outside to take it off on the inside. (could not apply to 996tt I dunno)

 

Has anyone simply sent them to an outfit and had them ported polished and coated?

Or is this a true DIY?

Thanks for all the tips.

 

I can't imagine all the effort put forth in this endeavor, can possibly result in any seat of the pants inprovement...I'm not saying it isn't a worthwhile mod, because better flow is...well, better flow, but I would only do it if I was REALLY bored...It can be a dirty, nasty job and unless you are shooting for 750rwhp and can't afford aftermarket headers, not worth it to me...

 

someone has not had there coffee yet...

 

just an opinion...

 

I agree,

several early gen high hp cars (cars running mid to high 130 traps) were
on stock headers with no porting/polishing.

But if you enjoy that sort of thing...

 

That's all I was trying to say (Tim)...

 

i have a set of headers i can sell you if you want to do it on a spare set to get no downtime. I have also done mine, i can make it for you if you want.

 

I am sure I may as well buy some after market ones if I am going to buy a spare set of OEM headers. If you add up the cost of doing the job plus the spare set, I am sure it will come pretty close. Depends on what you are asking I suppose.

I was wondering if there was a place to sent my original headers to to get completely done and what the cost would be.

SWR