Ebay Long Tube Headers, Has anyone got these?

[73TA]

Listed on Ebay, looks like a decent setup for the money?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-GMC-...Stainless-Steel-Headers-w-Y-Pipe/232936388772

Mike

 

[iamdub]

They don't specify the grade or thickness of the metal used, but I'd assume it's pretty thin. For the cost, they're probably okay with a stock or mild engine and normal-spirited driving. Your environment (salted?) may be a factor in their longevity. My concern would be the thin metal radiating noise and heat and excess expanding and contracting possibly leading to loose fasteners and/or leaks. Speed Engineering has a setup that seems to be established as the go-to for entry-level budget headers. They'd be around $405 shipped (I just used Raleigh, NC to ballpark for worst case shipping cross-country). I didn't account for their optional GM MLS gaskets ($30), which you should use whichever headers you get. Don't even waste your time using the cheap paper gaskets most come with. Speed Engineering advertises theirs as 304 stainless but doesn't mention the gauge. I'm sure I found what gauge they were a while back when I was researching headers and saw where someone with them measured the tubing. Their collector design is better than the eBay ones and they look to have extra parts included to ensure a bolt-on installation. Buuuuut, they're out of stock until 1/22/2021 (estimated). I'd highly recommend having headers (of any brand) ceramic coated to reduce heat and sound.

 

[drakon543]

the few times ive gambled on ebay exhaust parts haven't went well. most people i know that have went the same route have had similar experiences. not fitting correctly o2 bungs not being where they are supposed to be or where they actually need to be. described as direct fit but it ends up needing hours worth of diy work or ends up at a garage spending more than just buying a brand name thats proven to fit. lastly just generally being worse than the stock components in function or quality. i advise against it to out it simply. however i will say some people get lucky and it works out.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Listed on Ebay, looks like a decent setup for the money?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-GMC-...Stainless-Steel-Headers-w-Y-Pipe/232936388772

Mike

In the pics they look like the Speed Engineering headers.

 

[iamdub]

In this aspect "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR" absolutely applies.

Headers are a rather large item to ship, so that's a considerable cost. If they can get them headers to your door for $250, then they're selling the headers for around $200. They're obviously making a profit off that $200, so that should tell you the value of the headers themselves. Them $250 headers can easily cost you $400+ if you have to pay a shop to cut and weld to get them fitted up. Then, what if they crack or rot out in a year or two? Mr. Seller McCheaply on eBay isn't gonna warranty that, if that seller is even still around.

 

[iamdub]

In the pics they look like the Speed Engineering headers.

Compare the collectors.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Compare the collectors.

I was just going by the pic of the headers themselves.

 

[iamdub]

I was just going by the pic of the headers themselves.View attachment 263955

I wouldn't be surprised if many of the budget header companies copied each other. Hell, they'd just have to walk over to the next Chinese sweat shop and snap a few pics for ideas.

Now that I'm curious, I snagged a pic off that eBay link for comparison:

The SE primaries appear to be more of an equal-length design. The eBay ones have the #1 and #2 primaries turning horizontal before turning downward. Those cylinders are the longest distance from the headers, yet they're made to be even longer paths. The eBay ones also have a short, rather abrupt collector with a funky step-down in it. SE's collectors are longer and more gradual and have a smooth transition to the 3" outlet size. They also have "merge spikes" to further smooth the transition. I don't know if these merge spikes make any notable increase in performance, but it's a difference nonetheless.

Now I kinda wanna compare these eBay ones to the other cheap-o headers. lol

 

[Tonyrodz]

I wouldn't be surprised if many of the budget header companies copied each other. Hell, they'd just have to walk over to the next Chinese sweat shop and snap a few pics for ideas.

Now that I'm curious, I snagged a pic off that eBay link for comparison:

The SE primaries appear to be more of an equal-length design. The eBay ones have the #1 and #2 primaries turning horizontal before turning downward. Those cylinders are the longest distance from the headers, yet they're made to be even longer paths. The eBay ones also have a short, rather abrupt collector with a funky step-down in it. SE's collectors are longer and more gradual and have a smooth transition to the 3" outlet size. They also have "merge spikes" to further smooth the transition. I don't know if these merge spikes make any notable increase in performance, but it's a difference nonetheless.

Now I kinda wanna compare these eBay ones to the other cheap-o headers. lol

What caught my eye real quick were the passenger side headers--I was looking at the tubes going down. Honestly I didn't even look at the collectors.

 

[iamdub]

What caught my eye real quick were the passenger side headers--I was looking at the tubes going down. Honestly I didn't even look at the collectors.

Speaking of headers, while you're doing brakes would be a good time to adjust yours to see if you can make it 4WD again. Wouldn't you need it for winter?