I have another thread going about splitting a stock 235 manifold but I didn't want to take it off track. If I don't use the factory manifold I'll be using cast headers. I always lean toward Fentons (as I'm sure most do) but NCA has Williams that look identical. If I go the header route, I was thinking I'd just get the NCA dual exhaust full setup. I've seen people say the pipes don't fit well but does anyone have any pictures of them being poorly bent or uneven or whatever? I feel like it would be easy enough to cut/re-weld the pipes to fit the way you want them to fit. The reason I'm leaning towards the full system (even with having to tweak it) is that out of my three local exhaust benders, the cheapest price I was quoted is $300+ just to bend the head pipes. That's on top of the $250 or so for the headers. That's pretty much the price of the full system from NCA. So what's the deal with the Williams headers, where are they made, how's the quality? While on the subject, does anyone know the pipe gauge and diameter for the exhaust? Thanks guys and gals
I have a set of Williams cast manifolds and just bought a set of pipes from NCA I wont know for a couple weeks or so but ill keep you posted. kind of thought what you did for the money didn't look too bad.
The williams headers use two factory style donut gaskets, right? That's another reason I'm leaning towards them.
A friend used the NCA / Williams Headers kit, said he was disappointed as to the FIT of the headers, during installation. He also had the same complaint, regarding their pipes.
Yes they do was reading the instructions for the installation if the exhaust looks like there is some trimming to do ill keep you posted. oh and if you buy just the pipes without the headers from NCA. they come with glass packs I didn't see that and bought a set of cherry bombs as well lol story of my life
Yeah, please do. I definitely don't want to trim anything. I have a '51 so I dont have a motor mount in the way which is where I would imagine the trimming needs to be.
I've seen people say the rear header requires mods to the car itself to make it fit but it looks like the rear outlet is in the same spot as the factory outlet. Of course I don't have a side motor mount to worry about with the front outlet so that's not a concern of mine
The rear header pipe will most likely interfere with the parking brake linkage. At least it has with every car I had a split system on. One exhaust shop just pounded the exhaust pipe in a little and it worked fine. Another shop tweaked the pipe with their bender. Both fixes were pretty inexpensive. I cannot speak for NCA. The Chevytalk forum has had a few members chime in on the Williams system. Good luck with your decision.
I wonder if I couldn't just use the factory pipe for the rear header? I know the original fentons were designed to do that so maybe the Williams headers will work the same. Even if I buy the set up from NCA and only use the front pipe and headers, I still feel that is worth 600
Typically the rear header pipe route's to the passenger side of the car (unless you plan to route both pipes together). Never tried to using the factory pipe on the rear. The kits I purchased had the rear header pipe pre-bent to the passenger side.
I totally blame my self here for the lack of motivation. sadly for me at least, they are still in the box they shipped in. hopefully I can get off my dead patoot and get cracking on that engine ASAP I will take pictures and post on this thread as soon as I do sorry about that!
Years ago I put a set of Fentons on a 50 Chev we had already installed a 59 235. As I remember the parking brake or anything else caused a problem. I would prefer a donut style gasket but did not have a problem with the flat style.
Did the rear outlet dump right into the e brake or? I don't have side motor mounts so I should be good there
Sorry it was 1984 and I just don't remember other than saying I didn't have any glaring problem. I did not add any different mounts so I probably use the 1950 style which maybe different than the 53. It was a car for my son in HS so I know I kept the e-brake. We should have never sold it. Vega 4-speed, 56 rear end, black tucknroll, chrome window moulding, 12 volts....
I misread. I thought you said you DID have interference with the e brake. That's good to know that you didn't.
Got my dual exhaust put on today. I ended up having an Amish guy split a factory manifold for me...for $65!!! I got 2" pipes all the way to the rear bumper with pencil tips, and no mufflers. It's not overly loud at all, as a matter of fact I think it sounds perfect.
I did this with a drill and ball peen hammer. Thats a flange off a spare manifold and a plumbing elbow.
The guy did this by eye. It goes under the oil pan. Both pipes are exact opposites of each other Gotta love front motor mounts. These are 2" pipes all the way back. It's beautiful isn't it
And the best part...it was only $65 to get the manifold done and $200 to get the pipes done and that includes parts and labor
It's a killer deal!!! One place wanted $300 just to bend the downpipes and another place wanted 5-$600 to do the pipes. Add to that the $250 or so for the headers, the throttle linkage issues and the pain in the butt it must be to line 3 seperate pieces up and volt them on
So with the 5 speed in, the exhaust sounds completely different. It pops and all during deceleration, but it sounds horrible. I'm thinking of drilling a hole in the divider plate inside the manifold. What will that do to the sound of it?
The Jalopy Journal
