AUSSIROC

iTrader: (1)

RHD Column pics for you down under guys lookin to run summit/flowtech headers.
My clearance issues are in part the shaft being a little far over. I just about need a feeler guage between the uni joint and the headers to check clearance!

Enjoy!

BTW, all you northern hemishpere types should thank your lucky stars you don't have to put up with this type of crap to this extent. It ain't fun.

AUSSIROC

iTrader: (1)

another one.

WestOzGTA

Thanks dude, this is really useful. Looks like I'm gonna have the same troubles as you when I come to fit headers though, because my measurements are about the same.
Now what would be really useful is precise measurements of the various headers available on the market... but I don't think I'm gonna get that!

Stu

AUSSIROC

iTrader: (1)

No wuz. Yeah i know, get ready to get your hands dirty!

TreeFiddy

Hey Aussiroc - you still with us? Just wondering what you used for a y-pipe.

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

I bet the Astro van steering shaft swap would work real well for you guys, since it seems to be smaller than the stock 3rd gen setup.

TreeFiddy

Have no idea what an Astro van is, but the main problem is as seen above - the relocated rhs steering shaft goes right thru the space that the header needs to occupy, no matter what diameter it is. The engine is offset in the engine bay, and the steering shaft is now on the narrow side.

Common wisdom over here seems to say that only the Flowtech headers will fit and that's a maybe. I am starting some research into whether there is a set of 1 5/8 primaries that stands a chance.

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

A stateside mini-van that has a smaller diameter shaft which would give you more clearance & it eliminates the rag joint at the steering box.

TreeFiddy

Ah I see. From the look of it, the steering box rag joint is forward of the no 2 primary pipe, and shouldn't interfere. However the second joint between the lower and intermediate shafts stick out similar to the rag joint, I think to mount the stock plastic shroud that covers the lower shaft.

In the third pic on post #1, Aussiroc seems to have used a more streamlined uni joint. I suspect however, that headers like the Hooker 2055, 2460, or Hedman 68470, will stick out more than the 100mm available between head and shaft shown in pic 2. These would interfere with the shaft no matter what diameter is.

peterc005

I've been thinking about the Flowtech headers on my RHD Camaro too.

Also thinking about the Astro can steering shaft conversion too.

The RHD conversion is usually done by using a HQ/WB Holden steering box, which is a local GM car and designed to bolt to the RH side.

The thing I'm trying to figure out is whether a Camaro or HQ steering shaft is used?

TreeFiddy

Mine's got the HQ box, and afaik has the original shaft - just swapped sides. Certainly looked like the original rag joint when I bought it 10 yrs ago, was completely flogged and rotting away. Also had a plastic shroud over the lower shaft, not fixed and just rattling around

The Flowtech 11116FLT's apparently have the best chance of fitting, but only have 1.5" primaries and 2.5" collectors. Not adequate for a 350 as far as my researching indicates. Also the y-pipe leaves a bit to be desired - the lh bank T's into the rh bank instead of a Y, just like the stock pipe.

Maybe Aussiroc above has this Astro shaft as pictured - can anyone tell?

peterc005

I've heard the same thing, that the Flowtech 11116 are the best fit, but don't flow that well.

These guys sell a Chinese stainless steel copies of Flowtech Headers which look very neat:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170615730124

I'll have a look at my Camaro tonight with a view to getting an Astro steering shaft to gain a bit more clearance.

Depending on when the conversion was done you probably have a WB steering box, which is a better unit than the HQ.

TreeFiddy

Actually I wouldn't know the difference between the HQ and WB boxes; but I replaced it about 9 years ago with what I'm pretty sure was an HQ.

Thanks for the link - hadn't seen that one yet. If it turns out that these smaller headers are indeed the only option that stands a chance of fitting, these look like as good a bet as the Flowtechs - which by most accounts I've read have the 'Chinese Quality' anyway.

BUT these are shiny , and would cost about $300 shipped which as it happens is exactly what I can get the Flowtech's for from Rocket just up the road here.

BUT BUT if they do need some tweaking to fit, being stainless works against them. Of course it's Chinese stainless tho...

peterc005

Find a shipping agent and shipping would probably be $50 if it all fits in a single box. It would take a month to get here by sea.

The thing I like about these headers is that they are stainless steel, and while they may go blue they shouldn't rust.

I've heard different things about the fitting, but an pretty sure they will fit without cutting and still be an improvement over the standard exhaust manifolds.

If you speak to the exhaust guys they always say you need a custom made et of headers and that these will cost at least $1000, which I think is crap.