X-pipe for headers?
 

Two questions for the motor heads out there.

Getting the last of the parts together for the hybrid install. I have decided to ditch the '85 manifold and my Y-pipe for a set of MSDS Headers. Does anyone make a X-pipe to fit the headers, or am I looking at getting a muffler shop to make one?

Also I am currently having the heads worked. (Porting intake and exhaust, new valve seals, laped valve seats etc.) Does anyone know the inside diameter of the MSDS header and it's gasket? Or how much it varies from stock. I'm having the heads gasket matched on the exhaust ports but I gave the machine shop a stock '85 gasket to work with before I decided to upgrade to the headers.

Unfortunately it will be next week before I can order the headers from Carl. Just don't wan't to delay the shop.

I am looking for an x pipe for Devek LII headers as well. Different than your headers, but its the same idea that the current X-pipes would need to be rebuilt or customized.

I am only aware of this being custom done, such as with Sterling and a few others.

Thanks. Hadn't considered the Devek headers since I can't seem to get the Devek site to load. Is it still down?

What are the advantages of the Devek headers over MSDS?

928 international also sell headers from time to time, might be worth checking with them. i have devek level 2 headers (yet to be installed) and ive had an X made up in 3" diameter by burns stainless -check there website.

The only headers really available these days are MSDS and 928intl long tube headers.

Sterling - how did you measure for burns stainless?

Not seeing the headers on 928intl, are they not a standard item? Are there advantages of the long tube headers over the MSDS?

If someone wants to have something made for the Devek II headers I'd be interested. Something that would bolt to the collectors and allow connection to 3" pipe with some O2 bungs would be nice.

BTW, headers want a different crossover point, probably 1 or 2 feet further back than works for manifolds.

Terra, don't try to "gasket match" the exhaust port. A step doesn't hurt and may even be desired, well assuming its stepping bigger into the headers that is.

I just meant was it an off-the-shelf item or did you take any measurements for width or length before talking to burns.

Sterling, Thanks! Do you remember roughly the cost for the 928 headers. They are very nice indeed. I guess I'll shoot Mark an email since I don't see them on the site. Perhaps they only order a run when there is enough interest?

Also what did the burns "X" run you? I like the look of it as well. I'm trying to stay this side of reality for the budget, but I also don't want to spend the money twice by going cheap and not being satisfied.

So about $400 more than the MSDS. DO you really think there will be a big difference in hp/torque for the 928 headers vs the MSDS? They look much better designed, just not sure of the return on investment. Seems like both will be a drastic improvement over the '85 exhuast and Y-pipe I have now.

My MSDS headers are now installed so I am also looking for an X-pipe that will bolt up to them.

Sterling, that is likely true. There can't be that many cars out there running the exact system that I am looking for. I can do the fab work but has anyone already figured out the optimal length/position for the "X" for use with MSDS headers?

Recently at the local 928 shop there were three 928's all up on lifts with MSDS headers. Two 16V's and one S4. It was pretty obvious not one exhaust system would unbolt and fit on the other cars. The collectors were all pointing slightly in different directions.

I would love to see the engine gains from long tube headers with the off the shelf X merge versus factory tubular header with a well designed x-pipe. The angles and cross section on the burns would certainly be wrong for a stock style car. I suspect there is a lot of improvement that could be made on that unit. Sure would be neat to see some before and after numbers.

mike, why does the X need to be further back with headers?