blitz951

If you want I have a headers of my 86 which has 56k miles. I have upgraded to the SFR headers for my 3 liter build.

Turbodan

part of the problem with the headers is the pia to replace them....my mechanic takes about 10 hours to re and re them. the bellows makes installing easier.

smac951

Just checked 944online and they have NOS exhaust manifolds for about $2000. Do people actually spend that kind of money?

Tedro951

I cant spend half that, but I'll bet someone will. Crazy. Actually, the guy restoring the white one on the 44 side of RL probably would.

Bill

Yes they can be welded. The key to a proper weld is understanding what the material you are welding is and meet its specific requirements. The tube material is inconel (look it up). The welder can treat it like stainless steel.

Bill

There is good reason why Porsches and Porsche parts are expensive. The very same reason why Porsches perform and last like they do. Look at the marquis record in endurance (24 hour) racing. It says it all.

In the 944 turbo Porsche paid close attention to the hot side of the turbo system. Sodium filled exhaust valves, ceramic lined exhaust ports, inconel headers, moving the turbo farther from the hot gasses. All with performance and longevity in mind.

If that is Crazy.....well then perhaps a Hundi would suffice.

racerxrick

the friend who welded mine is a chassis builder...he did a great job. Basically the problem area's of the header are now reinforced. Plus the coating can't hurt.

BTW, when i played with Turbo 6 Buick's...same problem. Weld em' up and be done with it. I had a 42k car and it already had cracked header tubes. I had the same repair (by the same guy) done though I didn't coat them. They are still holding up fine for the current owner.

Vizard424

Guys thanks for your all's feedback!
I've got a friend who can do the welds for me, but I don't know the extent of the crack(s) on my header until I can get a look at them. If the damage is too severe I suppose I'll be in the market for a good used set

RacerX you said that you had the problem areas on your headers reinforced? Where are these areas?

vette951s

As an alternative, I have a used set of Speed Force SS headers that I'll sell for $725 shipped US.

racerxrick

He welded around the outside of each tube at the flange. You could also have him weld around the inside as long as it's not a big obtrusive weld. Ideally after that you would grind the weld smooth on the interior portion.

There are also some problem area's as tubes come together...your welder will understand. My guy has built custom headers so he was very comfortable with the process.

I think the coating is a good idea as your heat shields will be history.

Good luck whichever route you choose.

You could buy a set and have them welded and prepped so it's a simple swap?

Tedro951

Bill, I agree that these cars are very well engineered, especially for being 25 years old. The "crazy" part is that there probably are people that will spend $2000 on the headers. They do make a nice place to bolt another $3-5K of turbocharger and stainless tubing onto, though.

Alan 91 C2

Anyone have some picture of the typical areas to look for the header cracks? My car begins to smell of exhaust after the engine really beats up.

Does the ceramic coating work well enough to get by without the heat shields?

The smell has gotten more pronounced over several weeks. Got to take action.

Seems like a small nut cracker would help with the tear down, as I will put new nuts on anyway. Anyone tried to use a nut cracker on the manifold nuts?

Alan 91 C2

Sorry. Car is 88 944 turbo. Confusing with my 911 screen name.