Bob Drake's Cast Iron Headers

rheltzel

rheltzel

Senior Member
Has anyone here on the 'barn successfully installed a set of Bob Drake's cast iron headers on a 24 stud block in an otherwise stock '35 Ford which still has its original steering box? The tech adviser at Drake's says "...they should work", and I'm tempted to order a set on that semi-assurance, but it would sure be nice to know someone has already successfully done it before I go any further.
 
Just what do you hope to gain by putting headers on your '35?
The fact of the mater is that the only noticeable difference will be your wallet will be thinner...
If you want, "look at me" sound, a good set of dual exhaust with glass/steel pack mufflers will do the same thing. Larger pipes, 2"/2-1/4" will improve performance and sound.
 
blucar said:
Just what do you hope to gain by putting headers on your '35?
The fact of the mater is that the only noticeable difference will be your wallet will be thinner...
If you want, "look at me" sound, a good set of dual exhaust with glass/steel pack mufflers will do the same thing. Larger pipes, 2"/2-1/4" will improve performance and sound.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure that the larger pipes help any, may hurt some! Flathead exhaust is not the place to look for HP improvements. I run tube steel headers (just of the looks) and 1 7/8 inch dual exhaust. The 1 7/8 is claimed to provide the best sound and performance. But again, there is little to nothing to be gained in the exhaust department on a street flathead, it is all about looks and sound. And think about it, there is almost no street racing going on with these cars today, so sound and looks is about all there is!
 
Performance issues aside, I would still be interested in hearing about anyone else's experience installing Drake's cast iron headers. Anyone?
 
Menace Kustoms said:
Headers don't improve the flow at all? The manifolds on my 34 look very restrictive to me.
Click to expand...
The authentic exhaust allows a stock flathead to breath just fine. You're not dealing with a big block Chevy here...
Headers on a stock flathead are for "looks" only.
 
You won't go any faster, but will sound like you are! Read John W. Lawson's book FLATHEAD FACTS. Flatheads have problems getting air in, getting exhaust out not so much. Will say this, cast iron headers & 12" MELLOW TONE steel packs provide great sound.
 
rheltzel, think you are looking for fit responses and we are giving you performance responses. For my part that is because I have no idea on the fit! But at least all this activity keeps your question near the top of the stack. Maybe someone will see it and have a fit response.
 
John Lawson's (JWL) Book is probably the best Flathead book ever written, if for only one reason. It will tell you what you can expect for the money you spend on modifying your engine. The exhaust is only one issue.
 
Keep at here until some pipes up with the experience you are looking for. How long has Drake been offering them ? Start be asking Drake who they sold them to that had a '35, then check with that person. Ask the barn about Fentons in a '35 and see what they say, as they have been around forever. If you really want to change manifolds, and want to be sure they fit right, I would call Jim at Red's Headers in CA.
 
You will NEVER get these from Drake. This is a part that they advertised for years but are not able to produce (sound familiar). They are supposed to be a copy of Fenton Headers but the patent is owned by Speedway Motors http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Fenton-Flathead-V8-Headers-with-Gaskets,1726.html besides, Drake's Chinese could not figure this one out, so it was dropped. If you really want/need these would suggest Speedway or http://www.patricksantiquecars.com/speed_32_53.html who is the "caster" for Speedway (just won't have the Fenton Name).

copy from Drake's website...
1932-48 Ford Cars & 32-47 Trucks|1935-36|Engine ( Flathead ), Drivetrain & Mech.|Exhaust System
Exhaust Header Set; fits 1932-53 V8





​
Item Number: HR-9433​
Your Price: $245.00 PR​
Out of Stock​

Qty:


​

Bolt-on that classic, old-school look with top-notch performance. Features precision-surfaced head ports for easy, leak-free mounting. Each pair comes with all needed gaskets and flanges. Not recommended for 1936 and earlier Fords with original engines, but are easily adaptable into these years fitted with 1937 & later flatheads. Most applications require a slight bending modification to the dip-stick tube.​
 
If Drake's are (or would be if actually made) knock-offs of Fentons, I'm pretty sure, based on what I've previously read, that they will not fit without modification in a '35 with its original steering box. Odd that the tech guy at Drake's would say they "should fit" (operative word being "should") and wouldn't mention that they aren't available in his response. Makes you wonder...

I think I'll just stick with my old "box" exhaust manifolds and save some money. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and suggestions. I do appreciate it.
 
"Drakes Chinese couldn't figure it out so it was dropped" is a real ignorant statement if ever I heard one! The Chinese can and will make anything and everything to what ever spec or tolerance you require. If you want perfect in every way they can do it, if you want it made as cheap as possible and sod the tolerance and fit, they can do that too.
Up to a quality or down to a price, not a problem.
The issue is with the person who had them produce the part/parts. And he/she is NOT Chinese!
Martin.
 
Ignorant is a relative term on this forum. It is entirely probable that the Chinese factory could not understand how to produce these and could not supply an acceptable sample, thus, "couldn't figure it out". Instead of throwing more money at it for no good reason "it was dropped". The idea of what any factory can produce in terms of quality or price is somewhat tainted.
 
Yes it's probable, but you would ask a foundry that cast parts out of cast iron to make them, would you not? That would be sensible wouldn't it?
Now a foundry would very, very easily cast this manifolds, it's a simple core type casting.
So the the probability that a proper production foundry can't cast those manifolds, well that's a very small probability. Isn't it.
I agree with you, ignorant is a relative term.
Martin.
 
I was at Coker tire a few years back and was ready to buy a set of Fenton's for my 8BA. The counter guy said he would sell me a set but I needed to understand that the "new" Fenton cast headers were inferior to the originals. He suggested a set of Red's. Funny thing was the Red's were quite a bit cheaper. I had already bought a set of Sanderson's that would not clear the steering, so I bought Red's. They make a great product and the tech folks are very helpful.
 
Thanks, 41LjH. A friend recently called Red's and was advised that they are unable to continue production of their headers because they can't find qualified welders who will work at reasonable wages. They hope to go back into production at some point, but for now, they're out of business. A real bummer from so many different perspectives.
 
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