Reds Headers with Mufflers

[luvmyclassics]

I am getting ready to order headers and extensions from Red for my 51 f1.


Looks like the extension OD is 1.775. Will a muffler with a 2 inch pipe fit OK?

 

[51 MERC-CT]

Mufflers like Smithy's have a 2" I.D. front and back made for 2" exh. pipe.
So NO will not work unless using an adapter.

 

[Ross F-1]

I have Red's plus extensions and Smitty's. The fit at the extensions was a little loose but pushing the muffler up onto the extension, there is a necked down area in the muffler where it fits tight. The ends of my extensions are also swaged to much closer to the 2" ID of the Smittys. I had it tack welded to hold it in there, no leakage in 10 yrs.

 

[38bill]

I think a muffler shop could expand the end of the extension to make it fit better.

 

[cmbrucew]

Tubing expanders are available from Harbor Freight if you have one nearby.
Bruce

 

[5851a]

I think a muffler shop could expand the end of the extension to make it fit better.

'
Those machines they use are amazing, bet it wouldn't take them a minute.

 

[russcc]

My experience with Reds' headers and their exhaust pipes is that the exhaust pipe ID fits over the header OD perfectly. I use the Donaldson Maxi Grip bent bolt band clamp so you can easily take the system apart. A regular muffler clamp grooves the pipe, and you have to heat it cherry red to get it off. The Donaldson clamps are available through
large truck parts distributors on line. I talked to Jim Davis about Donaldson clamps, so he may stock them.

 

[1949mercury]

Is that the best way to put exhaust on the header is a Clamp ?

 

[tubman]

Tubing expanders are available from Harbor Freight if you have one nearby.
Bruce

Bruce,

Do you have any experience with these? I ask because I have one I have had a long time that I have not had any success with. It's the kind that's a bunch of wedge-shaped cast iron segments with a cone in the middle that has a good size bolt that you tighten. Mine came with no instructions. Do you have to use some kind of lubricant. It would seem it would work best with an air impact, but I've also had little success that way.

If anyone knows anything, fill me in, because if I could get it to work, it'd be real handy.

Thanks,

Tubman

 

[cmbrucew]

Tubman
I bought two sizes when I saw them, and have not had opportunity to try them.
I think they are in the bottom drawer of my bottom box.
Bruce

 

[tubman]

That's a good place for them. That's where mine has been for the last 20 years.

 

[JSeery]

I have had one for years as well (over 30 or 40 years), it always worked well for what I've used it for. It will reshape out of round tubing or expand tubing that is a tight fit, that sort of thing. If you are wanting to increase the size of a tube from say 1.75 to 2.0 inch, I think that is way out of the capability of any tool like this. That is going to require a hydraulic expander at a muffler shop.

 

[flatford8]

I’ve had a little luck heating the pipe up when using one but I dont think you could even come close to gaining a 1/4” diameter....... Mark

 

[38bill]

I have one like Tubman's. I have only had luck using it with an air wrench to expand where a clamp has slightly pinched the pipe. The pro hydro units make the pipe look like its made out of rubber.

 

[cmbrucew]

Lots of guys have porta powers, they sell pullers with a hole thru them. Maybe make something that would work.
Bruce

 

[Bored&Stroked]

Me - I like to weld on 2-bolt flanges onto the headers - such that I don't have to "attempt" to get a good tight slip-fit that doesn't leak exhaust . . . only to find that I can't get the suckers back apart afterwards! I have no idea why Belond (the guy who originated this style of header) never put a flange on his product - but he didn't and nobody since him has either. On every other dang car we have collectors and/or flanges - just not the typical flathead tube header.

Here is what I did to my 32 headers:

1) First I added a 90 degree "turn down" such that I'm not existing the exhaust straight into the K-member (which a lot of headers do). For some reason the passenger side is usually okay, but the driver's side is a mess.

2) Then I put flanges on to the ends - such that my tailpipes/extensions are easily bolted up.

Yes - a bit of fabrication, TIG welding and monkeying around - but these are the FIRST dang set of flathead headers that I'm not happy with (and I started with Sandy Belond original stuff 45 years ago). I never took the time to do this when I was a youngster - always is a SUPER HURRY to drive the car . . . and headers were always one big thing in the way of my road-worthy aspirations.