I would sooner put a dent in a tube in the Spruell header than used a header from Vick.

 

I can't say I have any experience with the Vick header but the Spruel header I installed on a hot rod 1750 was a work of art. It was a tight fit but like Ed said, stick with it even if you have modify it a bit.

 

I just installed a Vick Header on my Spider a few weeks ago. Looks great, no noticeable difference in HP, although top end seems slightly better. The fitment had to be messed with a bit the first exhaust was off a little. Used the Centerline HD gasket.

 

I just installed a Vick Header on my Spider a few weeks ago. Looks great, no noticeable difference in HP, although top end seems slightly better. The fitment had to be messed with a bit the first exhaust was off a little. Used the Centerline HD gasket.

Did you check that the ports in the header align accurately with those on the head?

 

Headers

I would sooner put a dent in a tube in the Spruell header than used a header from Vick.

This is the race car that has the Jim Steck 228 HP engine in it now. Jim`s intake system is about 3/4" longer than the stock Alfa manifold/rubber mount sys and there is now only 1/4 inch clearance on the intake side with the engine tilted to the passenger side in order to get the 1/8 inch clearance on the exh side. When originally installed, the engine was forced hard on the steering box. (and left that way) To get it off the box I installed a 1/4 inch alum plate under the left motor mount to get the 1/8 inch clearance.

The other serious issue is the motor & trans is angled to the right side, leaving the drive train seriously mis-aligned. And the guibo is the point of misalignment. Guibos are not for absorbing mis-alignment and fail in such applications.

Bottom line, is with the driveline centered as it should be, two of the tubes would have to be sectioned out (cut away) an inch deep to get back to 1/8 inch clearance.

Other issue is the head cannot be removed without removing the airbox, and right motor mount and lifting the engine and forcing it to the right side. Not a race weekend friendly way, if a head gasket needs changing.

My engine (from the water tube bulge) measures 5.75" to the steering box edge. Haye`s engine is 6.25" leaned over and mis aligned.
Anyone running these headers have a measurement (if your car has the driveline centered & straight)
Or a pic of the headers and collector (this one is 4 into 1)

 

Andy Kesss has nice looking headers - Performatek - Online Catalog

I remember that IAP headers did not match the ports properly and the pipes exited at an angle Russ Neely wrote about them. Since then I have been wary of catalog headers.

 

I thinks it is important to report that the header is similar to a Spruell design but it isn't a Spruell design. Others have offered images of a tight but good fit with the Spruell header. Thanks for the suggestion on Performatek as I hadn't looked there. Talking with RJ and Jim Steck to determine what to do.

 

The Shankle headers on my Spider are about 20 years old and they are well designed. A used set might be a good solution if you can find them.
Alfaholics sell good headers but they are only listed as part of a complete exhaust system. 180out has them. Maybe they will sell the headers separately - https://www.alfaholics.com/race-par...m/race-parts/105-series/exhausts/alfaholics-stainless-steel-sports-exhaust-160/

 

AlfaParticle, I had a local muffler shop install it. I was there when they put it on. We originally used the gaskets supplied by Vicks, and all seemed to line up fine. After a few days of aggressive driving the first port started leaking. I ordered the HD gasket from Centerline, and had the shop reinstall. The first exhaust on header didnt seem to seal well, so they bent it slightly. Now so far all is well in Alfa world with the header.

 

FWIW, the clearance between Shankle headers and a ZF steering box on my Spider is 0.5". The closest pipe is #4. There is a lot more clearance on the other 3 pipes.

 

Unknown headers

Here`s pics. Anyone know what they are?