ot headers to thru transom.

[Riverat84]

just a simple 'is this possible' question... is it practical or even affordable convert my ot headers and construct the 'thru transom' conversion? how would i drill out the holes in the transom? does anyone do this or have? thanx im just curious about this.

[YeLLowBoaT]

Well it would be ez.... depends on what you want on how much it will cost...
If you want a new set of logs and risers about 600(if used WAY less). If you go the "header" option then they start at about a grand and go WAY up from there..
1st thing you need to do is measure
2nd find something that will "work" for your app.
3rd order them.
4th wait till you get them so that you can bolt them up to "find" where you need to put a hole. Unilstall pipes.
5th home depot or lowes trip to get the right size hole saw.
6th cut the holes.
7th take some epoxy and seal up those new holes
8th reinstall pipes and then hook every thing up.

[Riverat84]

interesting...thanx for the info...have you heard of anyhone that has performed this? i'd probably have to go the headers way since my engine is so high end.

[Ralph Brunt]

http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_052-thumb.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_053-thumb.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_047-thumb.jpg

[Ralph Brunt]

sorry about the small pics i'll try againhttp://http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_053-med.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_052-med.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_052-med.jpg

[Cas]

from this
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870engine_in-med.jpg
to through transom headers
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870cas_engine-med.jpg
Header cost- about $800.
hole saw - $20.00
4" exhaust tips - $100.00
4" rubber exhaust hose- $40.00
and about a couple of hours work.

[Riverat84]

so how did you seal the transom permenantly? i dont understand how...did you use clamps? cuz i know you prolly used the rubber hose to connect the pipe to the 2" primaries right? thanx for the reply bud.

[Jetmugg]

There might be some misunderstanding here. You don't want to "convert" your existing headers, do you? While technically possible, this would most likely look like crap. Your existing headers would have to be cut apart and highly customized/welded to dump out through the transom.
What you need to do is either buy new headers that are designed for thru-transom applications, or buy manifolds (logs or center risers) and plumb the exhaust thru the transom. Then you just buy the tips, cut the holes, seal them with silicone, and hook up the exhaust to the tips with the correct hose and clamps.
SteveM.

[Cas]

As Jetmugg said, the headers are already made for the thru transom application. The 2" pipe connect to a 4" collector which is then connected to the exhaust tips by a 4" rubber hose.
Here's a picture of some tips.
http://i17.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/1f/52/37_1.JPG
as you can see, the long end will go thru the holes that were drilled in the transom. Silicone or equivelant sealant is applied to the flange of the tips and they are then inserted thru the transom. Oh wait, you also need to drill 3, maybe 4 holes, in the transom so the threaded studs on the tips can be bolted to hold the tips in place.

[garret]

If you are going to go to thru-transom headers i highly suggest Lightning headers they get you maximum performance and look really good!!

[flat broke]

Riverrat,
My vote would be for jacketed headers if you can afford them. Because you are running a Ford, you'll need adapter plates, but other than that, its straight forward to install them. Order em up, install em, measure where your holes for tips will be, drill the holes, installe the tips and use 4" rubber hose to connect the header to the tip.
Your best bang for the buck on headers is either going to be a set of Lightnings from www.boatheaders.com (Lightning can take the measurements off your particular setup and weld up a set that will clear everything), or a set of CMI unitops when you can find them on sale. Because Lightning makes the adapter plate for the 460, I would lean towards their headers in this application.
You can go with through the transom Bassetts or Rewarders (an injected header like your current OTs) but if you're going to go through the transom, you might was well go jacketed, not have to worry about T'valves, gate valves, etc. And enjoy lower ambient temps in the rear seating area.
As Hack Job about em when you talk to him later this week.
Chris

[Riverat84]

There might be some misunderstanding here. You don't want to "convert" your existing headers, do you? While technically possible, this would most likely look like crap. Your existing headers would have to be cut apart and highly customized/welded to dump out through the transom.
What you need to do is either buy new headers that are designed for thru-transom applications, or buy manifolds (logs or center risers) and plumb the exhaust thru the transom. Then you just buy the tips, cut the holes, seal them with silicone, and hook up the exhaust to the tips with the correct hose and clamps.
SteveM.
oh no not at all! i know all about the headers of course i gotta buy new ones, its perfectly obvious, i just want to know if the conversion is possible/popular...thanx though bud.

[Riverat84]

Riverrat,
My vote would be for jacketed headers if you can afford them. Because you are running a Ford, you'll need adapter plates, but other than that, its straight forward to install them. Order em up, install em, measure where your holes for tips will be, drill the holes, installe the tips and use 4" rubber hose to connect the header to the tip.
Your best bang for the buck on headers is either going to be a set of Lightnings from www.boatheaders.com (Lightning can take the measurements off your particular setup and weld up a set that will clear everything), or a set of CMI unitops when you can find them on sale. Because Lightning makes the adapter plate for the 460, I would lean towards their headers in this application.
You can go with through the transom Bassetts or Rewarders (an injected header like your current OTs) but if you're going to go through the transom, you might was well go jacketed, not have to worry about T'valves, gate valves, etc. And enjoy lower ambient temps in the rear seating area.
As Hack Job about em when you talk to him later this week.
Chris
ok sweet sounds good...sounds like lightning is the way to go if i were to do this...what adapter plates? you mean where the primaries bolt up to the headers? how'd you know i was gonna talk to hack job later this week?...thanx for the good info though! :idea:

[Aluminum Squirt]

I'm not sure if I can make this make sense. After you've measured and re-measured a couple of dozen times and cut the actual holes in the transom, make sure you seal up the fiberglass/wood you have exposed within the transom. Use epoxy or resin, or something some smart guy around here recommends so that your transom doesn't rot out (No first hand experience here, aluminum boats don't rot very quickly :boxed: ). YB mentioned it in step 7, but this is very important. I guess all of its important, but don't let this small, easy to do, cheap step get past you, it will turn into an expensive one if you plan on keeping the boat for awhile. If you don't plan on keeping the boat, then the future owner will thank you. Try to seal up the small holes from the tip hold down screws/bolts too. It's good to seal up any hole you make in fiberglass, makes things last a lot longer-Aluminum Squirt

[SmokinLowriderSS]

ok sweet sounds good...sounds like lightning is the way to go if i were to do this...what adapter plates? you mean where the primaries bolt up to the headers? how'd you know i was gonna talk to hack job later this week?...thanx for the good info though! :idea:
Lighting headers are only made for the Big Block Chevy. To put them on a Big Ford, a set of billet adapter plates are used to adapt the stud-locations & port-match. Unfortunately, it steepens the price
Lightning headers: $1800/pair ballpark
Billet Alum Adapters: $400/pair ballpark
CP Performance carries both.
http://www.cpperformance.com/
Bassets, $2700/pair

[SmokinLowriderSS]

oh no not at all! i know all about the headers of course i gotta buy new ones, its perfectly obvious, i just want to know if the conversion is possible/popular...thanx though bud.
Getting to be more popular all the time it seems. OT Headers seem to be magnets for water-borne cops who wanna talk to ya about all kinds of stuff like mufflers, fire extenguishers, PFD's, etc. They never seem to just want to gab a bit, admire a nice gel-coat job, drool over a well chromed muscle-motor, and pop a beer with ya.

[garret]

Lighting headers are only made for the Big Block Chevy. To put them on a Big Ford, a set of billet adapter plates are used to adapt the stud-locations & port-match. Unfortunately, it steepens the price
Lightning headers: $1800/pair ballpark
Billet Alum Adapters: $400/pair ballpark
CP Performance carries both.
http://www.cpperformance.com/
Bassets, $2700/pair
Yes lightnings are very expensive but definatly the way to go! The Bassets get hot just like your Ot headers do and with the Lighnings you get the saftey and the performance. I have not done any test with the bassets but i was told they dont give you the performance that the lightning or your OT headers give you.

[Riverat84]

Lighting headers are only made for the Big Block Chevy. To put them on a Big Ford, a set of billet adapter plates are used to adapt the stud-locations & port-match. Unfortunately, it steepens the price
Lightning headers: $1800/pair ballpark
Billet Alum Adapters: $400/pair ballpark
CP Performance carries both.
http://www.cpperformance.com/
Bassets, $2700/pair
ha...ouch! thats a hefty price, but not that bad when it comes to the whole thing...thanx for the info...i do have cops staring at me when my engine's off waiting for me to fire it up, then i dont and they get sad haha whatever thanx for the info.

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Yes lightnings are very expensive but definatly the way to go! The Bassets get hot just like your Ot headers do and with the Lighnings you get the saftey and the performance. I have not done any test with the bassets but i was told they dont give you the performance that the lightning or your OT headers give you.
The $2700 ones from Bassett are fully jacketed, just like Lightnings. I have been told the Bassets are a bit better put together (someone's opinion) and that the Basset tri-y's are actually a differing tube length tuned header which SHOULD give a slight performance edge to the Bassets. I have not tested both, have not seen dyno runs of both, so I cannot say much there. Lightning does claim more power gain than anyone else, just as everyone claims more gain that everyone else, advertising fluff there. I an certain they will be better than my old logs.
New logs @ CP Perf .... looking at $1300 there too, large snails included (but buy seperately, logs about $900 a set, big snails about $400/set).

[PC Rat]

I have a pair of Big Block Chevy Hardin Exhaust Manifolds for sale if anyone is interested.
http://www.jetheaven.us/photopost/data/500/98Hardin_Manifold-med.JPG
Also For Sale:

[garret]

The $2700 ones from Bassett are fully jacketed, just like Lightnings. I have been told the Bassets are a bit better put together (someone's opinion) and that the Basset tri-y's are actually a differing tube length tuned header which SHOULD give a slight performance edge to the Bassets. I have not tested both, have not seen dyno runs of both, so I cannot say much there. Lightning does claim more power gain than anyone else, just as everyone claims more gain that everyone else, advertising fluff there. I an certain they will be better than my old logs.
New logs @ CP Perf .... looking at $1300 there too, large snails included (but buy seperately, logs about $900 a set, big snails about $400/set).
I am ssorry i wasnt aware of Basset's new jacketed headers only heard really good stuff and the sound bad ass when you really get on the throttle! I am going to have to look into those basset's and see what they are about!

[jtmarten]

Question on this subject. Does anyone make TT headers that can be used in a closed engine bay? I'd like to go from logs to headers, but don't want to lose the sun pad. Every listing for TT headers I've seen have a disclaimer against using them in a closed compartment.
Thanks!

[YeLLowBoaT]

Any water JACKETED headers should be ok.

[nobling]

Ive got an extra set of lightning headers That are 2in drops with all hardware.
I ran them for 40 hrs. $ 700.00 and there yours! This post reminded me that I still had them collecting dust...Pm me if interested..

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Question on this subject. Does anyone make TT headers that can be used in a closed engine bay? I'd like to go from logs to headers, but don't want to lose the sun pad. Every listing for TT headers I've seen have a disclaimer against using them in a closed compartment.
Thanks!
Yes, any of the JACKETED headers should be fine. I have heard they actually have a slightly lower surface temp than the logs, but I fail to see how since the logs got lake-water cold & the headers get it heated from the engine. You reverse the plumbing slightly. The INJECTED TT headers would be a no-no on a covered engine. The thin tubing may transfer heat better than the thick Al. castings.
The Taylor in my avatar has a sundeck over the engine & I am keeping it.

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Hi-perf manifolds from IMCO:
http://www.imcomarine.com/pages/exhuast.html
Dana FLO-TORQUE manifolds:
http://www.boatexhaust.com/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemID=24&ITEMNAME=Big%20Block%20Chevy%20Manifold%20EX1000&ALLPAGE=1
Keith Eickert Cyclone Headers:
http://www.keitheickert.com/products/Exhaust/cyclone-header.htm
CP Performance carries Hardin & Lightning, others also:
http://www.cpperformance.com/products/Exhaust/default.htm
Just some of what is out there.

[Dana Marine Products]

Good link on boatexhaust.com. Unfortunately they don't have up to date pricing. Their pricing is way high on our systems. Also try to keep in mind you want to buy a system that will last a while. Steel headers or half steel/half stainless headers typically don't live very long. Performance is only one aspect to look for when exhaust shopping. Spend the money once on something that will last for 15 years +.

[fujimo]

Many thanks to nobling!you're a standup guy ,man am i stoked got the lightnig headers on now its time for some cutting an fitting. then i need to get them jet hot coated or powdercoated thanks Roy

[SmokinLowriderSS]

The outside of those lightnings should stay cool enough to not need any exotic hi-temp coatings as they are water jacketed all the way to part way down the collectors.

[HotDogz]

P/U 300 rpm with these Bassett tri-Ys just boltin em on. Kinda pricey but they run cool and sound nice. They are SS, so if there is any discoloration, just polish em out. :)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/2806DSC01531-med.JPG

[Klinger]

I know this is and old post but converting over transom to thru transom headers is what i did. I had logs at first then my cousin gave me over transom headers but i wanted the performance of the header and the quiet at idle too so i went and bought 4" mandrel bends and welded them together myself. about 300 bucks in the whole deal after ceramic coating. heres some pics......
http://a282.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00712/18/27/712487281_l.jpg
http://a596.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00712/59/57/712537595_l.jpg

[LGCDEVIL]

That actually doesn't look too gross.

[SmokinLowriderSS]

No, it doesn't. Nicely done. :)

[Klinger]

Bump Sleeper

[Screemy1]

I did this to my Haskell, just used logs since I am running stock 454... went from a little over 70 mph to 66 at best this last summer with hand held gps. The absolute best upgrade to an old jet for my application of boat (family fun) no more burned arms, hands, or ropes.... now can have conversation when engine running......!:) I had to modify the rear transome overhang because the engine sat back and would not clear the log on the right side.... but still looks very good, just a little more work then I had originally thought.:eek:

[H20MOFO]

if you go water injected make sure you reroute all or part of your dump line to the bungs on your collectors instead of thru the transom,or you will have as much fun burning off the rubber hose that connects the header to the tip as i did. smells good too. i couldn't figure it out a few months ago and CAS set me straight.

[gr16241]

Ive got an extra set of lightning headers That are 2in drops with all hardware.
I ran them for 40 hrs. $ 700.00 and there yours! This post reminded me that I still had them collecting dust...Pm me if interested..
That is a steal for someone! You will not find a better price on a set of used Lightning Headers. I made the switch this year from logs to Lightnings and am verry happy. You will pick up rpm's and they sound awesome. I also have a set of Hardin Marine logs, risers and 3" bell tips for sale if anyone is interested. PM if you would like.

[Rebel]

http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/502/12022sea_doo_and_boat_lb_8-05_052-med.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870cas_engine-med.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc103/gixxer-squid/P8212751.jpg
I really like these headers, have some myself, but... Wish they were just a couple of inches farther away from motor :(
Rebel

[Sleeper CP]

Bump Sleeper
Thanks, I hope he can get some good info from it.
[IMG]like these headers, have some myself, but... Wish they were just a couple of inches farther away from motor :(
Rebel
Kind of makes getting to the valve cover nuts a bitch doesn't it:(
I have a set of BBC Bassets on my A-460 Ford Heads
Sleeper CP
Big Inch Ford Lover

[Ken F]

Quite a lot of fun changing spark plugs too isnt' it?? LOL
Mine are BT "B" heads.
Ken F

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Quite a lot of fun changing spark plugs too isnt it?? LOL
Mine are BT "B" heads.
Ken F
My 454 spark plugs are easy access.
Removing the valve covers, and the wire loom route BETWEEN the valve covers and the headers is not so easy. ;)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/robertryan/AaronsSS-9.jpg

[Sleeper CP]

Quite a lot of fun changing spark plugs too isnt' it?? LOL
Mine are BT "B" heads.
Ken F
I used to use a 1/4" drive racket w/ a 3/8th adapter for the plug wrench. I finally bought a T-handle swevle (sp) wrench deal that can go 3 different directions at once,should have purchased one years ago.
Makes life much easier:D :D :D
Sleeper CP
Big Inch Ford Lover