Changing to Doug's D453s

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Duster_71

Duster_71

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Hello Guys,

Looking for some input regarding headers. “I know, I know”, I’m replacing my 318 with a 360/408 in the 74 Duster and it has PWR Steering and auto 727 with column shift. It currently has a set of the generic or cheapo “????” headers. You know the ones that all look the same whether their hooker’s, headman’s. etc. you know the ones that hang below the steering components and get banged up all the time. Anyway, I was thinking about switching to Doug’s D453s and started to wonder if I would have to modify the existing exhaust to match up with the collector. Has anyone replaced one of these cheap set of headers with Doug’s and if so what additional changes did you have to make? By the way, the car was a slant 6 car and has the motor mount kit, not sure if it matters, thanks
 
I got them on my 71 dart that was a /6 conversion with the mounts, power steering, 340/727. I have a manual valve body so I can't comment on it they would work with the linkage. Lots of room up top for changing plugs, really tight underneath for the starter (have to use a mini starter) and one header has to be loose to install the transmission. I also have another set I used in mock up on a 72 duster with a 4 speed. They fit that application too. I'll get you a couple pic's if you want them.
 
I am in the process of changing the cheapies to dougs as we speak. I have a 904 trans with a 360. The exhaust does have to be modified or at least mine does. From the looks of mine I have to have new pipes made from the header to the mufflers.
 
I have a set with a 4 speed. Other than modifying the Z Bar (required) and the headers hitting two nubs on the bell housing at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions they fit great. Now mine did leak at the welds at the ports and I had to send them back but they honored it and shipped them back, or sent me new ones. Its easy to see black soot on the shiny ceramic. So keep you proof of purchase.
 
Here's a pic of the ports. Added plus to the Doug's, nothing runs thru the tubes on the drivers side.

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How about the install. Do you have to jack up the motor to get them to go up in?
 
You're gonna have to move the old pipes. How hard that is depends on how your exhaust system is built. Might not be that bad, or it might involve a bunch of cutting and welding. The Doug's will be much closer to the bottom of the car than the old cheapy headers. They give far better ground clearance. But that also means the collectors won't be in the same spot.

As for install, yeah, the engine has to be raised up off the engine mounts. On my car I also slid the torsion bar back, had the starter out, and even loosened up the steering box on the driver's side. But I have a Milodon road race pan with a big kick out and a Flaming river manual steering box that's a different size/shape than the original box. And 4 speed linkage, Z-bar, etc. So mine has a few extra headaches. On my car it would be easier to drop the whole engine and K, install the headers, and then install everything together from the bottom.
 
i spend a few months at a place called bilt-rite in russleville kentucky, just shy of the tennesee border
thats where i picked that term up
 
diymirage said:
i spend a few months at a place called bilt-rite in russleville kentucky, just shy of the tennesee border
thats where i picked that term up
Click to expand...
Home sweet home!! :D I forgot you use to live here. If you're ever passing through and wanna see the area again just hit me up. The plant you worked at isn't there anymore though, they're finishing the by-pass and it goes right through where the plant was
 
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