Talk me into installing Shorty Headers to fix exhaust manifold leak!

[RocketFoot]

So, I have been thinking about shorty headers for my 2013 5.7 Hemi...looks like I could get a set of headers installed for around the same price as letting the dealership replace the manifold gaskets!

My exhaust is bone stock right now so would the shorties drop right in and hook up to the factory pipes? What is better...chrome or ceramic coated? I don't care about performance gains...I just want that damn tick fixed!

Is this what you guys would recommend or should I just get the gaskets fixed? Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Dan98]

Probably 200 for shorty headers 25 for gaskets all new header bolts don't forget 4 flange bolts for head pipe that will indeed bolt up to shorty headers in the stock location. That's it

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[Dan98]

I don't know that they put gaskets on stock exhaust manifolds to answer the. Important question of what would I do. I switched 2 shorty headers a long time ago when all my exhaust good I just wanted to so I guess hell yeah man I would do it. Although I believe your exhaust leak is probably a really cheap quick fix for as that goes

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[Hemi395]

If you live in an area with road salt you definitely want at least silver ceramic coated shorties. The titanium ceramic coated ones are the most durable but don't look as good. Make sure to get Stage 8 or ARP bolts. I would highly recommend having someone with a lift install them as well.

I had shorties put on to avoid a broken manifold bolts and because here in MA longtubes are illegal. JBA is the only company I would use for shorties for our trucks.

 

[pacofortacos]

IF you tow much, you might want to ask others how much heat the headers put underhood.

On my 5.9 Dakota, the headers were incredibly hot vs. manifolds when towing - so much so I went back to manifolds.

 

[Tim Garceau]

Stay away from BBK, if you can do longtubes I would highly suggest going that route instead of wasting time with shorties.

JBA has issues with the collector cone on their shorties and there are a few other options that are near longtube price.

The issue with shorties is that the engine and back pipe assembly puts a lot of stress on the fasteners and if the welds aren’t robust, they will fail.

 

[Livinalittle]

Stay away from BBK, if you can do longtubes I would highly suggest going that route instead of wasting time with shorties.

JBA has issues with the collector cone on their shorties and there are a few other options that are near longtube price.

The issue with shorties is that the engine and back pipe assembly puts a lot of stress on the fasteners and if the welds aren’t robust, they will fail.

What brand would you recommend?

 

[Tim Garceau]

JBAs silver ceramic shorties have held up with many members, they just had a quality spill on the cone size that you’ll want to verify before installing.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Curious why does no one consider the SRT manifolds instead of shorty headers? The SRT manifolds are shorty headers no?

 

[Hemi395]

Don't those require some modifications to the ypipe?

 

[Tim Garceau]

The grand Cherokee 6.4 manifolds are close but I believe they need a bit of persuasion to properly seal the factory truck 5.7 y-pipe.

 

[RocketFoot]

I am on a super tight budget...BBK chrome looked good and had lots of good reviews? Again, I am not looking for gains, I just want something inexpensive that will fit well and last for a good while. Will plain chrome be OK?

 

[Pull Ya]

BBK has a horrible track record! They look good if you are going to save money initially but if you have to replace them with something better after they fail, why not spend a little more and do it right the first time. In the end--your money, your call!
Jay

 

[Tim Garceau]

I have a passenger side BBK 4014 if you decide to buy them, driver side leaked at the collector after 8 months.

Here’s what was left of the driver side. Will not honor warranty unless you return, overall poor business. Do not waste your money and especially time.


There is a SS clone on amazon/ebay that might be worth the $200 shot, I know one member is running them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3SHNYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A2XmEbH1KB537

 

[RocketFoot]

I have a passenger side BBK 4014 if you decide to buy them, driver side leaked at the collector after 8 months.

Here’s what was left of the driver side. Will not honor warranty unless you return, overall poor business. Do not waste your money and especially time.
View attachment 193483

There is a SS clone on amazon/ebay that might be worth the $200 shot, I know one member is running them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3SHNYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A2XmEbH1KB537

I'd like to hear more about the Amazon SS clones but I do like the JBA stainless. I found a local shop that will replace both sides for $300 so I might have a few more bills to spend on JBA? The shop says they do them al the time and are good at drilling broken bolts!

 

[Pull Ya]

$300 sounds like a hell of a deal to me---does that include any broken bolts or are they extra?
Jay

 

[RocketFoot]

$300 sounds like a hell of a deal to me---does that include any broken bolts or are they extra?
Jay

He quoted $285 and broken bolt extraction is extra...usually about $10-15 so I just rounded up to $300 estimate.

 

[Wild one]

I am on a super tight budget...BBK chrome looked good and had lots of good reviews? Again, I am not looking for gains, I just want something inexpensive that will fit well and last for a good while. Will plain chrome be OK?

If you're really tight on money,you're cheapest option might be to have the original manifolds resurfaced with new bolts.Once they've warped and taken a set,they are usually good to go by having the manifold resurfaced and new bolts/gaskets installed.

 

[Hemi395]

I am on a super tight budget...BBK chrome looked good and had lots of good reviews? Again, I am not looking for gains, I just want something inexpensive that will fit well and last for a good while. Will plain chrome be OK?

Ask @Brandon-w about BBKs. They rotted out in pretty quickly....

 

[crackerjack1957]

Yes as Rick said, if you on a budget resurface the manifolds.....bolts will not break again.