header sidepipe connection

[JL1924]

Purchased a Shell Valley Kit through Team C Racing in Connecticut in July. Looking for some information on headers and sidepipes. The kit came with 302 headers and a set of chrome sidepipes. Looks like there are 8 small tubes that fit into the sidepipes and then the header tubes fit into the 8 small tubes. My question is, what keeps them together? I realize I will have the sidepipes connected to the frame and the headers bolted to the engine, but during periods of acceleration, is there anything necessary to keep the connections snug when the engine moves to the right under torque. The reason I ask, is if it is necessary to weld spring tabs of some sort on the headers and side pipes, I would rather know it before I have the headers coated. Any info on this subject appreciated. Thanks.

JL1924@optonline.net

[Richard Hudgins]

JL1924,

You will need to weld on spring tabs.

You only need them on two pipes. I recommend front upper and rear lower.

[Sean Comerford]

designengineering.com sells a stainless steel bracket for four into four exhausts. I'm thinking of getting them for my Backdraft. The brackets join the sidepipes to the header pipes. They are inexpensive and look good too.