Stainless Power Headers - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

zkengo · 04-03-2012, 08:38 PM

I just unpacked my new Stainless Power headers. I have some concerns about installing them. It came with rtv sealant which i have no intention of using. I will be reusing factory gm gasket. My concern is I`m not sure they will seal properly without some minor touch ups. On both headers, the welds on the primaries at the flange bother me. On a couple of the primaries the openings are perfectly flush with no weld protruding. On the rest it looks like I need to use a Dremel to smooth it out. Should I grind it flush or do you think it will seal ok against the factory gaskets. Here are some pics taken with my Android phone.

Camarowguy · 04-03-2012, 09:08 PM

If it were me, I'd flatten them with a big machinists file.

2012ZL1 · 04-04-2012, 01:30 AM

the flange needs to be flat and true.

*radz28* · 04-04-2012, 10:57 AM

Yeah - find a true file and just make sure they're flat. It's better safe than sorry. Those don't look too bad anyways

zkengo · 04-04-2012, 11:30 AM

Thanks guys I just wasn`t sure about grinding the weld down. With them being welded overseas I wasn`t sure how deep the weld would be or how good. The welds look very clean but on a couple as you can see it looks a little sloppy. 1 of the ports looks like someone used a deburing bit and got a little carried away. As far as the rest of the headers, they look badass. The hi-flow cats that come in the kit look awesome.

SlingShot · 04-04-2012, 11:40 AM

You'll have to use a grinder or belt sander, a file won't work on the weld.

2012ZL1 · 04-04-2012, 03:43 PM

How much were these headers? I just got a stainless set that looks the same (minus the welding errors on the flange) for 299.95

zkengo · 04-04-2012, 09:07 PM

Stainless Power (Stainless Works) 1 7/8 with 3" slipfit collector, 3" hi-flo cats, O2 extentions, 3" to 2.5" reducers with o2 bungs, plus clamps and bolts $799 shipped. Had them ship to a buddy`s Florida address and he brought them up to Ottawa when he came back from vacation.(No duty,No tax and no f***in rip off brokerage fees). I was going to go with a set of TSP but they told me that the kit didn`t come with rear o2 bungs.

ZO6 Bryan · 04-05-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zkengo

Thanks guys I just wasn`t sure about grinding the weld down. With them being welded overseas I wasn`t sure how deep the weld would be or how good. The welds look very clean but on a couple as you can see it looks a little sloppy. 1 of the ports looks like someone used a deburing bit and got a little carried away. As far as the rest of the headers, they look badass. The hi-flow cats that come in the kit look awesome.

Why were they welded overseas. Isn't Stainless Works in Ohio. I'd be sending them back. Looks like they didn't finish the flange surface after welding. Every decent set of headers I've seen has the flange machined flat after the welds are done. Headers are a pain in the ass to install and those look like they will leak and be ticking all the time. RTV will seal initially but ultimatly would be blown out by exhaust pressure.

ZO6 Bryan · 04-05-2012, 08:09 AM

Actually it looks like the flange WAS machined flat and they went back and re-welded a couple tubes.

zkengo · 04-05-2012, 08:19 AM

Stainless Works has another brand called Stainless Power. They started this line to compete with chinese knock offs. They send the flanges and the prebent pipe overseas and have them welded to their specs, then ship them back to Ohio. This apparently save them a lot of money, so they`re able to sell them cheaper.

2012ZL1 · 04-07-2012, 05:50 PM

cheaper yet are the same headers from MBS...299.95
Mine came in and they are awesome. SS, merge collectors, installs to stock pipes,02 bungs installed, studs and gaskets not silicone.

zkengo · 04-08-2012, 06:54 PM

They are exactly the same as their Stainless Works headers. Exact same tubes and flanges just that they are assembled overseas. They also have the merge spike. They look nothing like yours. Yours look just like the Borla`s. Can`t install cats on them unless you want to hack them up. Stainless Power/Stainless work don`t have the same fitment issues I read about the MBS on another thread. I took a straight edge to mine and it wasn`t to bad around the welds. Took a dremel with a stone bit smoothed them right out.

2012ZL1 · 04-12-2012, 11:06 AM

Oh.
Well they look like the ones you recently pictured, except the collectors are merge collectors on mine not like the box collector on the stainless works.
Slip on cats as you pictured are no problem on the MBS, although I am not using any anyway so doesn't matter to me.
Straight edge mine are perfect exactly true. I always split the flanges on all headers anyway as are the oem's, so I never have a leak problem on any headers flat or not.
Not diss'in your headers in any way, just offering an alternative idea that I have had good luck with so far anyway. Haven't installed them, so we will see.....
btw I don't see them on their site anymore, so maybe discontinued?

04-03-2012, 08:38 PM	#1
zkengo Drives: 2010 Camaro SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 62 View My Garage	Stainless Power Headers I just unpacked my new Stainless Power headers. I have some concerns about installing them. It came with rtv sealant which i have no intention of using. I will be reusing factory gm gasket. My concern is I`m not sure they will seal properly without some minor touch ups. On both headers, the welds on the primaries at the flange bother me. On a couple of the primaries the openings are perfectly flush with no weld protruding. On the rest it looks like I need to use a Dremel to smooth it out. Should I grind it flush or do you think it will seal ok against the factory gaskets. Here are some pics taken with my Android phone. Attached Images Last edited by zkengo; 04-03-2012 at 11:44 PM.

04-03-2012, 09:08 PM	#2
Camarowguy Drives: 2011 imperial blue SS, black 92 RS Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Denham Springs Posts: 2,580	If it were me, I'd flatten them with a big machinists file. __________________ 2011 imperial blue SS/RS a6 12.43@112 vararam, tune, jba cats, magnaflow axle back, self ported tb, under drive pulley, NO headers, Stock tires. 1.87 60ft. Stock tires. SOLD :( 2000 1500 silverado extra cab SOLD :( 2017 Silverado 5.3 all stock 2004 5.7 GTO 78mm turbo

04-04-2012, 01:30 AM	#3
2012ZL1 CaRaHoLiC Drives: '12 ZL1,67 Cam,68 Biscayne 427 4 sp Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,701	the flange needs to be flat and true. __________________ 2012 ZL1 2.55 upper, 10" lower pullies, Innovators west billet hub and sfi balancer, solid blower drive isolator, 50 mm idler kit, full length S/S headers no cats, comp cams custom grind cam, comp roller rocker trunion kit, comp push rods,dual valve springs retainers and locks, Injector dynamics ID850 inectors, Rotofab ZL1 cold air kit, Lingenfelter 160 thermostat, Rotofab intercooler reservoir, stock plugs, LS7 90mm throttle body, GTO clutch reservoir mod, my own custom catch can, Tuning by Jannetty, install by me.

04-04-2012, 10:57 AM	#4
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,192 View My Garage	Yeah - find a true file and just make sure they're flat. It's better safe than sorry. Those don't look too bad anyways __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

04-04-2012, 11:30 AM	#5
zkengo Drives: 2010 Camaro SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 62 View My Garage	Thanks guys I just wasn`t sure about grinding the weld down. With them being welded overseas I wasn`t sure how deep the weld would be or how good. The welds look very clean but on a couple as you can see it looks a little sloppy. 1 of the ports looks like someone used a deburing bit and got a little carried away. As far as the rest of the headers, they look badass. The hi-flow cats that come in the kit look awesome. Attached Images Last edited by zkengo; 04-04-2012 at 11:32 AM. Reason: spelling

04-04-2012, 11:40 AM	#6
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 8,009	You'll have to use a grinder or belt sander, a file won't work on the weld. __________________

04-04-2012, 03:43 PM	#7
2012ZL1 CaRaHoLiC Drives: '12 ZL1,67 Cam,68 Biscayne 427 4 sp Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,701	How much were these headers? I just got a stainless set that looks the same (minus the welding errors on the flange) for 299.95 __________________ 2012 ZL1 2.55 upper, 10" lower pullies, Innovators west billet hub and sfi balancer, solid blower drive isolator, 50 mm idler kit, full length S/S headers no cats, comp cams custom grind cam, comp roller rocker trunion kit, comp push rods,dual valve springs retainers and locks, Injector dynamics ID850 inectors, Rotofab ZL1 cold air kit, Lingenfelter 160 thermostat, Rotofab intercooler reservoir, stock plugs, LS7 90mm throttle body, GTO clutch reservoir mod, my own custom catch can, Tuning by Jannetty, install by me.

04-04-2012, 09:07 PM	#8
zkengo Drives: 2010 Camaro SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 62 View My Garage	Stainless Power (Stainless Works) 1 7/8 with 3" slipfit collector, 3" hi-flo cats, O2 extentions, 3" to 2.5" reducers with o2 bungs, plus clamps and bolts $799 shipped. Had them ship to a buddy`s Florida address and he brought them up to Ottawa when he came back from vacation.(No duty,No tax and no f***in rip off brokerage fees). I was going to go with a set of TSP but they told me that the kit didn`t come with rear o2 bungs.

04-05-2012, 08:09 AM	#10
ZO6 Bryan Drives: 02 Z06, 95 Trans Am, 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southeast Posts: 1,838 View My Garage	Actually it looks like the flange WAS machined flat and they went back and re-welded a couple tubes.

04-05-2012, 08:19 AM	#11
zkengo Drives: 2010 Camaro SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 62 View My Garage	Stainless Works has another brand called Stainless Power. They started this line to compete with chinese knock offs. They send the flanges and the prebent pipe overseas and have them welded to their specs, then ship them back to Ohio. This apparently save them a lot of money, so they`re able to sell them cheaper.

04-07-2012, 05:50 PM	#12
2012ZL1 CaRaHoLiC Drives: '12 ZL1,67 Cam,68 Biscayne 427 4 sp Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,701	cheaper yet are the same headers from MBS...299.95 Mine came in and they are awesome. SS, merge collectors, installs to stock pipes,02 bungs installed, studs and gaskets not silicone. __________________ 2012 ZL1 2.55 upper, 10" lower pullies, Innovators west billet hub and sfi balancer, solid blower drive isolator, 50 mm idler kit, full length S/S headers no cats, comp cams custom grind cam, comp roller rocker trunion kit, comp push rods,dual valve springs retainers and locks, Injector dynamics ID850 inectors, Rotofab ZL1 cold air kit, Lingenfelter 160 thermostat, Rotofab intercooler reservoir, stock plugs, LS7 90mm throttle body, GTO clutch reservoir mod, my own custom catch can, Tuning by Jannetty, install by me.

04-08-2012, 06:54 PM	#13
zkengo Drives: 2010 Camaro SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa Ontario Posts: 62 View My Garage	They are exactly the same as their Stainless Works headers. Exact same tubes and flanges just that they are assembled overseas. They also have the merge spike. They look nothing like yours. Yours look just like the Borla`s. Can`t install cats on them unless you want to hack them up. Stainless Power/Stainless work don`t have the same fitment issues I read about the MBS on another thread. I took a straight edge to mine and it wasn`t to bad around the welds. Took a dremel with a stone bit smoothed them right out. Attached Images

04-12-2012, 11:06 AM	#14
2012ZL1 CaRaHoLiC Drives: '12 ZL1,67 Cam,68 Biscayne 427 4 sp Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,701	Oh. Well they look like the ones you recently pictured, except the collectors are merge collectors on mine not like the box collector on the stainless works. Slip on cats as you pictured are no problem on the MBS, although I am not using any anyway so doesn't matter to me. Straight edge mine are perfect exactly true. I always split the flanges on all headers anyway as are the oem's, so I never have a leak problem on any headers flat or not. Not diss'in your headers in any way, just offering an alternative idea that I have had good luck with so far anyway. Haven't installed them, so we will see..... btw I don't see them on their site anymore, so maybe discontinued? __________________ 2012 ZL1 2.55 upper, 10" lower pullies, Innovators west billet hub and sfi balancer, solid blower drive isolator, 50 mm idler kit, full length S/S headers no cats, comp cams custom grind cam, comp roller rocker trunion kit, comp push rods,dual valve springs retainers and locks, Injector dynamics ID850 inectors, Rotofab ZL1 cold air kit, Lingenfelter 160 thermostat, Rotofab intercooler reservoir, stock plugs, LS7 90mm throttle body, GTO clutch reservoir mod, my own custom catch can, Tuning by Jannetty, install by me.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New Camaro Exterior and Interior Stainless Steel Trim Parts from RPI Designs!	RPI Designs	Cosmetics and Lighting Modification Discussions	36	04-02-2020 05:32 PM
WOW!!! New Stainless Power Line Headers	JANNETTYRACING	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	87	04-16-2015 11:59 AM
Stainless Power headers by Stainless Works sound amazing! Video Clip	The SwiftChancelor	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	5	02-28-2012 06:41 AM
Stainless Power by Stainless Works V8 Camaro Headers w/DiabloSport Predator $1199.00	Xplosive Performance	V8 Bolt-Ons & Tunes	20	12-01-2011 04:23 AM
Stainless Power by Stainless Works V8 Camaro Headers starting at $699.00	Xplosive Performance	Local Marketplace	1	11-19-2011 06:31 PM