Buddy has bent header from rollover two seasons back, basically pressed one closer to engine. No leaks, just cosmetic. Redline motor, basic silver colored header. Anyone heat and bend these things back or is that useless?


Thanks

Need a couple of pics to answer that question.

Tripod is right, need some pics to see the damage. I bent one side about 1.5'' out with the heavy turbo housing from some good jumps. I clamped the flange to a 2" thk. fabrication table and put a nylon lifting strap around the turbo flange and used a 10 ton crane to very slowly pull the header back in shape. It took several pulls as we went slow and had some rebound, was hoping not to collapse the tubing. It came out perfect and right on the money, so theres hope depending on the damage. Good Luck.

Isn't there also a way you can pressurize the tube to push out the dent? or will it crack the tube instead?

Depending on the dent, you can use water....

This works good for 2-stroke motorcycle headpipes so I would think that depending on the shape and material used, it would work on car headers.

Based on the shape of the tube with a dent in it, fill the tube with water in the area where the dent is and put it in the freezer. Let it freeze for a day and then take it out and let it thaw.....repeat the process. It might take several cycles but you'd be amazed at the dents it will take out.

I have heard of that but never seen it. Probably would have to heat it up to get it malleable. You might also be able to cut and re-weld it straight.

A buddy had the same mishap! Just backed his truck up to the header, wraped a tow strap around the bent header and around the hitch. Put it in 1st and slowly bent it back. It took a few pulls, and you need to measure amount of reflection. But you can't even tell!!

Hope this helps

Never would have thought of this but it seems like it should work. Great Info!

Thanks for the info.!

I don't have any pics handy, buddy lives 20 miles away.

Bascally the bent side (end of exhaust tube) sits up higher/closer than the other when looking at it from behind, no dents on side of tubing.

I'll pass it on.