So I finally had the tubes needed to adapt a pair of Hartge headers to my y-pipe and 2.5" exhaust fabricated. Since I wasn't sure whether the headers could be removed from the car with the adapter pipes, I had some u-tabs welded on in lieu of welding. Well, I was able to remove the headers/adapters as individual units this afternoon, so it turns out they could have been welded together after all.

Welding the headers to the pipes would eliminate a potential source of future leaks (although I don't believe they leak now), but the u-tab setups should allow a bit of movement within the slip joints, and would retain resale if I ever decide to sell them. Any opinions? I don't know much about *proper* header fabrication, and would like to do the job right the first time. I'd also like to send everything to Swain on Monday, so I have to decide what to do with them this weekend.

Thanks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/E30_Racer/325is/IMG_3501.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/E30_Racer/325is/IMG_3493.jpg

nice job on the fabrication......nice headers too.......looks like a burns collector....?

your setup as pictured will work fine and should not leak. This design should also put less stress on the header flange. Header Pipes usually crack where they are welded to the flange plate. Sometimes due to to much weight on the headers. So making a detachable system like you pictured should help avoid this......