dieselolds81

Hi guys.Thanks for your help on the water pump situation.Now I have a question about exhaust headers and what would fit my vehicle with little hassle.I have a 1978 Chevy 1/2 ton 4wd with the 81 olds diesel.I’d like to put a set of headers on it but I really don’t know what would fit since there are so many applications for Oldsmobile engines.I’m also wondering about starter motor interference since I’ll be using the newer gear reduction starter.If you guys could point me in the right direction I’d appreciate it.Thanks again.

redoldsman

Do headers really benefit a diesel? I have never heard of putting headers on a diesel.

olds 307 and 403

Chinese A body headers might fit. It has been years since I have been under a 4wd. My truck and the former Olds Diesel trucks were all 2WD. I used Flowtech A body headers on my 2WD 78 1/2 ton. One tube on the passenger side was close to the frame. I would avoid Flowtech as they are a poor quality header. They rust quickly and have thin flanges. Were does the front drive shaft route?

dieselolds81

Thanks for the response guys.I appreciate it.I just wanted to improve things under the hood a little by getting the engine to flow the exhaust gases a little better.I figured headers might help but I’m certainly no expert in that department.

This engine was in a C10 2wd truck at one point but my father wanted the olds diesel installed into a 4wd chassis instead.The front driveshaft is on the right side when sitting inside the vehicle.We were using stock exhaust manifolds all along but now the exhaust system needs some work as some of the pipes are rusted away and I’d like to try something different and lay the stock manifolds aside if I could.

joe_padavano

Improving airflow into and out of any engine always helps.

olds 307 and 403

The 4x4 throws an extra challenge into the mix. If you can find the cheap Chinese stainless steel full length on Ebay, they are worth a shot. Thick flanges and nice welds. Mine hits the motor mount on the driver's side, heat and persuading will be needed. Others have had zero issues. One guy installed them in a G body with very little modifications. There are Sanderson, Hedman and Thornton shorties but the gains will be less over full length headers. Good luck.

dieselolds81

Perfect.Thanks for the replies everyone.I will browse eBay and see what I can find.

Olds64

Isn't the engine in your truck a 4.3l v6? Would any of the SBO headers fit since they're designed for a v8?

If so, I suggest you go to a specialty exhaust shop and inquire if they can fabricate headers for your truck.

FWIW, headers on a Ford 6.9l/7.3l IDI diesel engine are a rare upgrade. The best power adder for an IDI diesel is a turbo.

joe_padavano

No, he's adapting the V6 diesel serpentine system and water pump to a V8. The only Olds diesel in the full size trucks was the 350.

Olds64

DOH!

Adapting gas SBO headers to a diesel SBO makes more sense. Good luck with the upgrade.

dieselolds81

Thanks guys.I noticed the A body being mentioned here.What year or years and type Oldsmobile car would that fall into?Thanks once again.

Chris

joe_padavano

1964-81 Cutlass. Of course, the 64-67 cars take different headers than the 68-77 cars, which take different headers than the 78-81 cars.

dieselolds81

Thanks joe.I appreciate the reply.I will browse eBay and see what I can find.Hopefully I can get something that’ll fit with little issue.

dieselolds81

Olds307 and 403,

Do you have a part number for the flow tech headers you used on your C10 2wd?Thanks

olds 307 and 403

PMD you. I believe it was Flowtech 11151 now discontinued in the 1 5/8" primary tube. The 11150 1 3/4" primary tubes should fit the same. I think the Hooker 3901 would be a better header to try, just better made. It may be trial and error or modification with 4WD.

dieselolds81

Olds307,

Thank you👍