Author Topic: Challenger small block Doug's headers install  (Read 11067 times)

Offline 72hemi

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Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« on: February 21, 2010 - 11:44:58 PM »
As promised here is the review of my Doug’s headers install. First let me start by saying these headers are absolutely amazing! These are Doug's D453 ceramic coated small block headers, installed in my 72 Dodge Challenger with a 340 and 727 torqueflite. As you can see in the comparison pictures (old headers are cheap Dynomax headers) the Doug’s headers have cleaner, tighter bends and the collectors are closer to the body. One of the real nice benefits I have discovered about the Doug’s headers compared to the Dynomax headers is that the new denso mini starter can be installed and removed without loosening the header, which is really nice. To remove the old headers I had to remove the oil filter and 90 degree adaptor, and drop down the steering components. Also during my install I converted from manual to power steering, so I had a lot of room to work, and it didn’t take that much time to remove those components.  My wife was kind enough to tape the Doug’s headers so I wouldn’t scratch the ceramic coating during the install. The installation instructions called for jacking up the engine, which may not have been necessary, but it definitely made it easy. Both headers went right in. I have never had a set of headers that went in this easy and have so much clearance around everything. As you can see by the pictures there is tons of room around everything, the power steering box, the spark plug wires, the steering shaft, even the ground. Also with the way the tubes come out of flange there is plenty of room to install and room all of the header bolts. The install took pretty much all day, but I was taking my time and took several breaks throughout the day. Enjoy the pictures and if you have any questions feel free to ask.  Oh yeah and here are a couple videos I made during the install of my car uncorked.  :burnout:  :woo:  :woohoo:

Mods, would consider making this a sticky for the header install? I know a lot of people have had a lot of questions on headers for e bodies and this can at least answer those questions for the Doug's headers.





























« Last Edit: February 21, 2010 - 11:47:16 PM by 72hemi »
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe




Offline ajantics

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2010 - 11:59:28 PM »
The headers look amazing! Thanks for the great pics and info.  :drool:
70 Barracuda
73 'Cuda
2003 Dodge Ram 3/4ton
2009 G37s

Offline smallblocksrock

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2010 - 12:45:25 AM »
I agree!  The fit and craftsmanship of Doug's Headers is outstanding.  I have a ceramic coated set installed on a 70 challenger with a 73 340, 4 speed.   I  did not need to lift the engine off the motor mounts and installed the mini-starter after the headers were installed.  I bought a second set for a 73 Barracuda with a 318 and a 904 AT.  The install was as easy as the Challenger.   

Why the endorsement?  Both sets fit perfectly, and consistency in manufacturing.   I sent back two sets of Hooker Super Comps for poor fit and manufacturing defect.

Offline shadango

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2010 - 07:33:07 AM »
 :iagree:  Awesome fit and finish!

Although on my install (72 Barracuda/318/727) I wasnt able to install/remove the ministarter without loosening the header.... :clueless:

But still love the headers!

Man, your wife did a awesome job taping...LOL!

Offline tactransman

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2010 - 08:57:19 AM »
 :2thumbs:
Terry-tactransman 
Torqueflite/Automatic Transmission Specialist
Union, Mo.
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day,teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime.

Offline LAA66

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2010 - 10:47:17 AM »
 Looks great, and is sits well up out of harms way. The driveside really is compact compared to the old one. Question, do you need a mini starter to fit them or will the original work as well?

Offline 72hemi

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2010 - 10:56:58 AM »
You know I did not test the stock starter, but in all honesty the Denso mini starter was a great investment. The car seems to start easier, and its light weight. The stock starter may fit, but if it does you would have to remove the drivers header to remove the starter. The Denso starter I got from Mancini Racing and it was $135.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline shadango

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2010 - 11:04:18 AM »
Looks great, and is sits well up out of harms way. The driveside really is compact compared to the old one. Question, do you need a mini starter to fit them or will the original work as well?

I believe Dougs says you need the mini starter.   :dunno:


Offline migsBIG

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2010 - 12:34:03 PM »
Hey John, that looks sweet. Might have to see if the TTi's will be a better install than the Doug's.

Offline greenzeppelin

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2010 - 04:07:34 PM »
you wouldnt happen to have a Part Number for that Denso Mini Starter would you??

thanks for this great thread!!
Cody

1973 Dodge Challenger 340, 4spd, 18x8 & 18x9.5

1989 Plymouth Reliant (K-Car!!) 2.5L, auto SOLD!

Offline greenzeppelin

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2010 - 04:08:34 PM »
Maybe even the Doug Header part number??

thanks again
Cody

1973 Dodge Challenger 340, 4spd, 18x8 & 18x9.5

1989 Plymouth Reliant (K-Car!!) 2.5L, auto SOLD!

Offline Ornamental

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Re: Challenger small block Doug's headers install
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2010 - 08:15:06 AM »
72hemi, I want you to know that I "blame" you and your excellent thread here for the fact that a pair of Doug's D453 is in my Challengers future.  :smokin:

I wanted to be simple and economic, and go for a pair of Hedman shorties, but then again, the shorties isn't resellable, while these are. And they look and perform a lot better...  ;)
Panther Pink '72 Challenger Rallye.
Grey '70 Challenger R/T

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