Headers For Cadillac 429 Engines

[EZ]

The Sanderson headers were really good. Tested with the seal that they recommend and it actually works without no leaks.

What seal did they recommend?

[swfuturecpt]

Its some type of black silicone gasket maker that they swear by. They even go as far as guranteing that if it leaks, they will buy it back and pay shipping and your replacement. Thats quite a challenge and they never leaked and I am sure they have not bought back any caddy headers or the hundreds of rat rod headers they manufacture for. Think they on to something really.

[EZ]

Hmmmmm.  I bought my Sanderson Headers from a distributor on Ebay.  He never mentioned this black goo as a gasket.
Does Sanderson sell it themselves or is it something you have to buy locally?

[STDog]

They have Permatex Ultra Black on the website.
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/Permatex-Ultra-Black-Sealer.html

But it's only speced for 500^oF intermittent.

I wouldn't use that at the heads.

I might use one of these...
http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Copper_Maximum_Temperature_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/specialized_maintenance_repair/exhaust_system_maintenance_repair/Permatex_Muffler_Tailpipe_Sealer.htm

[EZ]

I don't believe any of them would work long term.  Caall me skeptical.

[guster]

 Keeper, did you get your Sanderson headers installed on your 1964 429. I would like to hear how you made out. Thanks, Guster.

[sic7cadi]

I would like a bracket if anyone has mad one or can I'd pay labor and shipping to arkansas I'm ready to get the cadi on the road again!!! almost 6 months bc my stock manifold busted in 3 pieces!

[swfuturecpt]

Seriously I wish you the best on that one Sic. By the way ? Someone to build it for you?... Theres mad tial and error mock ups to it that its gonna take someone with a car to mock it up. By the way pple; if you use the Sanderson headers, you have to raise and bolt the NEW engine mounts at the highest point possible coz the drivers side header will rub on the steering arm when turning left if you dont!!! If I was lucky to post the pictures, they are for the mock ups for what Sanderson will charge for 60 dollars.

[KennyDFW]

Is the raised engine mount suggestion specific to 429's only?  Still haven't tried to get them on my 390 (61 CDV) and am wondering how tough it will be.....Thx !

[John Baker]

Hi Folks,

After a halt in my project, I am ready to start things up again. EZ, the engine is out of my 1967 Calais and the heater core box and evaporator core box have been gutted and rebuilt. After they are bolted
back to the firewall, a rebuilt engine and trans will go in. The AC system was toast and I elected to replace/rebuild components while the engine was out. A garage fire slowed things down as well.

Sanderson headers were bolted to the engine that was removed from my car, and a bracket fabbed for the alternator. If a source for these brackets has emerged during my absence, great. If not, I can draw an outline of the bracket and upload it. This would make it easier for you technically gifted guys to craft your own.

Not sure how long it will take to get Baby Doll rolling again (jingle bells, jingle bells) but hope to enjoy driving her in the not to distant future.

John Baker

[EZ]

Please post the bracket shape.  I'd like to see what you came up with.

I have a plasma cutter now and a really nice new welder so I can make
just about anything...............

[keeper]

Well I had to take a long break but I am back on track.

It was definitely too tight to get the headers on with the heads on the engine so I pulled the heads mounted the headers, then re-installed the heads. I am now at a bit of a pass though. I broke the oil dip stick tube when I was taking off the heads, no big deal I picked up a new one on eBay. The problem is there is no way to get it back on with the headers installed. These things really hug the block. REAL TIGHT!

I am fine with just plugging the hole except that I need to check the oil regularly(no &^%$ right?). Anybody have some advice.

Could I set up a dip stick in the vent tube somehow? just thinking out loud.

I will try to post pictures next week if that helps.

[fiftyv8]

Kev, may I suggest that you try and pull out what is left of the old dipstick tube, then machine a plug to fit the hole in the block, but also machine a hole in the plug to accept a more modern flexible dipstick as seen on ebay etc and try and make that work.
I guess you will need to a do a bit of research to determine the most suitable length you are seeking and then acquire it before finishing your plug setup. Russ.

[keeper]

Russ that is great advice and I am looking into it now.

[Robert_Maples]

So.... Finally am going to getting these headers in the next couple of months. Anybody built an altenator bracket? I'd like to see how you didt it please.