Hi all, up to this point I've kept the information in this post on the backdraft boys forum so as to give BDR a chance to fix things without public attention. I bought BDR687 last summer and just got around to fitting the headers back in April. That's when I realized that there was no way that I was going to be able to use them. What follows is what has transpired over the last 8 months. Be advised that this is a *****y post on my part and a rant at the same time. That along with its length (prolly some kind of record) would make many shy away from it and I don't blame them for not reading it. If, however, you are planning on building a BDR with an FE then you would be well advised to read on and see what sort of support you're likely to get
Posted - 04/15/2009
Just got around to fitting my headers and thought some of you would like to see this. As they are delivered, the bottom part of the header flange overlaps the block. I read about this somewhere here but couldn't find it again and there were no pics; so here we go. My block is a C6ME 428 block and the heads are Edelbrock 427s. At the front and rear of the block are cast out-croppings which look like they're for prying the heads off or something. It's at these locations that I had interference. I hit them with the old circular file and ground a bevel at each end to clear the block.
This was pretty easy to take care of, glad I checked before I sent them off to be coated. Of much more concern is the apparent port spacing miss-match, more on that tomorrow.
Posted - 04/15/2009 By Cashburn (Jay from Vintage who I bought the car from)
Hey Steve, good "catch". The FE headers are different everytime we get them. We have not experienced the same issue since we have not had a consistent version and generally we are dealing with new blocks.
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 04/16/2009 By Mr. Lucky (Tony Martin)
HEY STEVE,
THE RIGHT BANK IS REVING A BIT MORE THAN THE LEFT ONE.
I THINK U NEED TO TIGHTEN THE STRAP A WEE BIT.
THAT DAM PAIR IS MAKING ME SQUINT!!!
Posted - 04/16/2009
Here is some more on the headers. Considering how heavy these puppys are and how thick the flange is, they are some wavy, out of shape, heaps. I don't know if I'm going to be able to get #4 to seal w/o some surgery. What do you guys think?
Someone really didn't want to be making FE headers that day I think. In this view with a straight edge, you can see that the flange is twisted on 3 axis. Not even close to straight;
That's it for now guys, Steve
Posted - 04/22/2009
Well, couldn't find an iron head local so the machine shop who did my block is ordering me a striped core to go to work on. You guys who've aleady done FEs W/BDRs, were yours like this?
Steve
BTW, the heating and beating did not work. During this time several members asked who made them and how things were going with no more contact from BDR
Posted - 04/25/2009
****, they are the BDR supplied headers. That's why I asked if anyone had the same exp. and posted it here.
********, right now I'm planning to use a torch to heat them up while slowly drawing them up the the head. That's why I got the old iron head. Got that idea from a member on CC and it sounded like the most likely to succeed.
Steve
Posted - 04/26/2009
Hey Mr. Lucky... got a better set for the man?
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 05/04/2009
Man did this thread get quiet! Jay, you thread killer! LOL
Steve
Posted - 05/04/2009
Tony is sitting trancelike at his computer because of your avatar....
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 05/06/2009
Did I just hear a pin drop?
Steve
Posted - 05/08/2009
Steve,
Have you done anything to them yet? Perhaps someone is waiting for an official warranty claim or something? Pretty lame...
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 05/15/2009
Well dang Jay, what do I have to do? Maybe I could hire this chick:
Posted - 05/30/2009
so what has happened?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited by - ******** on 06/06/2009 10:41:21
Posted - 06/04/2009
You're seeing it man.
Steve
Posted - 06/04/2009
Maybe the trimmer can help?
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 06/10/2009
Huh, sorry Jay but I have no idea what you mean. "Trimmer?"
Steve
Posted - 08/18/2009
Steve,
I submitted this once again sometime ago. I know the distributor (in Florida) has also contacted the factory in regards to this. We are dependent on the factory (in SA) to respond. I don't understand what the problem is. Very frustrating for us all.
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 09/16/2009
Update!
I figured I should post this update since I did recieve an email from Reg, so here goes; In an effort to go around to the back door I posted this question on BDR's main sales site: "Hi, have you guys seen this thread on "Backdraftboys"?
http://www.backdraftboys.com/forum/t...p?TOPIC_ID=800 It's pretty sad don't you think? Steve"
I got this response from Reg that same day:
Hi Steve,
The headers supplied were for the original FE head and that is why they don't fit. We were unaware of the problem with different heads until your post. Jay has put in a warrantee claim for new headers and the factory are busy getting them made. As soon as we get them they will be forwarded to you.
Regards Reg Dodd
561-752 3693 ext 103
www.backdraftracing.com
Now I have to say that some contact is better than what I was getting before. However, it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to know that the fact that I'm using Ebock heads has nothing to do with the header's problems. Or maybe BDR corporate believes that iron FE head flanges are warped in 3 axis as are the header flanges shown in the pics that I posted. Considering that the factory has apparently been feverishly slaving away on a replacement set of headers for the last 5 months, you guys waiting for whole cars better give it up! LOL Yes guys I know I'm a smart*** and alot of this was tongue-in-cheek so to say, but I do still think it's sad.
Steve
Posted - 09/21/2009
Steve,
My options through the supplier and factory have been exhausted. I don't understand why BDR FL does not have you send them in for new flanges to be welded on. That would be a relatively simple solution since they have a welder/fab on site.
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 10/21/2009
Just got this in a FedEx tracking email fro Craig at BDR today;
"This tracking update has been requested by:
Name: Craig Harper (Backdraft)
E-mail:
craig@backdraftracing.com
Message: Hi Stephen,,We wish to advise you that a new set of FE headers for your Backdraft Roadster are on their way to you."
Holy monkey it looks like those puppys will be here day after tomorrow! Cool!
Steve
Posted - 10/21/2009
I meant to email you yesterday but got distracted with a few things. New headers are in fact on their way to you from the factory. Hope this does it.
Jay
VINTAGE MOTORSPORTS
Posted - 10/22/2009
Me to Jay, thanks for sticking with it!
Steve
Posted - 10/27/2009
for my BDR brothers keeping track of this thread I did indeed get another set of headers fresh off the boat from SA and direct from Custom Cars, here they are;
I sent these same pics to Craig and Reg. Reg is talking to the factory and trying to find an FE around south FL, so again I'm stymied.
That's all for now guys, Steve
Again during this time several members posted and asked how things were going, offered help etc. with no more contact from BDR
Posted - 11/23/2009
Well, I've reached the end of the proverbial line. Since I hadn't heard anything from BDR since my sneaky post I decided to call Florida. After speaking with Craig for a minute he went and talked to Reg. They decided that it would be better for me to talk directly with the factory. So I gave them my cell# and about 45min. later I got a call from the man himself, Tony Martin. In discussing my headers he stated that they know that they have a problem with their FE jig and can't seem to fix it because they can't find an FE in all of South Africa. He went on to explain that the collector flange was only tacked so that I could cut the tacks, bolt the headers to my engine (in the car), line up the side pipes, tack them back in place then remove them for final welding by an exhaust guy. If I was closer to Fl he said he would just have them do it. In other words, "we the factory can't seem to figure it out so do it yourself." Screw those little things like contracts. To say that I'm disappointed would be a massive understatement.
Steve
And that, ladies and gents would seem to be the end of the line. During this time several members of both this site and BDR boys (who I haven't named but can chime in if they want to ) have posted, PMed, and emailed me offering support and if necessary help. Having these guys give their independent views has helped tremendously and I thank them for it. For anyone who reads this and has some suggestions, feel free to chime in. If you have a BDR with an FE I would especially like your input
Rant over, Steve
FE Headers
What'd'ya reckon Steve - burnouts by Christmas 
Linear Mode
