Headers - Dean Lapole

[Project1500]

Ive been told by numerous shops that Dean Lapole makes the best headers for my application (Chevy 350). I was having trouble locating a set for my truck since he has passed away 2 weeks ago. I heard he sold the shop in Anaheim awhile ago and the new owners still worked with him on making the headers at the time. Anyone have any contacts on helping me find out if these headers still exist?

[matt_helton]

he died?? holy crap. i didnt know that. man thats terrible.

yeah, he specialized in chevy headers. i had a set of his headers on my big block......"had". i just put a set of Thorley's on there the week before last......Deans headers cracked apart at the 4 into 1 collector sections. i had em on the truck for about 2 years. i also was not happy with the small flanges he used at the connections from the y-pipe to each header. it was a swedge fit design which is great but the flanges were too thin. i had to have my trans out a few times.........long story....and after taking them apart a few times the things never sealed up right again because the flanges bent from being to thin.

i was gonna try and warranty these but i figured that after 2 years he would tell me to pound sand, so i just got some thorleys.

when i checked a few weeks ago the phone number was still listed. but i have no idea who is running his shop now.

[AZ45]

If you need another supplier, I've always used JBA headers. I have a set on a 1500 prerunner that I've been abusing for about 5 years. No leaks or cracks, they're still tight too.

Call them direct in San Diego, or try Tim at Ultra Performance in Tucson 800 438 5872 or any of the Az Desert Rat stores.

[baja_driver]

JBA. have been great for 5years..ceramic coated on my suburban.

[Project1500]

Picked up some ceramic Thorley headers for the truck...They are mid-long tubes and it looked like JBA only makes shorties for my setup.

As far as hardware goes what does everyone use to keep there headers from coming loose against the block? My exhuast system is securely mounted but dont want to take a chance of them coming loose offroad.

[jeff]

I like these: http://www.stage8.com/AutomotiveStart.htm

Aloha

[matt_helton]

ive allways used the ones supplied with the headers. never had a problem.