Re: [A/S] Digest Number 2007

[James Newton <newton_j@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Good Luck!  I had a '86 Suburban w/454.  I wore out the driveway into the 
dealer getting exhaust manifold problems handled.  They tried everything - 
nodular iron headers, different studs, custom exhaust pipes (between the 
manifold and the muffler) etc.  Nothing seemed to work for more than about 
6000 miles.  The "problem" is that pulling a 31' A/S in hilly country causes 
everything to heat up big time, and then you crest the hill and "coast" down 
the other side, cooling things off abruptly.  All this causes unbelievable 
stress on the exhaust hardware, warping, breaking, and bowing, which creates 
lots of noise (not to mention the fumes percolating into the passenger areas) 
<ha>.  I think some of the problem was solved in later years by header and 
manifold redesign, AND by fuel injected computer controlled engines which 
monitor heat build-up and adjust fuel mixtures accordingly.

As I said at the outset, GOOD LUCK!

Jim, formerly in Colorado, now in California