VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Fenton Headers for 53 Chevy: 235 motor

I am interested in a Fenton Header, dual exhaust set-up for my stock 53 Belair but have a few concerns after reading an article relating to fuel problems, flooding, back pressure, backfiring etc, when you install this set-up. I would like some advice as to the correct way to set this dual system up for optimum engine performance.

I am aware there is a heat plate system that you are supposed to use with the fenton headers, but I noticed that there are 2 different versions of this plate. One supplier sell one with only one tube to one header only, and the other design uses 2 tubes that loop between both headers and the heat plate. Which design is better ? and where would I put the auto choke pipe once the headers are installed ?

Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks, Tony

Hi Tony,
I would like to welcome you to this Chevrolet site. You are more than welcome to hang around, but you may not get any of the type of information you are looking for.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, however you should know that this site is dedicated to the stock/original vehicles. You would be much better received on a modified/rod site.

Hello Ray,

My car is completely original from the running gear, powerglide, 6 volt electrics, firestone wide whites, 2 tone original colour scheme, upholstery pattern, and accessories. The only thing I want to modify is the exhaust system, nothing else, and was hoping someone out there has done this set-up as apparently these fenton headers were a common addition that has been done since the 50s I've been told. Tony

I have been over on CHEVYTALK.ORG and they have information related to what you are asking. I don't have anything against how you want to set up your car, I am just ignorant of Fentons and how to integrate their exhaust with a stock intake manifold.

Ok, thanks for your time, I will go over chevy talk for further information on the fenton setup.

Hey Tony, go on over to the http://www.stovebolt.com/ those guys are really into sharing information whether you’re a purist or just want to do a little period hot rodding. There is a whole world of information on the very subject that your asking about. The site is primarily focused on Vintage Chevy trucks but when it comes to the engine and exhaust that your talking about their the same. In spite of what some people would have you believe, in 1953 people did make alterations and upgrades to their stock automobiles and trucks of that period to suit their own personalities.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Thanks Denny, will check out that site

Hi Tony,

I'm new to this site. I have a 1951 with a 235" from a 1955 truck.

That being said, I installed Fenton Headers on the 1951, did NOT use anything, like a heat plate system, as you listed, for warm up. I do, however, have a manual choke, not automatic.

All I can tell you is that I've had NO problems with performance, no backfire or anything negative .....just the sweet sound those headers create.

I know this doesn't help you much, but my installation went fine, with no hiccups at the other end, when finished. Driveability is good.

Bobg1951chevy

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your info. I have read a few articles on the fenton header installation from various sources, and have bought all the parts for the installation. Haven't actually started pulling anything apart yet. Everything I have read points towards using a heat kit in order to vapourise fuel that was previously done when the stock exhaust manifold joined to the intake. It's interesting to hear that driveability with your installation is good without the heat kit.

Tony

Tony,
I don't know about vaporizing the fuel, it was my understanding the heat unit took the place of the stock exhaust manifold, which was directly connected to the intake, at the carb.

Further,it was my understanding the purpose of this heat kit was to warm the carb, to prevent stumble, hesitation on acceleration.

I chose to put on the headers without the kit, because I knew I wasn't going to be driving the car on cold days.

I did not use the heat kit, it starts well with the manual choke, has very good driveability during warm up and when at operating temps ....no hiccups.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

Now that you mention the outside temperature, I think that the heat kit is probably not that important as the climate here downunder is generally warmish. In fact, I probably don't even really need a heater in the car, although it came with it being a Missouri car. My car starts without using the auto choke, I just pour a little fuel down the carb to start it, as it usually sits for a few weeks, but as I've bought the heat kit, I may as well use it. Members can see these heat kits on ebay being sold by a guy in Colorado, he has them for sale constantly with a bit of information. They are about $90 approx, and made of aluminium.

Tony

I believe "National Chevrolet Association" has those kits for about $40.00.