First-Ever Encounter - Rare Mexican Headers

1982AMCConcord wrote: 232jav3sp wrote: I'd really love an early set for my cars.  Too bad they aren't being produced. Not sure but from what the OP said... they ARE still being produced in Mexico! So.. that's why we are getting ready!!!! I take it you're #3 right?

The transmission in this car is a TREMEC 170-F four speed manual with Hurst linkage. The Borg-Warner T-10 was used in VAM cars until mid 1970, replaced by the aforementioned transmission mainly due to the fact that it was locally-made while the BW was imported.

Now that I've seen the evidence, it seems that these headers are dealership-special units, not the Go Pack ones.

The VAM Go Pack headers were made for high-range power (5000 RPM), they were longer and divided between the odd numbered and even numbered cylinders as well as all pipes sharing the same length. I know this from former VAM employees, I've never actually had the chance to see the Go Pack headers LIVE.

The headers in this Javelin (as well as the ones in 1979-1983 VAM cars) are divided between the first three and second three cylinders and the pipes have different lengths. This suggests a mid-range power accessory like the 3500 RPM units of 1979-1983.

Yet, the truly valuable aspect of this Javelin's headers is the fact that they can be used with first-gen six cylinder engines (starter on the intakes' side).

We also have to take into account the downside of the Go Pack headers, the pipes being longer means the set is larger in general size. This could mean it probably cannot be used in cars like the pre-1966 Rambler Americans (1966-1969 units were slightly longer and had a redesigned firewall) plus 1963-1966 Rambler Classics and 1963-1964 Rambler Ambassadors. It's a certainty they were used in Javelins, VAM Classics (Rebels) and VAM 1967-1969 Rambler Americans (as well as 1970-1971 Hornet-based VAM Rambler Americans and Rambler American Rallys).

Yet, the smaller size of the header system used in this 1971 VAM Javelin OPENS UP A POSSIBILITY of using a header system for practically all 1963-1966 American Motors cars with six cylinder engines, with the only exceptions of the L-head 195.6s.

I make no promises but if I have available money AND my friends needs to take the headers down I will do my best to make a custom-made exact replica of these headers.

Now going to the "second generation" headers for VAM engines with the starter located to the distributor's side of the block, here are some pictures:

Full view, intake and headers:



Front view, under the intake:



Under the intake, closer:



Side view:



Header outlets looked from the front of the engine:



Header outlets looked from the back of the engine (cowl side):



Lower side, final exhaust:



As for taking the "second generation" headers to the US, there's a lot to take into account.

I need to check on the price of a new set first. A couple years ago they were on the 5000 pesos mark (250 US dollars) and I haven't checked again since. Now it's got to be higher than that.

Delivering would be the hardest issue here; due to size and weigh the price on delivery will be higher than normal, but that is the least of our problems. What truly worries me is the issue of CUSTOMS and TAXES at the border. THIS ALONE along with the part price and delivery price combined would make everything VERY EXPENSIVE in the end.

I would say the best way to go would be for any forum member interested on a set to let me know is he/she has a friend/familiy member that either lives in Mexico or travels frequently to Mexico (and has a fixed address here). If such a person is located near the border, that would be for the best.

I would send the header set to such friend/family member, and in the first chance of him/her going to the US (in car) he can deliver the set to the forum member.

I think this would be the bast-case scenario, but I still need to hear opinions from everyone.

And I thought NAFTA allowed the free flow of goods across the border...

6768rogues wrote: And I thought NAFTA allowed the free flow of goods across the border...

Knowing the existing problems and not caring for the Clifford header for the 258 in the Eagles (pan mount) I would love to put the Clifford 4bbl intake with a 390 Cfm carb and dual exhaust on my 88 Eagle with a set of Smitty steel packs on it....256 cam also, not too radical....but good sounds