R model/drag headers

[gt350hr]

Belanger R-Model Headers.... Wow, haven't seen these discussed in a long time.
As I understand, they came from SA on the last 10 or so R-Models in the final batch.
I bought an original set from Corey Lawson back at SAAC 31, that were from either 5R535 or at least in the used parts that came back from Peru.
They were rough and identical to the ones shown above.... uncanny to be honest. Have the numbers '636' stamped into the flanges.
I thought about having some duplicated with Brent Galloway as a spare for 5R534, but never materialized.
I since found an NOS set a few years later, which I believe to be a later set made in the late 60's or early 70's, but they're exact.
Story goes, they were purchased originally for a '67 Ranchero project I believe, but didn't fit properly.
So were never installed and became garage art until I spotted them on either eBay or Craigs List.
They were painted Hugger Orange so definitely flew under the radar!

Mark

       Mark ,
    The orange painted set was the "later" version Doug Thorley sold . They should have the D609 part number on them and the collector length is 6-8"s shorter than the originals supplied to SAI. Doug and I have been friends for nearly 50 years. Belangers could have been used on some R models and according to Doug it was Shel didn't pay his bill so Doug cut him off! Obviously he got paid eventually as Shelby sold Doug's headers into the '70s
      Randy

[TLea]

Mark ,
    The orange painted set was the "later" version Doug Thorley sold . They should have the D609 part number on them and the collector length is 6-8"s shorter than the originals supplied to SAI. Doug and I have been friends for nearly 50 years. Belangers could have been used on some R models and according to Doug it was Shel didn't pay his bill so Doug cut him off! Obviously he got paid eventually as Shelby sold Doug's headers into the '70s
      Randy

Any doubt as to my chief technical consultant is? LOL

[gt350hr]

  Pete Disher?

[Coralsnake]

Not me, I dont nothin about no headers

[shelbydoug]

Mark ,
    The orange painted set was the "later" version Doug Thorley sold . They should have the D609 part number on them and the collector length is 6-8"s shorter than the originals supplied to SAI. Doug and I have been friends for nearly 50 years. Belangers could have been used on some R models and according to Doug it was Shel didn't pay his bill so Doug cut him off! Obviously he got paid eventually as Shelby sold Doug's headers into the '70s
      Randy

Any doubt as to my chief technical consultant is? LOL

Somebody's fingerprints have got to be in the orange paint somewhere? 

[65shelby]

Thanks Randy, that's great information!
'Ya don't know, what ya don't know......'

I do know that the supposed originals I have from Corey, silver and surface rust, are literally identical to Earl J's, and have 12" long collectors.

The Orange set, 'with someone's fingerprints.....lol', also have 12" long collectors. I'd have to get them down and look for the D609 part number.
They are also overall the same length with the same diameters, and same 3pt. collector flange. Maybe those believed to be originals, are Doug's as well??

I tried to post some pics but it said the post was full??

I can email some pics if anyone's interested.

Thanks guys for all the great info!!

Mark

[shelbydoug]

Thanks Randy, that's great information!
'Ya don't know, what ya don't know......'

Maybe those believed to be originals, are Doug's as well??


Mark

OK. You've had them long enough. I'd appreciate them being returned now?

[gt350hr]

 Header paint was available in many colors back then . Orange and blue were popular choices.  I'm thinking  "color change" Doug.

[shelbydoug]

Header paint was available in many colors back then . Orange and blue were popular choices.  I'm thinking  "color change" Doug.

[65shelby]

They're destined for a 5R105 Guardsman Blue tribute, that I'm building.

Don't think Mark Donohue would much approve of Chevy Orange Headers..... though he did race Camaro's!

They'll be ceramic coated in silver more than likely.

Had an offer to post pics for me so I'll forward those tonight, to further stir the pot on the Doug's vs. Belanger debate....

Mark

[J_Speegle]

Had an offer to post pics for me so I'll forward those tonight, to further stir the pot on the Doug's vs. Belanger debate....

Mark

Thought side by side would be a nice way to show them

[Coralsnake]

Posted for the very busy MrLea 

[65shelby]

Now..... I see many differences.....
Tube size, tube arrangement in the collectors, slightly different configurations, etc.

A pic is worth a thousand words....

Appears what I have is later OTC Doug's versions that are both old and NOS.

These of MrLea's look spot on and original to the R-Models.

Now I'm wondering if mine will even fit.... Looks like a mock-up is in order in the Donohue car prior to any ceramic coatings!

The end result is they'll be mounted to a warmed over VIN'd '67 K-Motor with oversize 192/160 valves and an HM Solid Cam, with a set of 48 IDA Webers acquired from Jim Maxwell's 289 Cobra (with his permission of course) .
It'll look good and breathe well I hope!

Thanks all for the deep dive on Belanger vs. Doug's Headers!!

Mark

[68blk500c]

Posted for the very busy MrLea 

something familiar about the photo?  huh

[shelbydoug]

I stand educated. Thanks to all who have posted.