Exhausting Exhaust Port Divider Question

[BIGREDRASA]

For some 8 years I've read different opinions on the benefits of the exhaust port divider. Some swear by them, some sear at them. One member removed his after it broke loose, and noticed no changes. So, before I invest the time and money in getting one of the things welded into my head (engine's, that is), I'd like to hear your considered opinions. I'm inclined to believe that the only benefit is to protect my new header's flange between cyls 3 and 4.

I'm planning to install a Holley/Weber, and the adapter would eliminate the water passage under the carb. Anybody miss that? Can you feel a difference with and without the water passage?

Maybe, if we can get a good consensus, I can post a Sticky. 8)

 

[ludwig]

I had mine professionally welded. Means the guy tacked it in three places. Since I don't have two engines to do a side by side comparison, I cannot test the [alleged] improvement. It has not broken loose and causes no discomfort while driving, sitting or walking.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Hmmm, I want to install my header before I pull the head and consider the divider install. Wonder how much it will errode my header's flange? I wouldn't do much driving before Memorial Day, and not high speed.

 

[ludwig]

Erode the flange? You can grind it on your owns so that it sits flush or just a little [like 1/32" or so] out of the port so the header flange presses on it. You can pull the headers off and reinstall them if need be. I had to once.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Erode the flange? You can grind it on your owns so that it sits flush or just a little [like 1/32" or so] out of the port so the header flange presses on it. You can pull the headers off and reinstall them if need be. I had to once.

I mean the exhaust eroding the flange if I don't install the divider.

 

[ludwig]

You got me there, chief.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a freshly rebuilt engine that hasn't been run yet. Should I have the exhaust surface on the head machined smooth? It wouldn't be too much trouble to pull the head and have it done, but is it worth the effort? I might have a port divider tacked in just for the heck of it if I have the other work done. The surface now isn't bad, but how smooth does it need to be? I'll be installing CCI headers.

 

[addo]

If it's not smooth now, go for it!

Put me down as not supporting the divider install. It doesn't hurt the motor, but we're struggling to show it helps. Given that installation costs money, it's hard to spend dollars on a "maybe".

Cheers, Adam.

 

[Bort62]

If it's not smooth now, go for it!

Put me down as not supporting the divider install. It doesn't hurt the motor, but we're struggling to show it helps. Given that installation costs money, it's hard to spend dollars on a "maybe".

Cheers, Adam.

+1

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Hmmm, only 26% believe it helps.

 

[JackFish]

Hmmm, only 26% believe it helps.

A belief is not empirical evidence.

 

[AZstang66]

It doesn't give that boost of power that they advertise, but it DOES help with the exhaust header.
I haven't done any testing, but from my FD background I would estimate that without the port divider there could be unnecessary turbulence in the fluid flow, which could slow down the velocity, decreases some performance.
Additionally, the heated flow that 'hits' the parting in the exhaust header (where 3 & 4 are separated) does do damage to the header itself. I have seen this happen on three different motors with three different headers, all without the port divider. I installed it in my one, after repairing the damage, and as of today, no damage has reoccurred.

So long story short, get a divider before you mount your new $300 headers. $20 is cheap insurance.

 

[grocery getter]

if those two cylinders fired consectively i'd worry about it. as far as the flange if you're not going to install a divider in the future, any erosion there wouldn't matter.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

The head is back on, and no divider. When it warms up again so I can work outside, I'll get the new exhaust put on. Still pending for parts: power brake booster, power R&P, Holley/Weber carb, DS II with GM module, and 2 1/4" rear brakes.

 

[rayell]

Where are these port dividers available? I have tried Jegs, and Summit, and was told the did not have them.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

$16 at: http://www.cliffordperformance.net/Merc ... _Code=F200

 

[ludwig]

Additionally, the heated flow that 'hits' the parting in the exhaust header (where 3 & 4 are separated) does do damage to the header itself.

If all that heat didn't make a difference between 3 aqnd 4, how come all the original stock headers have a burnt through choke air tunnel? Put the divider in on the motto of 'a licking to nothing'. Meaning: the best you will get it nothing at all, which is better than almost certain damage to an expensive part.

 

[rayell]

Each time that I go to the Clifford Site, and try to checkout, I get a security warning.The warning tells me not to give any private information, to the site. What is up with that? Do they have a telephone number? I have not found one, for a phone order.

 

[wallaka]

Just Internet Explorer stupidities. Dont' worry about it, it gives me the same message whenever I go to my online timecard (which I KNOW is secure).

 

[Jett's_Pony]

Jett's port devider broke loose so we removed it. It was epoxied in and tack welded. Exhaust may have sounded a bit smoother with it in, no appreciable loss of power when we removed it. When it broke loose it rattled like crazy and beat the crap out of the header. Jett drives the car daily and have seen no difference in power or gas mileage.

Jett's Dad
Greg