[aronhk_md]

GTOLou.....dont want to say the wrong thing, I'll have to check with Ron. But something I'd like to say for all those out there itching for the bigger tube size. Make sure you REALLY need it. As mentioned, Roger Bolliger is running the 1.75" primary size on his 700 hp Butler engine in his 70 TA clone. IF.....and I say IF he is losing anything due to restriction...would a 30% increase in cross sectional area of the primaries take care of the problem? Good chance huh?

Thats what we are looking at stepping up from the 1.75" primaries to the 2" primaries.1.75 x 1.75 = 3.0625 square inches. For the larger set thats 2.0 x 2.0 = 4.0 square inches...........thats a 30% increase. A 2 1/8" primary would be 2.125 x 2.125 = 4.7813 square inches.........a 56% increase over the 1.75 tubes in cross sectional area!!!




On a separate note, Ron has not had time to post pics, but a set went out to Texas Dave last week. He should be getting them any day. Also, Gearbangers set just went out. Yeah Gearbanger!!! I am so glad to see you finally get your set. I hope they are perfect for you. I believe you have shown patience and wisdom, and I know Ron appreciates it because he's told me. Here is a pic of his set.



Now.....on to another issue I spoke about with Ron, and because he is busy I offered to help him out on this subject.

Weld quality and appearance.

1. External welds around primary/flange joints are not present on many production headers. On those where they are present they often do not circle the entire tube where they may interfere with a bolt hole. They are there to provide additional strength. This can be seen in the picture critter posted of the Tribal Tubes weld.......and can also be seen in the pics I am posting below of a Dougs header produced 6 years ago.
2. Weld appearance and quality of the Dougs header, and in the final pic a Mad Dog header on the red engine (had to put this in the next post down) can be compared to the welds Ron is producing that critter posted, and I will make a separate post below with more pics of Ron's Tribal Tubes. Personally I think his welds are at least as nice, if not better. You decide. Keep in mind Ron is the only one (that we are aware of) tig welding some of the joints where possible for an even cleaner appearance. Mad Dog uses mig only, and Doug's does as well to his latest knowledge. Tig welding gives a cleaner weld, but takes more time and adds to the cost of production. Keep in mind that the Dougs and Mad Dog headers in the pics have been coated, which can make them appear a little nicer. The tribal tubes in the pics in my next post have not yet been coated.
3. Ron cares about what he makes. If 8 years from now a weld breaks he'll fix it. Not likely, but will Dougs or Mad Dog do it? Want bungs welded in or some other custom touch.....will they do it? Just pointing out differences, which are in addition to all the other benefits these headers have in fit.

Now lastly.....and this is an important announcement.....Ron is going to be changing the STANDARD tubing he uses. Orders placed presently will be in the 14 gauge mild steel. Critter noted how solid they are. Its the first thing I noticed when I received mine. But the extra expense is significant, and Ron has not been charging more than you'd pay for a mass produced header like Dougs. So VERY shortly the standard Tri-Y header made by Tribal Tubes will be made in 16 gauge mild steel. The same as other header companies use. Flanges will remain the same. 14 gauge will be available as an option.

If anyone is on the fence about buying just be aware, the price is $450 for the 14 gauge Tri-Y as of today, and I cant pinpoint the day that is going to take effect, but wanted to let you know. I also dont know the option price for 14 gauge yet when that time comes.

Final note: Ron is better able to tell anyone who orders at this time when they will see their headers shipped. I know that may seem unfair to those guys who have been waiting and paid long ago. The honest truth is...it IS unfair. And Ron feels awful about it. But he needs to have new orders to buy what he needs to fill the old ones. To get new orders he has to deliver.

I personally do not have ANY interest financially or otherwise in Tribal Tubes. Like many of you I now have a dog back in the hunt......I sold my headers and gave the money back to Ron for new sets. I want to see him succeed for his sake, for your sake, and mine now. I know one of the biggest questions everyone has is.....where do I stand in the line...how many people are ahead of me? I cant answer that, and I'm not going to ask Ron. If I'm correct there were approximately 20 old orders from years ago.....and 6 new ones from the past year waiting to get made. As you can see by the posts in the last few weeks he is making progress on old and new. By the 3rd week in June I predict even better progress. Hang in there guys!

Pics of Dougs header welds and Mad Dog header welds (next post)