Shankle header cracked

["Stefano Iachella" <iachella@domain.elided>]

Hey cats,

My Shankle header on the Alfetta just cracked at #3 cylinder about an
inch from the head. In Jim Kartalamakis' book he says that 116 cars
with tubular headers inevitably crack if a flexible joint is not
incorporated
somewhere after the first resonator.

Anyone have similar experiences?

My header is all welded up to the cat and all the way back. When the
exhaust guy did this I mentioned this quirk in these cars and he said
he's got those flexible pieces used in front wheel drive headers. I opted
to wait and see.

Another question. What are the pros and cons to removing the center
resonator from the exhaust system? Jim's book says you need all 
three mufflers, but doesn't say why. 

Thanks.

Stefano
Oakland, CA

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