Headers for Small Block 64
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Headers for Small Block 64
Does anyone know if there are any headers available that are a direct bolt on replacement for the cast iron ramhorn manifolds ?
I would prefer not to modify exhaust piping if possible.
I would prefer not to modify exhaust piping if possible.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
If you find any, you'll also find that they don't give you enough performance increase to matter. You need long tubes to separate the exhaust pulses so that one cylinder doesn't pressuriize the exhaust port of the next.
That said, the C4 tubular exhaust manifolds from the 80's should do what you want, at least to a good approximation.
That said, the C4 tubular exhaust manifolds from the 80's should do what you want, at least to a good approximation.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Originally Posted by 6TFour
Does anyone know if there are any headers available that are a direct bolt on replacement for the cast iron ramhorn manifolds ?
I would prefer not to modify exhaust piping if possible.
I would prefer not to modify exhaust piping if possible.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
My headers were indeed a pain to install, but have been quite trouble-free once in. As for performance, I have the dyno sheets to document a 25HP gain at the wheels with nothing changed but adding the headers. But, long tubes are not a quicky bolt-in. I used aluminum gaskets with RTV to seal. Not a bit of leakage.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,191
Likes: 145
From: Snake handler
Originally Posted by JohnZ
No such thing as headers that are a direct bolt-in replacement; you always need to have a muffler shop fabricate/weld the connections and adapters. Headers are a huge PITA (more heat underhood and in the cockpit, fried plug wires, leaks at the flanges and collectors, blown flange gaskets, bolts coming loose, reduced ground clearance, funky brackets to mount the alternator, etc.), and you'll see little or no difference with a stock-type exhaust system. If you go with the headers, save the stock manifolds - the day will come when you tire of all the hassle and you want to put it back the way the General designed it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: Thornton Co
Originally Posted by pjmonfre
Once again, JohnZ has described the personal hell that is my life. I like the sound but heat, leaks, loose bolts, ground clearance YIKES!!! it's true.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 4
From: Richmond VA
Originally Posted by Brutal64
I've had none of the issues you just described. It's amazing how people can have completely different experiences with the same thing. That's why I no longer recommend restaurants or movies.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
I know the benifits of headers but like others fought the urge for years because of the olden day experience of leaks, rust, burned wires, etc. I finally bought a set of Dynomax ceramic coated headers though and gave it a try. I used the gaskets that came with the kit and the recommended hi-temp silicone sealant on the gaskets. They've been on for two years now and I've noticed no leaks at all. I did retighten them once after a couple weeks, but that's all. Just use a good set of wire looms and it'll be fine. 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 14
From: Fountain Hills AZ
I put my headers on over 11 years ago and have never had a leak, loose bolts, or ground clearance problems (and my car is lower than stock). The tubes are slightly lower than the stock 4qt pan, protecting it from damage.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 3
From: Mt. Prospect Il
Somebody is selling a really ratty set on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...536827739&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...536827739&rd=1
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,392
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
I have Brutal64's old headers on my '64. Same experience: they fit well, wire routing is no problem, no leaks, no ground clearance issues, and great performance. Installation was a snap. But the last 2 restaurants he recommended have really sucked.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
[QUOTE=JohnZ] and you'll see little or no difference with a stock-type exhaust system. QUOTE]
I'd have to disagree, unless 20+hp is considered little or no difference. We had a club member do before and after dyno runs at our dynofest after doing headers (also had another guy that did before and after runs with a 1.6 roller rocker install). He picked up 23hp after the header install. Hehe, the guy that did the 1.6 roller rockers lost 1.5 horsepower
Headers were one of the single most rewarding modifications I've done to my car, and have been problem free. Like anything else, you get what you pay for - cheap headers probably aren't even worth putting on. Definitely get a high-quality set with thick flanges (3/8") ... I also like removing the 3 bolt collector flanges, and installing 3" v-band flanges/clamps in their place. Costs a little, but it makes the headers virtually leak-proof (and you never have to worry about getting collector gaskets).
I'd have to disagree, unless 20+hp is considered little or no difference. We had a club member do before and after dyno runs at our dynofest after doing headers (also had another guy that did before and after runs with a 1.6 roller rocker install). He picked up 23hp after the header install. Hehe, the guy that did the 1.6 roller rockers lost 1.5 horsepower
Headers were one of the single most rewarding modifications I've done to my car, and have been problem free. Like anything else, you get what you pay for - cheap headers probably aren't even worth putting on. Definitely get a high-quality set with thick flanges (3/8") ... I also like removing the 3 bolt collector flanges, and installing 3" v-band flanges/clamps in their place. Costs a little, but it makes the headers virtually leak-proof (and you never have to worry about getting collector gaskets).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 6
From: Arizona
You get what you pay for!
[QUOTE=epylant]
Had a pair of Cyclones...bad news, constant leaks and blown gaskets between the center two exhaust outlets. Pieces of Cra@#$%^&*!
My vette has had Good Hookers for 20 years (aluminized with heavy flange), and never a problem!
Originally Posted by JohnZ
and you'll see little or no difference with a stock-type exhaust system. QUOTE]
I'd have to disagree, unless 20+hp is considered little or no difference. We had a club member do before and after dyno runs at our dynofest after doing headers (also had another guy that did before and after runs with a 1.6 roller rocker install). He picked up 23hp after the header install. Hehe, the guy that did the 1.6 roller rockers lost 1.5 horsepower
Headers were one of the single most rewarding modifications I've done to my car, and have been problem free. Like anything else, you get what you pay for - cheap headers probably aren't even worth putting on. Definitely get a high-quality set with thick flanges (3/8") ... I also like removing the 3 bolt collector flanges, and installing 3" v-band flanges/clamps in their place. Costs a little, but it makes the headers virtually leak-proof (and you never have to worry about getting collector gaskets).
I'd have to disagree, unless 20+hp is considered little or no difference. We had a club member do before and after dyno runs at our dynofest after doing headers (also had another guy that did before and after runs with a 1.6 roller rocker install). He picked up 23hp after the header install. Hehe, the guy that did the 1.6 roller rockers lost 1.5 horsepower
Headers were one of the single most rewarding modifications I've done to my car, and have been problem free. Like anything else, you get what you pay for - cheap headers probably aren't even worth putting on. Definitely get a high-quality set with thick flanges (3/8") ... I also like removing the 3 bolt collector flanges, and installing 3" v-band flanges/clamps in their place. Costs a little, but it makes the headers virtually leak-proof (and you never have to worry about getting collector gaskets).
My vette has had Good Hookers for 20 years (aluminized with heavy flange), and never a problem!
