Headers and hp gain
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Headers and hp gain
I'm thinking of installing a set of headers but have a few questions for my l82 74. 4 speed.
How much hp should I be expecting with the car not having any cats ? And will it make the car noticeably louder which is something I don't want. As its already got flow masters on it ??
How much hp should I be expecting with the car not having any cats ? And will it make the car noticeably louder which is something I don't want. As its already got flow masters on it ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I don't believe headers make a car louder than stock manifolds, assuming the rest of the system is the same. Headers certainly do not have to be replaced every few years. Many sets are functioning after 20 years or more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
The headers on our '77 are from the early 80's. Still very solid as they spent their life in the desert SW. Had them blasted and ceramic coated. I have noticed that headers make all my cars sound much better, but not really louder. Just a more healthy sound IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I too would have to totally disagree with having to replace them every few years. Maybe a cheaper set, but I have ceramic coated Hooker Super Comps on mine. they've been on there for the 7 years I've owned the car, and who knows how much longer before that.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
You will have to replace them based on how many miles you drive and what kind you get-obviously the ceramic coated-high dollar ones are going to be a higher quality product. Maybe I'm too old school. Back in the day-they weren't so great...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
For the $$$ investing in headers and a free flowing exhaust system is probably the best money spent on a Vette. Your L-82 should gain 25-30HP and gobs of torque with a good set of headers and free flowing mufflers.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
I was thinking by not having cats and a good header system the hp increase would be greater than a car with cats. I already have flow masters so a set of good headers I would prob notice a bit more power
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento Ca
I just did this set up on mine with the twin tipped flow masters, and yes there is a difference in HP.
I have never seen a set of headers rust out myself on any of my cars.
Kurt
I don't have any numbers but headers and sidepipes really woke up my 1972 BB (LS5) 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I'm thinking of installing a set of headers but have a few questions for my l82 74. 4 speed.
How much hp should I be expecting with the car not having any cats ? And will it make the car noticeably louder which is something I don't want. As its already got flow masters on it ??
How much hp should I be expecting with the car not having any cats ? And will it make the car noticeably louder which is something I don't want. As its already got flow masters on it ??
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G9003/
Good luck with whatever you decide,
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Back in 1980, I took my new '80 into the exhaust shop and had headers installed, the cat and A.I.R. pump removed and duals run back to the stock mufflers. When I went to pick-up the car, the guy at the shop said "Now it will sound like a real Corvette"... and he was right. Not loud, but it had a more "throaty" rumble which was perfect. I plan on doing the same thing with my second '80.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
Very nice! What kind of headers are these?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
When you change out the drivers side you have to take off the "Z bar" which is a good thing because its time to clean the old grease out of it and lube it all up for smoother shifting.
And changing out headers every 3 years is a misconception but how easy a vette is to add headers I wouldn't mind it.
And changing out headers every 3 years is a misconception but how easy a vette is to add headers I wouldn't mind it.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Bradenton
Long Tube Headers
Ceramic coated Stainless steel headers can last indefinitely, many many years. I have used them without problems or replacement since 1976 on 3 different cars, the newest, a 2002 Corvette Convertible. The other two cars were a 1971 Chevelle SS LS6 and the other, a 1987 Corvette Convertible.
