Header and/or Transmission advice

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Mar 30, 2007 | 09:45 PM

apester4u

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From: Noblesville Indiana

Header and/or Transmission advice

Hey Experts

I'm having the following engine installed next week:

http://www.enginefactory.com/400hp.htm

The builder recommended small tube headers, and then went on to suggest Hooker or Headman 1-5/8 tube to a 3 inch collector.

Does anyone have any other suggestions or advice? Any place better than another to order them to get the best price/service? The builder suggested Summit Racing.

I'm going to leave the stock automatic in there for awhile (in the hopes it will last through the end of the Summer), but any suggestions on a good auto when it's time to replace?

Thanks!

Mar 30, 2007 | 09:55 PM

apester4u

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From: Noblesville Indiana

Oops, forgot to mention I'm in an 81 with the stock automatic and stock exhaust up front.

Apr 6, 2007 | 07:05 AM

apester4u

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From: Noblesville Indiana

I'll assume no comments is a good thing. I think I'm going to keep the originals on there for now.

Apr 6, 2007 | 07:35 AM

TimAT

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From: Gladstone MO

C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

My only suggestion would be Jet-Hot or ceramic coated headers. Better scavenging, lower underhood temps.

And IMHO they look

Apr 6, 2007 | 08:28 AM

MN80Vette

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From: Columbus MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimAT

My only suggestion would be Jet-Hot or ceramic coated headers. Better scavenging, lower underhood temps.

about Jet-Hot or ceramic.
I bought full length Dynomax ceramic coated 1 5/8" headers for my '80 from Summit:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I don't know about emissions laws where you live, but if permitted, I highly recommend you modify your front cross member to allow a good dual exhaust with an H-pipe. You'll notice a big performance difference on your butt-o-meter and the sound will be a smooth rumble with the right mufflers. Don't skimp on this upgrade!

I previously posted detailed instructions for the mods.

Apr 6, 2007 | 03:48 PM

apester4u

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From: Noblesville Indiana

Nice pix MN80 and thanks for the advice. This is the first time I have had to do anything like this to a vehicle I have owned and I agree it's important to spend the time and money to do it right the first time. I can't wait to see what the car feels and sounds like with the new engine. Then I can start to add on as needed.

Apr 6, 2007 | 06:31 PM

blctalon

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Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 453

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From: Austin TX

I wouldn't consider exhaust an addon for a high performance engine. You need to let the motor breath correctly or you won't make near the numbers they rate your motor at. I'm not too familiar with the exhaust setup on your car from the factory, but I doubt it's dual exhaust. I'd make the correct mods so you can run the exhaust to compliment your engine.

My dad has an 80 vette that doesn't have the cutouts in the crossmember but it does have duals. Kinda nasty, I'd look into the fix pictured above.

Your transmission will probably get you through the summer, just don't beat on it too much. Remember, you have a new engine and you should want to treat it nice for a little bit.

Apr 6, 2007 | 08:03 PM

ratflinger

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From: South of giving a damn

St. Jude Donor '11, '17

Look at Stan's headers. Pricey but better for what you are doing. Too bad the Pypes system isn't ready yet. Jet-Hot for sure. Tranny is sure easier to deal with at the same time as the engine. If you are OK with the TH350, then have it rebuilt - about $500.