Header help
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
Header help
When it comes to headers for my 383 I need to learn a little so I can pick the best option.
Whats the pro's and cons to the different finishes?
Is it correct that the shorty headers are so you can just remove the cast exhaust manifold and still use the standard exhaust pipes?
If so is there any disadvantage?
What special considerations, if any do I need to be aware of for a 68 SB?
Whats the pro's and cons to the different finishes?
Is it correct that the shorty headers are so you can just remove the cast exhaust manifold and still use the standard exhaust pipes?
If so is there any disadvantage?
What special considerations, if any do I need to be aware of for a 68 SB?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Forrest City Ar
look back several days for post titled factory side pipe covers and header tube lenght. If you can't find them PM me and I will get them. Shorty or blockhuggers will probally fit you current but whats the point of headers if the rest of your system is restrictive.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
I think I mispoke. My system is not standard. I have a 2.5" dual exhaust right now with minimally restrictive mufflers. If this is still restrictive please advise.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,350
Likes: 423
From: Seattle Area WA
If you want a set of headers that provides good benefit for the money along with tuneability, look at the Tri-Y design headers. Stan's are relatively reasonable in price but there are cheaper alternatives. Shorty headers are just a slight improvement over a good set of 2.5 manifolds, IMHO.
http://www.stans-headers.com/tri_y.htm
http://www.stans-headers.com/tri_y.htm
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
If you want a set of headers that provides good benefit for the money along with tuneability, look at the Tri-Y design headers. Stan's are relatively reasonable in price but there are cheaper alternatives. Shorty headers are just a slight improvement over a good set of 2.5 manifolds, IMHO.
http://www.stans-headers.com/tri_y.htm
http://www.stans-headers.com/tri_y.htm
Ummm, what does tuneability mean in regards to headers?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Tuned headers are designed with the tubes of equal length to maximize power output. This is done by various designs to achieve power in specific power bands and also can be a compromise between maximum power and compact installation.
Compact, block hugger headers give up some power to achieve a better fit in tight spaces, ground clearance and be able to hook up to a factory design exhaust system. Long tube headers will make more power but will often give decreased ground clearance, installation problems around engine accessories and body panels. Tri-Y designs are supposed to give better down low power but give up some at higher rpm's. Basically, there's no free lunch and you can't have it all in one package.
You have to determine what use your car will have and where you want your power band to be and then decide which design and make headers will fulfill that best. Then decide on coated or uncoated, but that has little to do with the best design for your needs.
Compact, block hugger headers give up some power to achieve a better fit in tight spaces, ground clearance and be able to hook up to a factory design exhaust system. Long tube headers will make more power but will often give decreased ground clearance, installation problems around engine accessories and body panels. Tri-Y designs are supposed to give better down low power but give up some at higher rpm's. Basically, there's no free lunch and you can't have it all in one package.
You have to determine what use your car will have and where you want your power band to be and then decide which design and make headers will fulfill that best. Then decide on coated or uncoated, but that has little to do with the best design for your needs.
Last edited by Roughrider; Mar 29, 2008 at 07:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard/San Luis Obispo CA
Doug thorley ceramic coated. They have nice thick flanges and decent size primaries. Supposedly the ceramic coated headers last the longest and are able to have a small effect on engine compartment temps. They are on the expensive side a little bit, but I'm sure you have heard this before "If you want to play you have to pay"
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