Pros/ Cons of headers?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Pros/ Cons of headers?
Going to put some after market headers on my 78 L82 to get some more get up and go...
Anyone have any suggestions or what do you think of headers in general as opposed to keeping the manifold?
Thanks!
Anyone have any suggestions or what do you think of headers in general as opposed to keeping the manifold?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
There is some benefit to adding headers to a basically stock engine but, unless you continue the process with a true dual exhaust system, the end result will be minimal. Headers will add some noise to the cabin, but not much and you will quickly get used to it. However, unless you plan to upgrade the complete system I'm not sure I would bother. Hooker makes a dual exhaust kit for headers that would be a great finish to your setup. As mufflers are not included you can reuse the originals or purchase something aftermarket. Summit and Advance Auto have that kit available for well under $200. Save more by using Advance coupon codes (google for them).
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: Johnston Rhode Island
Headers increase the exhaust flow and add some beautiful noise. Get some Taylor spark plug wires that are rated for headers. I agree if you do the headers you should do the entire system to see the benefit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Why do you think the surface of the headers is hotter than the surface of manifolds? The exhaust gases are what heats them and the exhaust temperature is the same whether its passing through a manifold or a header.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 897
Likes: 246
From: Green Valley Ca
The header tubes are closer to the evaporator box than a manifold. At least in my case 1970 car. I posted a thread in the past asking if anyone else had a problem with headers causing damage to the evaporator box. Others had issues with headers distorting the evaporator box. Just my experience with headers on a A/C car.BKboiler do you have a A/C car with headers? If so, have the headers caused any damage?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Morton Grove Illinois
Also if you get standard Steel headers they can eventually rot out and leak. I have painted full length headers and after half a year the paint came off and revealed bare metal. I Just sprayed them again with header paint and hopefully they won't rust
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 3
From: Highland MI
The header tubes are closer to the evaporator box than a manifold. At least in my case 1970 car. I posted a thread in the past asking if anyone else had a problem with headers causing damage to the evaporator box. Others had issues with headers distorting the evaporator box. Just my experience with headers on a A/C car.BKboiler do you have a A/C car with headers? If so, have the headers caused any damage?
Were your headers ceramic coated? I am hoping that will help keep some of the heat out of the headers on my 69.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
The header tubes are closer to the evaporator box than a manifold. At least in my case 1970 car. I posted a thread in the past asking if anyone else had a problem with headers causing damage to the evaporator box. Others had issues with headers distorting the evaporator box. Just my experience with headers on a A/C car.BKboiler do you have a A/C car with headers? If so, have the headers caused any damage?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Reisterstown Maryland
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
i am not sure, I know i am hoping they are a direct blolt on to my 1980, I wanted to keep the smog pump etc.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 5
From: OR
If you have A/C, the heat from the headers could burn a hole in the evaporator housing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
They are NOT really headers. They are called tubular exhaust manifolds and are essentially a shorter style header with individual runners. The problem is that the runners have VERY small diameter tubing-like 1-1.25 inches- which restricts overall exhaust flow but helps low end torque. My McJacks shorty headers have 1 5/8 inch runners and are terrific for mid-high rpm power. Personally on a stock like motor on the street I would not use Long TH with the heat, clearance-engine and road, noise, and very little performance difference versus Shorty's. just me.
I changed the tubular exhaust manifold like on the 81/82 C3's on my 94 mustang gt to BBK shorties and there was a BIG difference in performance with the 1 5/8 inch pipes versus the ford stock tubular exhaust manifold with 1-1.25 inch diameter runners. Don't bother with the 81/82 manifold and skip the long tube headers on a stock type engine-Shorties or block huggers-you will be happier in the end.
Hope that helps!
I changed the tubular exhaust manifold like on the 81/82 C3's on my 94 mustang gt to BBK shorties and there was a BIG difference in performance with the 1 5/8 inch pipes versus the ford stock tubular exhaust manifold with 1-1.25 inch diameter runners. Don't bother with the 81/82 manifold and skip the long tube headers on a stock type engine-Shorties or block huggers-you will be happier in the end.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by jb78L-82; Apr 2, 2014 at 07:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
1. get lars papers for curving your distributor first
2. get your carburetor set up, again get lars paper
3. put on headers and dual exhaust.
4. wonder why the car didn't come this way to start with.
2. get your carburetor set up, again get lars paper
3. put on headers and dual exhaust.
4. wonder why the car didn't come this way to start with.