Any operating temp drop when switching to headers?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Any operating temp drop when switching to headers?
Switching to headers soon and am wondering if anyone noticed a drop in operating temp after the swap? I also plan a switching to alum heads. Now if I could only make up my mind on building the stroker I want or just using the 350 I am currently running. Should switch my forum name to 'Waffler'. :)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 0
From: Why Drive When you can ride
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (Fevre)
Hiya, I'm not sure what stock exhaust does to the running temp, but I know with headers on my 350, she runs just under 200, say about 190. Though I've discovered that prolonged drives over 85 does cause the temp to sit at 200. :D
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Niedernhausen, Germany
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (Fevre)
You should be aware, that operating temperature (as indicated on the gauge) might drop, but temperature inside the engine compartment WILL rise! This is a known disadvantage of headers. This additional heat will (most likely)
- make your steering gear leak (as the grease will become thinner)
- reduce the lifetime of your idler-arm (as heat will destroy the rubber inside).
- in general not be good to any rubber part and/or wiring harness.
To improve, you can either protect the parts above with additional heat shielding (thermo-wrap etc.) or cover the headers with thermo-wrap on the areas closest to the parts.
I have got headers myself and would not exchange them to the old ram-type manifolds - just wanted to point out these drags to you...
- make your steering gear leak (as the grease will become thinner)
- reduce the lifetime of your idler-arm (as heat will destroy the rubber inside).
- in general not be good to any rubber part and/or wiring harness.
To improve, you can either protect the parts above with additional heat shielding (thermo-wrap etc.) or cover the headers with thermo-wrap on the areas closest to the parts.
I have got headers myself and would not exchange them to the old ram-type manifolds - just wanted to point out these drags to you...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (Fevre)
Chris you saw how cool my engine ran, and after one of our spirited runs you could actually touch the alternator and MSD and put your hand very close to the headers. But mine does tend to run cool anyway, must be the Water Wetter and the 70/30 % water/antifreeze. Btw I just got off the phone to a performance tune-up guy and he told me that my running rich like that was to be expected coming off the throttle at over 6000 rpm, but will take her in and check the carb vacuum and set the timing properly. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (gdh)
I bet a good tune will get you even more horse. Didn't seem to run bad but might have a few horses hiding in there. That is a very strong engine you got there. :yesnod:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,807
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From: Hoosier
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (V8yunkie)
You should be aware, that operating temperature (as indicated on the gauge) might drop, but temperature inside the engine compartment WILL rise! This is a known disadvantage of headers. This additional heat will (most likely)
- make your steering gear leak (as the grease will become thinner)
- reduce the lifetime of your idler-arm (as heat will destroy the rubber inside).
- in general not be good to any rubber part and/or wiring harness.
To improve, you can either protect the parts above with additional heat shielding (thermo-wrap etc.) or cover the headers with thermo-wrap on the areas closest to the parts.
I have got headers myself and would not exchange them to the old ram-type manifolds - just wanted to point out these drags to you...
- make your steering gear leak (as the grease will become thinner)
- reduce the lifetime of your idler-arm (as heat will destroy the rubber inside).
- in general not be good to any rubber part and/or wiring harness.
To improve, you can either protect the parts above with additional heat shielding (thermo-wrap etc.) or cover the headers with thermo-wrap on the areas closest to the parts.
I have got headers myself and would not exchange them to the old ram-type manifolds - just wanted to point out these drags to you...
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Niedernhausen, Germany
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (AlwaysWave)
Oh, I forgot something:
The starter-solenoid does not feel too comfortable either with that additional heat. There is an original heat shield available (which I have never seen on any Corvette yet - but it must exist according to the Zip-Catalogue...), but also you can buy tailored thermo-wraps (kind of a sleeve) for the entire starter unit e.g. from SUMMIT or else. I have also wrapped the starter-wiring on mine.
The starter-solenoid does not feel too comfortable either with that additional heat. There is an original heat shield available (which I have never seen on any Corvette yet - but it must exist according to the Zip-Catalogue...), but also you can buy tailored thermo-wraps (kind of a sleeve) for the entire starter unit e.g. from SUMMIT or else. I have also wrapped the starter-wiring on mine.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,858
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From: A 12/8 man in a 4/4 world
Re: Any operating temp drop when switching to headers? (Fevre)
fevre,
can i have your stock manifolds?
cya at the cruise. ill be parked at greens arts supplies all day sat.
[Modified by Got79Fever, 11:26 AM 8/16/2002]
can i have your stock manifolds?
cya at the cruise. ill be parked at greens arts supplies all day sat.
[Modified by Got79Fever, 11:26 AM 8/16/2002]