Ramhorns vs shorty headers
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 571
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From: Milford, CT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
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From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
My headers weren't overly expensive either, but they are ceramic coated.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
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From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
[QUOTE=jgcable; I am more interested in the sound and the cosmetic look of a clean header based exhaust system. I may still go the side pipe route. I think there is a cheap way to do it. I just haven't figured it out completely.[/QUOTE]
If price and sound are your criteria, here is one option.
Look into the Patriot brand 4 into one "lake pipes" in the 52 inch length. They are less than 1/4 $ of a set of Hookers, Use a single 2" inlet, can be hooked up to cast iron manifolds, like the original 69 sidepipes, or shorties by any local muffler shop. They do not require any mods to the rocker trim. They are glass packs wrapped in 3 1/2" chrome pipes. They have a great sound and will burn the h___ out of your leg, just like Hookers. You will learn to step wide really fast.
I ran this set-up for years till I had my car painted. Only then could I justify the cost of the original covers my car was born with. Even then, I built my own exhaust system, choosing not to go with the original crossflow. oblong, heavy muffler.
If price and sound are your criteria, here is one option.
Look into the Patriot brand 4 into one "lake pipes" in the 52 inch length. They are less than 1/4 $ of a set of Hookers, Use a single 2" inlet, can be hooked up to cast iron manifolds, like the original 69 sidepipes, or shorties by any local muffler shop. They do not require any mods to the rocker trim. They are glass packs wrapped in 3 1/2" chrome pipes. They have a great sound and will burn the h___ out of your leg, just like Hookers. You will learn to step wide really fast.
I ran this set-up for years till I had my car painted. Only then could I justify the cost of the original covers my car was born with. Even then, I built my own exhaust system, choosing not to go with the original crossflow. oblong, heavy muffler.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 17
From: Inlet Beach, FL
Back in 2004 or 2005, I bought a set of modified 2.5 in Rams Horns from Brzezinski Racing and had them ceramic coated at a local shop. They're quiet, run cool and fit stock, but I have no way to verify the 20hp gain they claim.
When I bought mine I'm pretty sure I was sent new GM exhaust manifolds not aftermarket like they sell now. They also will grind any brackets down if you ask them.
http://http://www.castheads.com/manifolds-carb/exhaust-manifolds/corvette-exhaust-manifolds/
http://www.castheads.com/manifolds-c...-manifold-faq/
If I was spending the money today I would get a set of American Racing Headers and have them ceramic coated. I think ARH has the quaility of build I'm willing to pay for and I haven't heard of any fit issues. I still might replace the Ram Horns with a set of long tubes from ARH when I have some spare cash burning a hole in my pocket.
http://www.americanracingheaders.com/C3_Corvette.html
Good luck!
When I bought mine I'm pretty sure I was sent new GM exhaust manifolds not aftermarket like they sell now. They also will grind any brackets down if you ask them.
http://http://www.castheads.com/manifolds-carb/exhaust-manifolds/corvette-exhaust-manifolds/
http://www.castheads.com/manifolds-c...-manifold-faq/
If I was spending the money today I would get a set of American Racing Headers and have them ceramic coated. I think ARH has the quaility of build I'm willing to pay for and I haven't heard of any fit issues. I still might replace the Ram Horns with a set of long tubes from ARH when I have some spare cash burning a hole in my pocket.
http://www.americanracingheaders.com/C3_Corvette.html
Good luck!
Last edited by Brass Pass; Jun 27, 2015 at 01:27 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Cant speak too much about shorty headers vs. manifolds but when I took off the Hooker super comp long tubes and dynomax mufflers on my 68 427 car and went to stock manifolds and Gardner exhaust there was a major difference. Don't know the exact numbers but seat of the pants felt like about a 30 hp difference. I miss the power but don't miss the noise!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
I finally got tired of fighting Header Heat problems also,
The corvette manifolds are some of the best flowing cast manifold made, use them.
keep the Manifolds, say good by to the hassles of headers.
I like the OEM manifolds and the side pipes myself.
good luck on your choice,
The corvette manifolds are some of the best flowing cast manifold made, use them.
keep the Manifolds, say good by to the hassles of headers.
I like the OEM manifolds and the side pipes myself.
good luck on your choice,
The engine is so tight and heat is an issues to begin with in FL. Not worth the 10 hp.
