Blondie - C3

My friend says I should install headers on my 81 c3 that only has 190 hp

Is it a lot of work
Is it costly
Is it worth it
?

Crimson Thunder

Its worth it only if you get rid of the catalytic converter(or use 2 new modern converters) and run true dual exhaust.

Shark Racer

Headers are very much worth it. Good timing and headers are two mods you can really feel on a stock engine. You won't feel another bump so big until you do heads and cam...

CheezMoe

I agree that if it has stock exhaust the whole system needs to be replaced to gain the benefits. Also if it is an 81 and has factory ecm components you will not be able to change your timing as suggested.

Is it a lot of work - In a garage with no lift, yes.
Is it costly - To replace the whole system w headers expect parts in the $750 range
Is it worth it - Subjective....does the car perform to your satisfaction now?

Remember, opening one can of worms on these cars typically opens many!.... Food for thought!

69Vett

I ran headers for many Decades, and also fought the battles of blown gaskets, loose bolts, burned plug wires, and engine missing. even tho, my last 2 engine builds were performance engines,
I was tired of the header battles, the Corvette oem manifolds are some of the best flowing manifolds made.
I elected to keep the stock manifolds, with a good dual exhaust, never looked back and plan to stick with the oem manifolds, headers are a constant battle.
unless your going to change your 190hp engine , keep you manifolds and put a good dual exhaust on it. "0 maintenance" required...ever.

Les

I've been using the same set of metal header gaskets for the last 10-15 years or so with no leaks. I also changed several years ago to the good plug wires with heat resistant boots that are made for headers, combined with thermal sleeves. Problem solved. The parts industry has far better materials to work with now and these issues can be eliminated for not much money.

OP, the power gains with headers are unmistakable. However, the more performance oriented the engine is, the more one stands to gain- or lose by not using headers. If you never plan to otherwise modify your mild small block and if your budget is tight, as 69Vett says, you may want to just have a good dual exhaust installed.

Blondie - C3

based on what you all have said, i think i am going to stay with the stock for now. Everything is working just fine and dosoctaves said, opening one can can lead to other things. Time for a drive to Hell Michigan with Blondie.

bluedawg

I agree completely.

Street Rat

Headers are a great addition. I have an '81 also. Hooker Competition headers fit well and are an easy install.