how important are headers?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,007
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From: many sticks land of mountains
how important are headers?
I am getting ready to put a dual exhaust on my 76. I have a mildly modified engine, and don't intend on racing. All I want to do is spin the tires once in a while and cruise down the highway.
Should I go through the expense and headache of headers or just bolt onto the good ol' ram's horns.
Your opinions are being anxiously awaited.
:cheers: :cheers:
Should I go through the expense and headache of headers or just bolt onto the good ol' ram's horns.
Your opinions are being anxiously awaited.
:cheers: :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
In my opinion, the Rams Horns are pretty good exhaust manifolds. Without knowing what modifications you've done, it's hard to say whether headers would be worth the cost. If you haven't made changes that caused a major increase in the fuel/air flow into the engine, then you don't need the added exhaust capacity of headers. That's just my opinion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Re: how important are headers? (Mack76)
Important?
Depends.....
How cool do you want it to sound? :D
Certain cams will behave differently with headers. Headers, cam, and intake manifold all work together. I am by NO MEANS an expert but I'd say unless you're running a monster cam headers aren't going to give you much. If you're looking to cut costs and avoid hassles skip the headers. Switching from manifolds to headers later isn't too difficult.
That said, I love my headers! The mild lope, the tinklie-tinklie sound as the exhaust flows through them. Ahhhh...
Depends.....
How cool do you want it to sound? :D
Certain cams will behave differently with headers. Headers, cam, and intake manifold all work together. I am by NO MEANS an expert but I'd say unless you're running a monster cam headers aren't going to give you much. If you're looking to cut costs and avoid hassles skip the headers. Switching from manifolds to headers later isn't too difficult.
That said, I love my headers! The mild lope, the tinklie-tinklie sound as the exhaust flows through them. Ahhhh...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,484
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From: Northampton Ma
Re: how important are headers? (Cookwithvette)
I definately think they are worth it, you can get easy to install, thermal coated headers for a good price. Dynomax's are about $220, and the Hedman's that I have are $260.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
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From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
With your mild engine mods I don't think you would see any difference whatsoever. If you are planning future mods say 350hp or above, then yes. My opinion (and it is only that) is headers are a pain in the a__ because they leak, crack, and rust out. Yes, the ceramic coated ones are better, but why go through all that messing around if you really don't need to. I use Calyx manifold dressing on my ramhorns, and they look sweet! :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: how important are headers? (Big Fish)
Have your exhaust manifolds ported...somewhat expensive, unless someone owes you a favor...
Stock manifolds...in 1969 were much larger openings and passages than in 1976. Open them up some, and you'll get enhanced performance and keep the manifolds.
Headers...I bought a set of DynoMax headers, and I love the look and the sound of them combined with my somewhat radical cam, heavy breathing heads, big Speed Demon, 2.5" duals (with H-pipe), and Moroso spiral racing mufflers.
To quote a fellow muscle car enthusiast: Dude, your car driving around base and at idle is pretty low frequency and quiet...but I've been behind you getting on the highway before, and when you open it up and get into the secondaries...it's like "OH MY GAWD! THE WORLD'S GONNA END!!!"
So, I'm biased to the headers. But, both have their merits. I like bringing about the end of the world with my right foot. It makes up for the lacking of thrust in the Tweet.
Stock manifolds...in 1969 were much larger openings and passages than in 1976. Open them up some, and you'll get enhanced performance and keep the manifolds.
Headers...I bought a set of DynoMax headers, and I love the look and the sound of them combined with my somewhat radical cam, heavy breathing heads, big Speed Demon, 2.5" duals (with H-pipe), and Moroso spiral racing mufflers.
To quote a fellow muscle car enthusiast: Dude, your car driving around base and at idle is pretty low frequency and quiet...but I've been behind you getting on the highway before, and when you open it up and get into the secondaries...it's like "OH MY GAWD! THE WORLD'S GONNA END!!!"
So, I'm biased to the headers. But, both have their merits. I like bringing about the end of the world with my right foot. It makes up for the lacking of thrust in the Tweet.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 10
From: Sault Ste Marie Ontario
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
Headers and true dual exhaust are one of the cheapeast horse power additions you can make. :D Your engine will not only sound better but preform better. :cool: No doubt go the extra and put on headers. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Averill Park N.Y.
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
I recently bought my first set of headers this spring when I changed the engine. I too thought they were probably not worth the hassle, plus years ago I couldn't afford them. I was lucky to have a performance car.
Now that I have them I love them. They were surprisingly easy to put on and have a muffler shop hook them up.
They look great and I love the sound. I'd do it again in a minute.
I can't tell if there was a performance increase because I changed everything at one time, but I'm sure there has to be.
:cheers:
Now that I have them I love them. They were surprisingly easy to put on and have a muffler shop hook them up.
They look great and I love the sound. I'd do it again in a minute.
I can't tell if there was a performance increase because I changed everything at one time, but I'm sure there has to be.
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 803
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From: South San Francisco CA
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
I'm sold on headers. Wouldn't own a 'Vette without them installed. There's nothing like the sound of a big block with sidepipes .... nothing in this world!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
There is a correlation between headers and the level of engine mods.....the h.p. gain. A bone stock, or mildly modified engine will yield approximately 10-15 h.p. gain, compared to 30-50 h.p. gain on a heavily modified engine.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
Headers will increase your horsepower. But it doesn't really sound like you care.
If you are not running at WOT you won't notice the difference, since there's always more left.
If you are looking for MORE power, headers will help. If you are always running around at part throttle, whats the point?
If you are not running at WOT you won't notice the difference, since there's always more left.
If you are looking for MORE power, headers will help. If you are always running around at part throttle, whats the point?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 5
From: Epping NH
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
I recently had a discussion with a Corvette restoration shop regarding a ZZ4 upgrade for my 69 coupe. I asked about installing new headers vs keeping the stock manifold. He suggested that I retain the original exhaust manifold (have them sand blasted and painted). His rational was that over time, headers will start to leak and become a headache. Any comments???
Mark
Mark
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,462
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From: Reno nevada
Re: how important are headers? (Twin_Turbo)
I don't leave home without them!:)
Your probably in a nearly rust free area like me. Headers last for years mine have been on for over 10 years. I have Hooker 1 5/8ths. They make your car more fun.
Your probably in a nearly rust free area like me. Headers last for years mine have been on for over 10 years. I have Hooker 1 5/8ths. They make your car more fun.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Australia 1985 Coupe
Re: how important are headers? (427V8)
Headers will increase your horsepower. But it doesn't really sound like you care.
If you are not running at WOT you won't notice the difference, since there's always more left.
If you are looking for MORE power, headers will help. If you are always running around at part throttle, whats the point?
If you are not running at WOT you won't notice the difference, since there's always more left.
If you are looking for MORE power, headers will help. If you are always running around at part throttle, whats the point?
Headers flow tons better than ram horns - simple as that! If it is a daily driver, why bother, but if you want some more go then headers WILL give more power and will increase any benifits of work done to the engine.:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Re: how important are headers? (TJRed76)
I always wonder about these header posts. You can get "the sound" just by changing mufflers, so you'll save a lot of money there. Headers on a highly modified engine, when UNCORKED (disconnected from the mufflers) only provide a 15-20 hp increase. With mufflers hooked up, even Flowmasters, it's less. Many guys have to dent and dimple their headers to get them to fit. That sure isn't helping exhaust flow.
Think about this...in 1970 the 454 was rated at 450 horsepower with CAST IRON manifolds. On a Corvette they are VERY efficient cast iron manifolds, but they are still cast iron. And most people agree that horsepower rating was under-rated. Unless you are RACING the Vette at the strip or a track, I really see no point in the extra expense/hassle of headers. If you want the sound get some Flowmasters or Cherry Bombs. If you have a manifold, carb, cam, and big valves, AND race OFTEN, then think about some headers.
Dep
Think about this...in 1970 the 454 was rated at 450 horsepower with CAST IRON manifolds. On a Corvette they are VERY efficient cast iron manifolds, but they are still cast iron. And most people agree that horsepower rating was under-rated. Unless you are RACING the Vette at the strip or a track, I really see no point in the extra expense/hassle of headers. If you want the sound get some Flowmasters or Cherry Bombs. If you have a manifold, carb, cam, and big valves, AND race OFTEN, then think about some headers.
Dep
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 958
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From: Brisbane, Australia 1985 Coupe
Re: how important are headers? (Chris O')
My 350 with ram horns + XE256 + bigger valves and valve angle work = 154RWHP
Add headers = 226RWHP
Seems like a good jump to me.
:cheers:
Add headers = 226RWHP
Seems like a good jump to me.
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara California
Re: how important are headers? (Chris O')
I love my ceramic coated headers- the cool factor must not be overlooked- they make my engine bay look sooo trick. Don't know how great of a role they play in the over all exhaust note- but what a note it is- wrather a scream- it makes my shotgun riders giggle and people on the street jump a little. Which is good for them.
headers are cool :cool: :D
headers are cool :cool: :D