Recommend Headers for 406ci engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
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Recommend Headers for 406ci engine
Another item I need for the 406ci engine I ordered is headers. I am looking for the best bang for the buck I guess, but also what will fit.
The guy who is installing the motor said he has had good luck with Hooker Super Comp long-tubes. He also said he used Dynomax before and they worked good, but he had to bang on one to get it to fit inside a Corvette.
Is there any consensous as to the favorite headers around here, both bang for buck wise and that will fit into the car without having to bend them up?
The engine will have Canfield heads with angle plugs.
Also, what about this X pipe, Y pipe, and H pipe stuff? I have seen people talking about this but never paid much attention. What should I order? Is this the stuff that comes downstream after the headers?
Also, any preferences on mufflers?
Thanks for any help.
The guy who is installing the motor said he has had good luck with Hooker Super Comp long-tubes. He also said he used Dynomax before and they worked good, but he had to bang on one to get it to fit inside a Corvette.
Is there any consensous as to the favorite headers around here, both bang for buck wise and that will fit into the car without having to bend them up?
The engine will have Canfield heads with angle plugs.
Also, what about this X pipe, Y pipe, and H pipe stuff? I have seen people talking about this but never paid much attention. What should I order? Is this the stuff that comes downstream after the headers?
Also, any preferences on mufflers?
Thanks for any help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I personally run Hooker 1 7/8 inch sidemount headers with 4 inch sidepipes... For a 406 - I'd definetely go with 1 7/8 primary pipes instead of 1 3/4... You'll need the flow for the best possible performance..
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Problem is finding 1 7/8 in. headers for a C3. None of the usual suspects ( hedman, hooker etc. ) make them. Hedman Husler used to make them but they are discontinued. You have to go to the high dollar Stahl and the like for 1 7/8 and I think Hooker Super Comps are the only option for 1 3/4 in.
If someone knows who makes a 1 7/8 in. header for a C3 that doesn't cost 2 arms and a leg it would be nice.
If someone knows who makes a 1 7/8 in. header for a C3 that doesn't cost 2 arms and a leg it would be nice.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Originally Posted by MotorHead
Problem is finding 1 7/8 in. headers for a C3. None of the usual suspects ( hedman, hooker etc. ) make them. Hedman Husler used to make them but they are discontinued. You have to go to the high dollar Stahl and the like for 1 7/8 and I think Hooker Super Comps are the only option for 1 3/4 in.
If someone knows who makes a 1 7/8 in. header for a C3 that doesn't cost 2 arms and a leg it would be nice.
If someone knows who makes a 1 7/8 in. header for a C3 that doesn't cost 2 arms and a leg it would be nice.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I guess I should have said non sidepipe header, I do not want to go to sidepipes, might be fine for some don't like the looks on an '80
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Originally Posted by MotorHead
I guess I should have said non sidepipe header, I do not want to go to sidepipes, might be fine for some don't like the looks on an '80
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
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So pretty much everyone agrees that 1 7/8" primaries are the way to go (at least as good as 1 3/4", prolly better)?
Also, comp mentions that they should be 30" long. Does that sound right to everyone? I didn't even know you could order different lengths beyond "shortties or long tube"....
Also, comp mentions that they should be 30" long. Does that sound right to everyone? I didn't even know you could order different lengths beyond "shortties or long tube"....
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,258
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From: Calif.
I'd say that 1 3/4" primaries as a miminum would be a great choice for your 406. I'd also go with the long tube style to help out in the torque department. (Like you're really going to need help there.)
1 3/4" primaries in a long-tube header comng together into a 3" collector and out through 2.5" or even 3" pipes equipped with an "X" or "H" crossover sould be nice. So would the sidepipe setup.
Just remember that a 400-based engine is NOT a 350. It will like bigger parts just about all the way around.
1 3/4" primaries in a long-tube header comng together into a 3" collector and out through 2.5" or even 3" pipes equipped with an "X" or "H" crossover sould be nice. So would the sidepipe setup.
Just remember that a 400-based engine is NOT a 350. It will like bigger parts just about all the way around.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 917
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From: Vernon British Columbia
St. Jude Donor '05
First C3 General Poster!
Originally Posted by The Dude
I'd say that 1 3/4" primaries as a miminum would be a great choice for your 406. I'd also go with the long tube style to help out in the torque department. (Like you're really going to need help there.)
1 3/4" primaries in a long-tube header comng together into a 3" collector and out through 2.5" or even 3" pipes equipped with an "X" or "H" crossover sould be nice. So would the sidepipe setup.
Just remember that a 400-based engine is NOT a 350. It will like bigger parts just about all the way around.
1 3/4" primaries in a long-tube header comng together into a 3" collector and out through 2.5" or even 3" pipes equipped with an "X" or "H" crossover sould be nice. So would the sidepipe setup.
Just remember that a 400-based engine is NOT a 350. It will like bigger parts just about all the way around.
Totally agree here. Ive had one helluva time finding 1 7/8 to fit the 400+ SBC Im trying to get, nearly impossible unless I wanna spend a grand on the ceramic coated sidepipes.
I run a "X" style pipe on my Cutty, the scavenging effect is FARRR superior with this setup than a typical "H" pipe. It eliminated the need to spend hundreds on fancy turbo mufflers.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
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From: Twin Cities Minnesota
I disagree. Engine displacement doesn't significantly affect pirmariy size.
Pimary size depends on your Horsepower levels.
Primary length depends on your median RPM levels.
Collector size is used to controll low end torque.
If you are doing a lot of racing at the track with a 600 hp engine and a 5000rpm stall converter then 1 7/8 30" primaries and 3 - 3.5" collectors are probably good headers.
( besides 1 7/8" collectors require adapter plates on a small block
)
If you are driving around town and / or have less than 500 hp then 1 3/4", 36" long primaries and 3" collectors are probably better.
They will help the low end torque and sacrifice little at the top end.
Of course all this is moot without a freeflowing exhaust system.
Equal length primaries will make carb tuning easier since all clyinders will be running with the same mixture.
Pimary size depends on your Horsepower levels.
Primary length depends on your median RPM levels.
Collector size is used to controll low end torque.
If you are doing a lot of racing at the track with a 600 hp engine and a 5000rpm stall converter then 1 7/8 30" primaries and 3 - 3.5" collectors are probably good headers.
( besides 1 7/8" collectors require adapter plates on a small block
)If you are driving around town and / or have less than 500 hp then 1 3/4", 36" long primaries and 3" collectors are probably better.
They will help the low end torque and sacrifice little at the top end.
Of course all this is moot without a freeflowing exhaust system.
Equal length primaries will make carb tuning easier since all clyinders will be running with the same mixture.
Originally Posted by Homie
So pretty much everyone agrees that 1 7/8" primaries are the way to go (at least as good as 1 3/4", prolly better)?
Also, comp mentions that they should be 30" long. Does that sound right to everyone? I didn't even know you could order different lengths beyond "shortties or long tube"....
Also, comp mentions that they should be 30" long. Does that sound right to everyone? I didn't even know you could order different lengths beyond "shortties or long tube"....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 184
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Well, the engine may well have more than 500hp---the dyno chart they sent me showed it a 494, pretty close, and it could certainly be greater based on the carb and exhaust I put on.
So the cons to 1 7/8" headers are both cost and the need for an "adaptor plate"? What does an adaptor plate cost?
Does anybody know a good website to check out 1 7/8" header prices versus 1 3/4" header prices?
Are Hooker Super Comps "equal length"?
OK, now there is the issue of 36" primaries versus 30". I guess if one will give me slightly more top end (30") and one slightly more low end (36"), I'd prefer the latter. However, if the 36" will really kill top end, forget it.
Everyone agrees on an X-pipe and 3" collectors and coming out through a 3" pipe is a pretty good way to go?
Anything ELSE in the exhaust system I need to worry about? This stuff is confusing
Thanks again.
So the cons to 1 7/8" headers are both cost and the need for an "adaptor plate"? What does an adaptor plate cost?
Does anybody know a good website to check out 1 7/8" header prices versus 1 3/4" header prices?
Are Hooker Super Comps "equal length"?
OK, now there is the issue of 36" primaries versus 30". I guess if one will give me slightly more top end (30") and one slightly more low end (36"), I'd prefer the latter. However, if the 36" will really kill top end, forget it.
Everyone agrees on an X-pipe and 3" collectors and coming out through a 3" pipe is a pretty good way to go?
Anything ELSE in the exhaust system I need to worry about? This stuff is confusing
Thanks again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 917
Likes: 0
From: Vernon British Columbia
St. Jude Donor '05
First C3 General Poster!
You dont want your headers too big, that can create bad back pressure. Youll be ok with 1 7/8 IFFF you can make em fit and get all the hardware. I think there may even be a medial length pip offered by hooker? 33"? hmm...if there is one out there thatd be the way to go, otherwise Id probably hit up a 30" with 500hp.
3" collectors are fine, anymore will be overkill, 3" out the back, NO CATS, "x" style pipe. Make sure you get a shop thats done the "x" pipe before because you can Eff up on them. Mufflers...go with as flow through as possible...glasspack if you dont care about noise, otherwise cheap high flow ones work. Ive never spent money on my mufflers and Ive never suffered from it.
3" collectors are fine, anymore will be overkill, 3" out the back, NO CATS, "x" style pipe. Make sure you get a shop thats done the "x" pipe before because you can Eff up on them. Mufflers...go with as flow through as possible...glasspack if you dont care about noise, otherwise cheap high flow ones work. Ive never spent money on my mufflers and Ive never suffered from it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
I am using the Dynomax 1-5/8" headers (They are smaller than my exhaust ports). So I KNOW they are a restriction, but I have run a best corrected ET and MPH of 11.37 @ 121
I would like to try some super-comps, but other things need attention.
I would like to try some super-comps, but other things need attention.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
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OK, thanks guys.
I'll go with 1 7/8" primaries (or 3/4" if the 7/8" are too costly/hard to setup), 33" or 30" length equal tube headers, no cats, X pipe, and 3" pipes.
I am kinda worried about the noise. Are Flowmaster 3-chamber a good choice for great flow yet not TOO much noise?
I'll go with 1 7/8" primaries (or 3/4" if the 7/8" are too costly/hard to setup), 33" or 30" length equal tube headers, no cats, X pipe, and 3" pipes.
I am kinda worried about the noise. Are Flowmaster 3-chamber a good choice for great flow yet not TOO much noise?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
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From: Chambersburg PA
You have to be careful with the mufflers because what often flows the best can yeild MISERABLE resonance. I hads a buddy with the Flowmaster 40's and they flowed great but more than 15 min. in the car and you had a miserable headache. Resonace was worst at 1800-2200rpm...basically exactly where you want to cruize. As with everything it depends upon where you want to be on the streetable/performance curve. I think we often over estimate our "need for speed" and ability to handle it. I am going to go with Walker Dyno Mat mufflers I think....I have heard those are the quietest performance muffler.
Remember much of what makes it fast on the track makes it hairy on the road. It was not long ago there was a thread about a guy who spun his vette on a dry day just passing a truck.
Remember much of what makes it fast on the track makes it hairy on the road. It was not long ago there was a thread about a guy who spun his vette on a dry day just passing a truck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
Man, you wanna talk about LOUD? Try 3" pipes with Dynomax Race Magnum Bullet Mufflers dumping under your butt!
What's that you said???
I think I am going to switch to a full 3" exhaust using Dynomax Ultra-Flo's.
What's that you said???
I think I am going to switch to a full 3" exhaust using Dynomax Ultra-Flo's.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
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LOL, you guys are nuts
So you guys think 3-chamber Flowmasters are not too loud?
I remember I read a long thread years ago that talked about 3-chamber versus 2 chamber flowmasters, and the conclusion seemed to be that 3-chamber sounded great and were plenty loud but not overly so.
Sound right? And can they flow OK?
Thanks.
So you guys think 3-chamber Flowmasters are not too loud?
I remember I read a long thread years ago that talked about 3-chamber versus 2 chamber flowmasters, and the conclusion seemed to be that 3-chamber sounded great and were plenty loud but not overly so.
Sound right? And can they flow OK?
Thanks.
