I have this delima... and would like to get as many opinions as I can. Here's the deal.

I have a 383... Supercharged.... run stock heads (ported) and stock intakes/runners (ported and siamesed). I have a relatively small cam (.454 lift) and lowered compression (about 9.3). I have the 4+3, and 3.07 (stock gearing) with a Max RPM of around 5200.

I am currently using the stock headers... which have had the air inlet tubes welded, and ground smooth, as well as opened up. They have also been cleaned up on the bottom collector area for better flow.

I was looking for 1 3/4 Headers because it seems to be what everybody goes too. I found some, they were custom built... and about half the price of a new set of good Hookers. I bought them, and come to find out they are custom built race headers with 1 7/8 Primaries and 3.5 inch collectors. Some of the bends are a little odd, but these are big enuf for that not to matter.

Anyway, I have been all over the internet looking at "header size calculators" and so on and so forth only to have them all tell me that these are just too big for my car. But some some reason... I just keep looking at these things compared to my stock ones... and can't help but want to put them on. I hate to have a custom "Y" pipe built for these and spend more money only to find out that they make my car a DOG. The car is my daily driver, and I want performance... but It doesn't have to be the fastest car out there... as long as it runs fairly fast, and intimidates (sounds) the stangs and ricer cars.

Do I go with my gut feeling and just put them on? I mean, I won't ever find these again, or anything like these. Or do I sell them and just get some 1 5/8 long tube? I did test fit them and for these to be as big as they are... everything looks great. I only had to spin the line on the slave cylinder (clock it) 1 turn to be trouble free. Even the plugs are easy to get too.

I'm sure these were on a 406 with Mini Ram or SR, and making tons of power... could they do the same for me?

:confused:

 

Are they too big? I say no. Added cubes plus forced induction will benefit from a good exhaust. The only problem I see is the collector size. I'm not sure how close it will come to your oil filter....off the top of my head I think my collectors are 3" and the drivers side sits pretty close to the filter.

 

with the supercharger and 383 i'd think you'd be ok with those headers.

i'd post this topic over in engine mods. i believe one of the posters over there is affiliated with http://www.headerdesign.com/

 

For just a 383, its too big. For a 383 with SC, it sounds about right.

Usually ive seen where they go by HP numbers to pick an exhaust, 1 5/8" for under 400 on a 383. 1 3/4" for 400 to close to 500. Over 500hp, youll need 1 7/8".

I dont think youre really losing anything with those headers, id stick with them.