'86 headers?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Thornton CO
'86 headers?
I have a 1986 coupe with high mileage. It has been almost completely rebuilt and runs good. My exhaust place wants me to put headers on it. It is a fairly stock 350. Will I get noticeable gains from headers? Are there any special problems to watch out for (heat, starter service, plug access, etc) when installed? What brand offers the best combination of performance gain, heat dissipation, etc. I am also wondering about a high energy coil. Saw them in Ecklers and seems like cheap if help performance. Any feedback? Am starting the interior, any smoking deals on carpet, door panels (complete), and weatherstripping? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Dilweed
Dilweed
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: '86 headers? (Dilweed)
If this is a stock or mildly modified engine, stick with 1 5/8ths inch primary tubed headers. Ceramic coating will reduce heat, promote exhaust flow, and extend the life of the headers.
What performance? Send the 50 bucks to me. It will do just as much good. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
I am also wondering about a high energy coil. Saw them in Ecklers and seems like cheap if help performance. Dilweed
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: '86 headers? (Dilweed)
History has shown on here, that headers won't net you much with a stock engine. Removing the precats is likely to have a bigger effect in itself. I'm going to put off getting long tubes until I have the money for a new cam and tuning.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,137
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: '86 headers? (Dilweed)
Expect roughly 15hp at peak, and increased power everywhere else in the band. What youll really notice is the midrange increases.
Get them ceramic coated. What size you get depends on any future plans, but its also likely you wont even notice the difference. (1.75" or 1 5/8")
I would buy some high-temperature wrap to put on various transmission lines, fuel lines, starter, wiring, etc. Its not a major problem but its a good precaution.
Hooker is the one we always recommend, less fitment complaints than the rest. Although the Y-pipe 16720 they sell doesnt fit everybody well, especially if you have automatic. So a custom fitted one might actually be better.
Dont waste money on ignition mods that dont help, the stock stuff is more than adequate until serious engine mods.
Get them ceramic coated. What size you get depends on any future plans, but its also likely you wont even notice the difference. (1.75" or 1 5/8")
I would buy some high-temperature wrap to put on various transmission lines, fuel lines, starter, wiring, etc. Its not a major problem but its a good precaution.
Hooker is the one we always recommend, less fitment complaints than the rest. Although the Y-pipe 16720 they sell doesnt fit everybody well, especially if you have automatic. So a custom fitted one might actually be better.
Dont waste money on ignition mods that dont help, the stock stuff is more than adequate until serious engine mods.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: '86 headers? (Dilweed)
Can you elaborate on "fairly stock"?? What sort of mods have been done to the motor? Cam? Head/valvetrain work? Port matching?
A good set of headers like the full-length Hooker Super Comps are the most popular brand but they will cost. Summit Racing sells them for $500. Add the install costs by your shop (assuming you don't do the work) and include a Y-pipe, you could be looking at $700-800 by the time you're done.
A good set of headers like the full-length Hooker Super Comps are the most popular brand but they will cost. Summit Racing sells them for $500. Add the install costs by your shop (assuming you don't do the work) and include a Y-pipe, you could be looking at $700-800 by the time you're done.
