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headers and Valve train noise

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Old May 5, 2005 | 06:58 PM
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Default headers and Valve train noise

Do all headers allow more valve train noise in the cabin? Or do any of the header manufacturers use a thicker steel to keep them quiet?

thanks

pete
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Old May 5, 2005 | 07:03 PM
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I'm not sure I would classify it as valve train noise, but my car sound different almost like I can hear each cylinder fire. I almost call it a cleaner sound.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 12:24 PM
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Also I would figure that the Dynatech headers might be a bit quiter due to the cats reduction? Or maybe QTP's due to the many bends?

any thoughts on the quietest LT header?

thanks!
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Old May 6, 2005 | 12:29 PM
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One of the reasons why the stock exhaust manifold is much quieter is because its made out of an iron cast. LT headers are usually stainless steel or mild steel and is much thinner. There's no way you can get around it. Best thing to do is get a louder exhaust. My exhaust isn't too loud so I can definitely hear the valvetrain noise but I like the sound.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by alex1217
One of the reasons why the stock exhaust manifold is much quieter is because its made out of an iron cast. LT headers are usually stainless steel or mild steel and is much thinner. There's no way you can get around it. Best thing to do is get a louder exhaust. My exhaust isn't too loud so I can definitely hear the valvetrain noise but I like the sound.
1997-2000 used double walled stainless steel...fairly thinwall, I believe. 2001-224 used the cast exhaust manifolds.
Ed
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Old May 6, 2005 | 03:18 PM
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If you're running the stock valve-train and cam along with a quiet cat-back then the increased valve-train noise being emitted from the headers isn't very noticable at all. A louder cat-back and you won't hear it anyway.

Now, if you're running an agressive aftermarket cam then the valve-train noise will be more pronounced - producing that often-complained-about "sewing machine" noise.

Go to a few Corvette group gatherings and listen for yourself. Don't be swayed either way until you hear it for yourself.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 04:00 PM
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I probably should have mentioned I was running the QTP's, but didnt' want to start another "my header is better than your header" war

They do sound different due to the Tri-Y design than a conventional header. The Dynatechs are fairly thick walled for a header from what I understand, thus their weight is more than other brands.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 05:41 PM
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With stainless steel headers you can expect to hear more valve train noise. Even if you have stock heads and cam.
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Old May 6, 2005 | 10:12 PM
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Before I did the heads/cam thing, I just had the Supermaxx headers, (Dynatech), and Blackwing. I didn't notice ANY more valvetrain noise. After heads/cam, I notice the sewing machine valvetrain noise in the cabin only, and at low rpm's only.
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