Which headers for big FI build?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Which headers for big FI build?
I recently found a crack in my previous set of headers, so I'm in the market for a new set. I'm running a stroker with an F1 and putting down around 850 to my wheels. I know this has been beat to death, but I need input on which headers to run for my application. 1 7/8 or 2"? Right now, I obviously have more than enough top end, so I wouldn't mind picking up some midrange torque, but I really don't want to lose up top either. Has anyone tried the new Pfadt tri-y 1 7/8 headers in a big HP car? How about their 1 3/4 with a FI application? Did you pick up any mid range TQ? How much peak HP did you lose? How about ARH 2"? How much peak did you gain using the 2", and did you lose any torque through the midrange? Any other options I should look at?
Thanks for the input!
Thanks for the input!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
I would do the larger Pfadts that are offered now. I bought the 1 3/4 when they first came out.
Yes Pfadt has larger primaries if you ask to have them built. Secret squirrel type stuff going down, lol. They might even have 2" now. Call them up.
12 psi with a T trim in 117F heat. 11* timing.
Yes Pfadt has larger primaries if you ask to have them built. Secret squirrel type stuff going down, lol. They might even have 2" now. Call them up.
12 psi with a T trim in 117F heat. 11* timing.
Last edited by jon6.0; Aug 27, 2013 at 03:48 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
The only thing offered at the time for Pfadt was 1 3/4. You can now get larger primaries. That's what I would get at your HP level. Not my 1 3/4, especially since you have a stroker. I think my car makes good power compared to similar builds, but I will have a better feel for it once we can put full timing in it with meth. 4-5* more timing should put me in the 725-750rwhp range. About what most ECS1500 and A&A T trim's do with a cam and small blower pulley.
Last edited by jon6.0; Aug 27, 2013 at 04:07 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 24,035
Likes: 2,342
From: Gilbert AZ
I think they just underestimated the amount of vette owners that want to make 700+hp. 1 3/4" are fine for ls2/3 and mild ls7 setups but when it is getting common to see 700+ out of ls7s and built motors I think this is a good step forward.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Ever heard of scavenging? "more flow means more power" is probably the dumbest thing I've heard today. Power increases come from scavenging. Obviously we don't want any flow restrictions, and you aren't getting a major restriction with a 1 3/4 or a 1 7/8. What you are doing by changing the sizes is shifting your peak TQ curve forward. At a certain point you will create a restriction, and a 1 7/8 will probably have a better top end. That point it probably around 800rwhp though with most header designs. For the OP, I bet at your power level you will want the 1 7/8. Honestly though, with such a monster top end, I would still go 1 3/4 to get more mid-range tq. You already have a big enough peak
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
The Pfadt headers are amazing. I've seen the 1 3/4 used up to 600+ RWHP, and the TQ comes on earlier and stronger than any other header. For a FI, get the 1 7/8. It will flow like a 2" but give you a lot more torque down low
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix
I'll have my shop talk to them about swapping my 1 3/4 Pfadt for the new 1 7/8 and doing a back to back dyno session the same day with optimized tuning for the bigger headers. If they cut me a deal I'll do it.
I'm already at 673/584 with 11* of timing. Not sure how much better they will be. Adding the meth kit this Tuesday and will probably be around 720-750rwhp and 15*-16* of timing after that gets done.
I'm already at 673/584 with 11* of timing. Not sure how much better they will be. Adding the meth kit this Tuesday and will probably be around 720-750rwhp and 15*-16* of timing after that gets done.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,606
Likes: 1,722
From: Converse TX
On my built LS6 I gained 7hp/9tq going from 1 3/4 to 1 7/8 only a few lost down low could not tell any difference anywhere just liked my AR sounding ones better than the Stainless Works.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,606
Likes: 1,722
From: Converse TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,972
Likes: 48
From: NCM Lifetime#2195 Bulverde, Texas 78163
St. Jude Donor '13
I change from AR 1 7/8 to AR 2inch and double my hp, Also change the engine setup.
