Headers versus Ram Horns
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Wet Coast
Headers versus Ram Horns
Does any one have any experience or links to dyno tests with Corvette ram horns vs. headers? All the tests I've seen use the worst 'log' type exhaust manifolds vs headers for the greatest difference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Can't tell you what's better for a given application, but here are some real nice 'Vette manifolds
http://www.castheads.com/corvette_systems.php#manifolds
http://www.castheads.com/corvette_systems.php#manifolds
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Wet Coast
I did the same thing Brzezinsky does to a new set of ram horns (used a Felpro 1404 gasket and ground the ports to match) after talking on the phone with him. I bought their 2 into 1 collector and installed it onto my vintage 72 Blazer with a 3" mandrel bent exhaust a a giant 3" Dynomax high flow RV muffler. I am impressed with the system, but wonder how much HP and Torque I'm giving up vs the reliability of cast iron manifolds.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
My rams horns were "supposed" to be opened up to the gasket a la "Brzeniski". I won't know for sure until I remove them. I want to use the rams horns for a sleeper effect and for better ground clearance.
The test I read was replacing stk log type w/headers. On a mild engine they were worth 20-25 hp. On a serious motor 40-50 was gained. I'm willing to give up 10-15 on top for more in the middle of the powerband. I will be going to dyno soon. I will know more then.
Rick
The test I read was replacing stk log type w/headers. On a mild engine they were worth 20-25 hp. On a serious motor 40-50 was gained. I'm willing to give up 10-15 on top for more in the middle of the powerband. I will be going to dyno soon. I will know more then.
Rick
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
I've read a number of articals that suggest that good flowing manifolds, like the rams horns, when ported and polished will do as well on the street as headers. IF you didn't have to run mufflers, the headers would be better, but the mufflers steal as much power as the headers make over the rams horns.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Wet Coast
Russ, that may have been true years ago, but muffler technology has come a long way. Some header equipped cars make more power with the right mufflers. But I do agree with you that ram horn exhaust manifolds aren't that bad compared to headers. Properly ported, they will not restrict the exhaust valve, but may give up torque to headers.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
anyone have any dyno numbers?
Anyone have any dyno numbers or articles that compare headers to 2 1/2 inch rams horn to a set of headers and talk about how much loss if any o torque or HP.. all the chevy engines now use headers when listing theor numbers but i can't find any dyno numbers with rams horn?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
The problem is that headers gain because they are tuned length, but no matter how good mufflers are, the they will still kill the tuned length. Headers will outdo any restrictive exhaust manifolds, but rams horns are easily cleaned up to make them flow on par with headers.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
