Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

When I started building my 85 I bought new stock exhaust manifolds not thinking about duel exhausts. I am wondering if it would be ok to install duel pipes and mufflers using the stock manifolds or is it necessary to use headers.
I have not built up the engine, it is a stock 350 sb crate motor. I am wanting the duels to give a little bit more hp.
Any imput on this?

Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

I have stock manifolds and true duels. It's not necessary to have headers, but they'll help flow more than the stock manifold's. I plan on getting some nice headers one day... :)

Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

With a stock engine the manifolds and dual exhaust will be fine. On the street that would be all you need. The wow factor when you pop the hood at the local cruise in makes some go with headers. Good luck with your truck.

Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

Headers are a pita sometimes. Either get a cheap pair and have them rust or get a really nice pair and hope it doesn't leak every year.

Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

Do it however you want. The headers are good for exhaust floow and enhance the custom air cleaner that you have already or may want to install. More "AIR" in whch means that mmore "AIR" wants to get out. I am running headers on my 84 GMC , my son's 86 Silverado, my 95 Impala SS, and my 91 Silverado. I have had zero problems with these setups, because I used quality headers, gaskets, and bolts. In the past years, I have experienced problems with other cars and engines, but I learned from my errors and now I seem to have the better end of the deal. I have also seen individuals have problems with factory maifolds, such as bad donuts, bad gaskets. broken manifold studs, and head bolts. Cast iron is not always the answer.

If you choose headers, then I would definitely look for ones that are coated in a ceramic, to lower heat in the engine compartment and get a finish that does not rust.

Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds
 

i have a pair of flowtech long tube headers on my '74.... have had no problems with them leaking but they have got fairly rusty after one year.