Headers or ram horns?

[kolectrkev]

Should I stay with ram horns or go with headers on my 71 2wd 350 automatic? If I go with headers what should I go with?

Thanks,

Kevin

[CPNEJR]

I would stick with the ram horns because if you go with headers they tend to heat up the starter and the truck wont start.

I you went with headers they make specialty one for our trucks and they don't tend to do that as much (but they still do)
it's really up to you

[GMC AMI]

Originally Posted by CPNEJR

I would stick with the ram horns because if you go with headers they tend to heat up the starter and the truck wont start.

I you went with headers they make specialty one for our trucks and they don't tend to do that as much (but they still do)
it's really up to you

I vote for rams, last a lot longer than headers. Unless you are racing then go with a good quality set for added performance.

CPNEJR, where do you sign up for that FAN CLUB? Needs more members.

[lpaine]

Personally, I prefer the ram's horns- headers might free up a little power, but then you'd have the headache of fitting the headers to your stock exhaust (shop job) If you go with headers don't throw the ram's horns out-you'll need them again when the headers rust out.

[sdkid]

I wish I had stayed with rams horns. Headers make spark plug changes a pain, and are harder on plug wires.

[ChevyDude]

I'm on the otherside on this one as I want headers on my trucks. However, if you are going for the stock look then the Ram Horns are the way to go. The Ceramic coated headers of todays technology are MUCH more prone to not rusting. I have had a Ceramic Coated set on my 4wd and NO leaks and NO rust. JMO.

[784X4GUY]

You can buy that wrap for the headers which I heard keeps the heat down alot. But then again I also heard if you use that the inside of your headers just go to pieces because of all the heat thats held in...Later Mike

[RainFade]

Just make sure your rams horns are solid, I took mine off to install headers and they pretty much disintigrated.

[smokekiki]

The header companys will not honor any warrenties if wrapped.Put 3/4 lenth coated chevelle headers,and if needed a remote solenoid.Stock exhaust gaskets will seal better than the ones for headers.

[72 Blazerman]

my 2 cents worth but, I have never had any problems with headers overheating solenoid on any vehicle I had. But it is all in what you want. I'm using Hooker Headers on my Blazer.

Doug

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by 72 Blazerman

my 2 cents worth but, I have never had any problems with headers overheating solenoid on any vehicle I had. But it is all in what you want. I'm using Hooker Headers on my Blazer.

Doug

PART #

[784X4GUY]

Yeah same here Doug, never any problems with any of mine and starting problems...Later Mike

[chevyboy55]

I would stick with the rams horns myself. However. I have never had a starting problem with headers. I had a 1971 El Camino that you had to take the header off to change the starter. I used a WHOLE bunch of improper words when changing spark plugs.

[Stocker]

IMO it really depends on the engine. If stock or nearly so, keep the ramhorns - they'll flow quite well enough. But with a pumped up engine, I'd go with headers to help it breathe better.

[N2TRUX]

Why not have the best of both worlds. Get a set of 2 1/2" Corvette ram horns. They will flow as much as most headers.....

[robertwb]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Why not have the best of both worlds. Get a set of 2 1/2" Corvette ram horns. They will flow as much as most headers

as long as you think 65% is "almost" as much-and that's professionally ported corvette rams horns -VS- generic headers

giving up 35% is quite a compromise but those are by far the best factory manifolds-sanderson makes cast iron manifolds that are better but they ain't cheap

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Why not have the best of both worlds. Get a set of 2 1/2" Corvette ram horns. They will flow as much as most headers.....

PART #

[Hooter]

what I did to combat the heat soak problem was to install an asbestos mit around my starter with some bailing wire, its kinda half assed but havent had a single problem in 5 years

[Wootdog]

If I could find the stock manifolds for my 68 shortwide with a 350. Stock for the 79 Z28 350, and of course a stock set of manifolds for the LT1 for the 67 truck I would buy them all. Headers are so over rated for the hassle they cause. I just paid 35.00 for what are supposed to be the best gaskets on the market as far as sealing. Waste of money. My two cents. Kerry

[ChevyDude]

OK...so just do what you want. It's that simple.

[4x4Poet]

Sanderson cast headers are great, but I couldn't find cast SBC headers on their website. Must be my fault. Still, short of racing, their the best of both worlds: no hassle cast with headers' high flow rates.

[kolectrkev]

Thanks for all the replies I think I'll stay with the ram horns and put dual 70 series flowmasters on.

[RON WOODGEARD]

Headers are probably the Number 1 quick improvement you can make to free up Spent up Horsepower. It frees up Exhaust gases, Which will give quicker and More RPM,s. on a 6 Cylinder, you buy a set that comes out dualed, put a set of 18" Glasspacks on, and exit just before the rear end, Out the sides or dropped at the rear end.. Sounds Sweet !!!...
I have never had a set of headers that caused the starter problem ?? But I have known a few that did.
I don't remember the headers I have on my truck now, I think Summit.. They're over 10 years old and do not leak. I cut the flanges, And tighten and RE-TIGHTEN the header bolts a couple of times after the engine has been warmed to operating temperatures.

You can also Soak the standard Header Gaskets in water for a little while before install, That will allow the gaskets to compress while being tightened, But still ""Re-tighten"" after warm up..

[inline6Bill]

robertwb:

Yes, I do inline 6's, as well as have done and continue to do V8's as well. My questions to you and others who do not believe in equal length headers is this:

1. When were the laws of physics suspended or overturned ?

Let's see if I get this straight. You are building an engine for a vehicle. You have blueprinted every component going into the engine, making sure that you have AS CLOSE TO EQUAL measurements in cylinder head volume,bearing clearances,etc. You have purchased an intake system that has NEARLY EQUAL distribution to all cylinders. You have cylinder heads that flow properly for the intended application. You have a camshaft with EQUAL intake and exhaust durations and lift for EACH CYLINDER. NOW, you are going to THROW AWAY all of that getting EQUAL performance from every cylinder BY USING UNEQUAL LENGTH HEADERS !!!

As for David Vizard and his assessment on headers: He is right about the operation of Chevrolet V8 as far as firing order and exhaust pulses, but he seems to forget about the stuff I have mentioned above. Also, this idea by Mr. Vizard flies against the wisdom of people like the late John Lingenfelter, the late Henry "Smokey" Yunick, Jere Stahl (the first builder of 4 into 1 headers, by the way), and Ed Henneman. I would HIGHLY SUGGEST getting the information pack that Headers by Ed sells, ESPECIALLY the article reprint from Chevy High Performance magazine, where Ed's equal length headers BEAT a competitor's un-equal length headers by AS MUCH AS 50 HORSEPOWER, a 12 % GAIN BY JUST EQUAL LENGTH HEADERS ALONE !!! And, by the way, THESE HEADERS WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR THE ENGINE THEY WERE TESTED ON, AND NO TUNING WAS DONE AT ALL !!!


Unequal length headers on my vehicle: NEVER !!!!

[71meangreenc10]

Just wondering about the vette horns, I tried a set on my 283 and the exhaust guys couldnt get a bend in the pipe that severe on the driver side because of the front crossmember, I had to by new ones from LMC. I do not care for headers, no matter what they always have leaked on me.....