does it hurt a eng. to run with only headers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

billsbowtie · 09-21-2004, 01:55 AM

like moving it around the yard and short trips with nothing but headers on it thanks

LooseCannon · 09-21-2004, 02:08 AM

no, not a bit...

Think about all the cars at the drag races

RON WOODGEARD · 09-21-2004, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billsbowtie

like moving it around the yard and short trips with nothing but headers on it thanks

Only if you have close, Unfriendly Neighbors.....

kingsolver72 · 09-21-2004, 02:21 AM

I definitely would not go very far with open headers.Might be a little hard on the valves.

bigjimzlll · 09-21-2004, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingsolver72

I definitely would not go very far with open headers.Might be a little hard on the valves.

I think thats an old wives tail....no headers at all would cause some valve problems, but headers scavange the exhaust..mufflers do nothing but quiet and restrict flow.

Russell · 09-21-2004, 02:23 AM

Don't run it long enough for the heads to get real hot because you can warp the valves when cold air come rushing up the headers after you turn the truck off. Basically causes the valves to shrink faster than the rest of the heads, warping them.

Oh, the neighbours can be a pretty big factor too

Mine sued us over excessive barking of our rather quiet dog, and quickly quit after I agreed that if they stopped calling, I'd stop working on my motor late at night

Longhorn Man · 09-21-2004, 02:45 AM

I know this is apples to oranges, but I drove an 81 Citation for about 9 or 10 months in high school, and all it had on it was an exhaust manifold. No pipe, no converter...nothing.
I drove that sucker for 5 or 6 hrs a day running to cincinati every day to see my old girlfriend.
Not a single problem. I say it is BS.

68C15 · 09-21-2004, 02:49 AM

the only thing it does is lean out the cylinders to to basically no backpressure. short trips around the yard etc. will be fun, I mean fine.

billsbowtie · 09-21-2004, 02:52 AM

thanks guys

kingsolver72 · 09-21-2004, 02:55 AM

Wives tale or no wives tale why run open headers for long distances?..."BS" whats Barbara Striesand got to do with anything?

68w/sbc406 · 09-21-2004, 03:20 AM

people run those cherry bomb glass packs that bolt right to the header, they are straight through and only 18 inchs long or so, dont see how that would make that big of a difference

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-21-2004, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

people run those cherry bomb glass packs that bolt right to the header, they are straight through and only 18 inchs long or so, dont see how that would make that big of a difference

THEMS CALLED "PURPLE HORNIES"

cableguy0 · 09-21-2004, 10:31 PM

running no exhaust at all ie no headers or manifolds will hurt the motor but running just headers wont hurt a damn things except your hearing

pissonNOS · 09-22-2004, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

THEMS CALLED "PURPLE HORNIES"

haha thats what all the oldies around here call em they just looked at me when i went to the parts store and asked for some purple hornies

longhorn71 · 09-23-2004, 07:19 AM

I would not run open headers if it is cold out.I think you could cause damage to the valves.never up here in the winter time it can be 32F to -40F I think the change in temp. could warp or damage the valvetrain

Brainchild · 09-21-2004, 03:58 AM

Open headers won't hurt it,I prefer it,but the law doesn't support my views

I just have manifolds,and the mufflers stop right under the cab.I ran the 71 that way for 2 years,and I plan on running this truck that way for a while.

724wdcopper · 09-21-2004, 06:32 AM

why is it Harleys get away with thunderously loud exhaust, but if you are taking your rig to the muffler shop, you are sure to upset the neighbors and attract cops like barbeque attracts wasps?

is there some rule i dont know about that makes motorcycles exempt from noise ordinances?

Russell · 09-21-2004, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 724wdcopper

why is it Harleys get away with thunderously loud exhaust, but if you are taking your rig to the muffler shop, you are sure to upset the neighbors and attract cops like barbeque attracts wasps?

is there some rule i dont know about that makes motorcycles exempt from noise ordinances?

I've often wondered the same thing...

Longhorn Man · 09-21-2004, 10:46 AM

it pisses me off that the HD bikes can have blue dots in the tail lights too.

GMC AMI · 09-21-2004, 11:23 AM

It will not harm the engine, what do you think about all the drag racers running open headers? We always uncapped the headers at the drags and ran the cars hard and fast with no problems other than with your hearing!

PrimeredThunder · 09-21-2004, 05:24 PM

In my expereinces, running open headers is alright, but its always a safe bet to plug the collectors immeadiatly after you shut off the engine. Just a preventative thing...bettert to be safe than sorry IMO.
Kenny

gr8scott51 · 09-21-2004, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

it pisses me off that the HD bikes can have blue dots in the tail lights too.

You can't run blue dots????

As for the HD exhaust, a friend got a noise ticket on his Harley and I thought it was quieter than most.

nate68 · 09-21-2004, 05:45 PM

good idea, i wouldn't want any "creatures" getting stuck in the headers

Longhorn Man · 09-21-2004, 09:23 PM

They'll blow out as soon as you fire it up...don't worry about them.

cochino12 · 09-21-2004, 09:27 PM

I was wondering the same thing, I'm putting new headers on soon and the exhaust shop is about 20 min. away.

09-21-2004, 01:55 AM	#1
billsbowtie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: rose hill V.A. 24281 Posts: 17,997	does it hurt a eng. to run with only headers like moving it around the yard and short trips with nothing but headers on it thanks

09-21-2004, 02:23 AM	#6
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Don't run it long enough for the heads to get real hot because you can warp the valves when cold air come rushing up the headers after you turn the truck off. Basically causes the valves to shrink faster than the rest of the heads, warping them. Oh, the neighbours can be a pretty big factor too Mine sued us over excessive barking of our rather quiet dog, and quickly quit after I agreed that if they stopped calling, I'd stop working on my motor late at night __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

09-21-2004, 02:49 AM	#8
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	the only thing it does is lean out the cylinders to to basically no backpressure. short trips around the yard etc. will be fun, I mean fine. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

09-21-2004, 03:20 AM	#11
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	people run those cherry bomb glass packs that bolt right to the header, they are straight through and only 18 inchs long or so, dont see how that would make that big of a difference __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

09-21-2004, 10:31 PM	#13
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	running no exhaust at all ie no headers or manifolds will hurt the motor but running just headers wont hurt a damn things except your hearing __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

09-21-2004, 02:08 AM	#2
LooseCannon Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boiling Springs, PA Posts: 391	no, not a bit... Think about all the cars at the drag races

09-21-2004, 02:21 AM	#4
kingsolver72 10/30/19 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ottawa kansas Posts: 5,248	I definitely would not go very far with open headers.Might be a little hard on the valves.

09-21-2004, 02:45 AM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I know this is apples to oranges, but I drove an 81 Citation for about 9 or 10 months in high school, and all it had on it was an exhaust manifold. No pipe, no converter...nothing. I drove that sucker for 5 or 6 hrs a day running to cincinati every day to see my old girlfriend. Not a single problem. I say it is BS.

09-21-2004, 02:52 AM	#9
billsbowtie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: rose hill V.A. 24281 Posts: 17,997	thanks guys

09-21-2004, 02:55 AM	#10
kingsolver72 10/30/19 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ottawa kansas Posts: 5,248	Wives tale or no wives tale why run open headers for long distances?..."BS" whats Barbara Striesand got to do with anything?

09-23-2004, 07:19 AM	#15
longhorn71 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: CANADA Posts: 1,681	just headers I would not run open headers if it is cold out.I think you could cause damage to the valves.never up here in the winter time it can be 32F to -40F I think the change in temp. could warp or damage the valvetrain

09-21-2004, 03:58 AM	#16
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Open headers won't hurt it,I prefer it,but the law doesn't support my views I just have manifolds,and the mufflers stop right under the cab.I ran the 71 that way for 2 years,and I plan on running this truck that way for a while. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

09-21-2004, 06:32 AM	#17
724wdcopper graphic designer Join Date: May 2004 Location: Spokane, Washington Posts: 841	why is it Harleys get away with thunderously loud exhaust, but if you are taking your rig to the muffler shop, you are sure to upset the neighbors and attract cops like barbeque attracts wasps? is there some rule i dont know about that makes motorcycles exempt from noise ordinances?

09-21-2004, 10:46 AM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	it pisses me off that the HD bikes can have blue dots in the tail lights too.

09-21-2004, 11:23 AM	#20
GMC AMI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Other Maine! Posts: 2,236	Headers wide open. It will not harm the engine, what do you think about all the drag racers running open headers? We always uncapped the headers at the drags and ran the cars hard and fast with no problems other than with your hearing! __________________ 1968 Chevy 4x4 307 4 speed



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

09-21-2004, 05:24 PM	#21
PrimeredThunder Back from the Dead Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 522	In my expereinces, running open headers is alright, but its always a safe bet to plug the collectors immeadiatly after you shut off the engine. Just a preventative thing...bettert to be safe than sorry IMO. Kenny __________________ The only Carb that matters to me is the one under my hood! Salem, Oregon

09-21-2004, 05:45 PM	#23
nate68 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: ca Posts: 1,110	good idea, i wouldn't want any "creatures" getting stuck in the headers __________________ 68 short step, 406/700r4, 9" w/discs.

09-21-2004, 09:23 PM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	They'll blow out as soon as you fire it up...don't worry about them.

09-21-2004, 09:27 PM	#25
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	I was wondering the same thing, I'm putting new headers on soon and the exhaust shop is about 20 min. away. __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.