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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 134
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![]() ![]() I am not adding them for the sound since my dual Magnaflow Mufflers already do that. I guess I am asking are the positives of the headers worth the money for what you get out of them? Does anybody regret adding them to their trucks? ![]() Last edited by greenbd71; 04-14-2011 at 11:24 PM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mobile, AL
Posts: 365
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I bought my truck with these really crappy headers on it the PO put on. I have to use header spark plugs and #6 and #8 are damn near impossible to get out. Mine are small too and I don't think they goto my truck. But then again I have bags, you shouldn't have a problem finding some good fitting headers. Just make sure you do your research on them and you'll get some HP out of it. I'm sure someone else can elaborate better than me, I'm kind of just venting lol.
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----------------------------------------- My 67 c10 Thread. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=409192 |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 134
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Denton, Texas
Posts: 1,713
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Your engine bay looks pretty good to me. I think your exhaust manifolds look really nice as well.
The first headers I used were cheapos. They did radiate quite a bunch of heat. The second set of headers I have are ceramic coated. They do seem to help cut down the heat radiated. I think new/ clean headers look great, but I really haven't noticed any "real" improvement of headers vs stock manifolds. Keith |
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#5 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Headers can cause problems with starters because of heat soak. If I had to do it again I would have not gone with headers on the 454 in my '71 since the engine is more or less stock.
The engine will not turn over when the engine is warm because of heat soak of the starter. After it cools off it turns over ok.
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
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#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I had Thorely TRI Y headers on my 402BB but I went back to the factory manifolds because they are are trouble free. They have perfect fit without the worry of loose bolts. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.
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A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 4,093
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Interested also.
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1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob) |
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#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Modesto, Ca
Posts: 411
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Generally speaking, headers offer a little more performance. But on a stock motor, not much.
If you are going to spend the dough, get a coated version to keep the heat down a bit. They also look very nice and age better. Remember you get what you pay for when it comes to headers. Want them to fit, not have spark plug issues, not hit the cross member, melt the insulation off starter wires etc. etc.? You'll end up spending some dough. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 4,093
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
How much more power/mpg would you get on a stock motor?
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1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob) |
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#10 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Modesto, Ca
Posts: 411
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
On a 2 barrel setup, none. 4 barrel maybe 10% more at best.... mpg will not likely change.
Last edited by 5150.4.67; 04-14-2011 at 12:08 AM. |
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#11 |
DON'T TREAD ON ME
![]() Join Date: May 2005
Location: Crosby County, TX
Posts: 989
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Back when Old Yeller was stock, switching out the manifolds (because one broke) for a cheap set of Cyclone headers made no noticeable difference in the power. It did make a noticeable difference in the amount of work I had to do to keep the damn things from leaking. If your rig is otherwise stock and running right I wouldn't waste the time on headers. On the other hand if you have a set of high flow heads, big cam and intake then yeah you'll see a difference performance wise.
I currently have Hooker headers which don't leak so spend the money if you decide to go this route.
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Old Yeller |
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#12 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,907
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Mine has headers because that's what came with the truck. After four years, I've decided they have to go for a couple of reasons: 1. They're too loud, and the noise is concentrated in the front of the cab, where it's just annoying. 2. I have to crawl under the truck with an open-end wrench to get the #4 or #6 plug (can't remember which one it is right now).
I'm planning on getting a set of rams-horns manifolds to replace them. |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Grand Terrace, Ca.
Posts: 1,607
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Headers can leak. Headers can make more horsepower. Some headers will do one and not the other (hopefully make horsepower and not leak). If you spend the money on a "good" set I think you will be happy with them.
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#14 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mustang, Oklahoma
Posts: 29
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Your engine compartment already looks pretty nice, your factory ramshorn manifolds look good in there. If it were my truck I would stick with those. On stock or mildly modified motors headers are just not worth the trouble/expense. Had I not lucked into a built 425hp motor with aluminum Holley heads I would be trying to by those ramshorns off you!
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St.Petersburg,Fl
Posts: 1,267
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I've had headers for as long as I can remember. If you have a stocker type engine, go with what you got. If you have a high performance engine, go with a GOOD set of headers, and GOOD gaskets. I say GOOD, because there's alot of crap out there.You get what you pay for here. I run Hooker Super Comps, that I bought coated, that lasted a short time. I had them blasted and re-coated locally, and have had no more problems. Good luck
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pequannock NJ
Posts: 259
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Headers!! I wrapped my starter just in case cuz I really dont feel like shelling out another 250 due to heat. But Ive never had any problems in any other trucks with headers and oem starters
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Warrenton VA
Posts: 144
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Very interesting perspective on this issue... I figured most people would be all for putting headers on!
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'71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 134
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I love this forum because you get answers to your questions so quick and you guys know what your talking about. Well I decided no headers wll be installed after listening to both sides of the debate. I will start saving my money and put it into buying a new 454 crate motor or another crate motor down the road when it needs it. I guess don't fix it unless it's broke. Thanks!!
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#19 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: High Plains of Colorado
Posts: 2,485
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
One thing to add in regards to Ram Horn manifolds, they are not all created equal. The stock manifolds range from 2" to 2-1/2" outlet sizes. The stock 2-1/2" Corvette style are said to be about 66% as good as headers on a mild SBC. The more radical the motor, the more you will benefit from headers. Some people are porting the 'vette ram horn and getting within 10% of headers, but those ported manifolds cost as much or more than a set of headers. Why? Well in certain drag racing classes stock, means running stock parts. But the classes allow modifying the stock parts, thus you end up with high dollar stock manifold modifications.
Here is a link to a company that sells stock and modified Ram Horn manifolds, as well as late 60's "log" style manifolds. Again, this stuff is very pricey, but the data in this website is very educational in regards to flow. Much to be learned here... ![]() http://www.castheads.com/faqs_exhaust_manifolds.php Log Style Manifolds: And here is some actual data posted in regards to a '72 LT1 motor, rams horn vs. headers.: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...s-headers.html Last edited by lakeroadster; 04-14-2011 at 12:42 PM. |
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#20 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I've never had a vehicle yet with a SBC or a BBC that I haven't put full length headers in. Headers aren't as much of a headache as everybody makes them out to be.
But if everything is fine now in your truck, and you're not going to make a big HP motor. Stock manifolds work just fine. Plus they still kinda look cool in these trucks... Gary
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Last edited by GASoline71; 04-14-2011 at 02:52 PM. |
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#21 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: hingham ma
Posts: 1,721
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
ONLY PEOPLE THAT complain about headers are
1) people that bought el cheapo set 2) used el cheapo gaskets 3) don't need them(stock motor) so the extra work to get to spart plugs is a pain 4) people that don't buy stage 8 locking bolts to keep the bolts from backing off. 5) people that think they are gonna get that 30-40hp boost without reworking the timing advance curve and carb tuning.. thoses that under stand spending a little more up front (good set and copper gaskets, stage 8 bolts), and take the time to retune the engine after install. enjoy the new found power they will give you.. but like others said if your engine is a 200hp slug they are a waste of money Last edited by stich626; 04-14-2011 at 04:24 PM. |
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#22 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: High Plains of Colorado
Posts: 2,485
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Quote:
Lets see that high horsepower beast of yours, with the high dollar copper gaskets and the "stage 8" locking bolts. ![]() |
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#23 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: hingham ma
Posts: 1,721
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
Quote:
![]() but I have a 355 550hp or the to be built 496 with dart pro1 heads/etc etc/ that I'll be adding those pic as I go to my build p.s. you can go to photobucket to see all the goodies bowtie6872 Last edited by stich626; 04-14-2011 at 05:30 PM. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Prescott AZ
Posts: 112
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I run headers with NO ISSUES. I have headmans with 1 5/8" primary 3" collectors. I run the cheap paper gaskets were the flange meets the head, the trick is to soak the gaskets in water for 30-45 minutes before you install them. You then torque them, run them till the engine is warm, let it cool enough to re-torque. I use safety wire instead of stage 8's cause I'm cheap. and I like the copper collector gaskets, and I use a stover nut as a jamb nut. Another trick if you don't want to fork out for stainless or ceramic is to remove all of the factory rust prevention paint and coat them with Anti-seize. This offers little or no heat saturation reduction, but leaves a nice finish and protects the header from rust/corrosion.
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#25 |
Cruzin
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: on the road
Posts: 2,835
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Re: Header or Not To Header That Is The Question
I'm not a "i got to have tons of power" kind of guy but i only run manifolds on anything because of no worry with them heck most of the time you don't even need gaskets where they bolt to the heads.
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Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14
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