Upgrading exhaust....headers a must? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lok-dawg · 05-01-2005, 05:43 PM

I've been planning on getting my exhaust done for a while now. Currently I run dual glasspacks. Not a bad sound especially at idle, but it is too high pitched and I need stainless tips badly, just look at the pic. My engine has good compression and I'm thinking 2.5 to 3in. tip with Flowmaster 40's series mufflers. Is it worth the money for headers? What type of gains will I see in performance and how will it affect the sound? Of course $$ is always an issue but.....

Thanks for any responses!

Fred T · 05-01-2005, 08:19 PM

There are a lot of variables that come into play. Headers help some performance-wise, but they are not a cure-all. One of the biggest problems is heat dissipation. The heat loss slows down the exhaust flow and really heats up the engine bay. If you go with headers, they should be ceramic coated inside and out.

There was another post recently about using 2.5" ram horns from a vette, which would help with the heat and ignition wire problems.

69 longhorn · 05-01-2005, 09:43 PM

I agree with Fred, headers are a good addition, but not the cure all. Also, I wouldnt go bigger than 2 1/2" on the pipe, unless the motor is really built!I run a 383, Hooker comps, 2 1/2" collectors& pipe to the butt. It all runs through a set of 50's Flows.....yes H pipe a couple ft behind the headers, & rear exit (around the fuel cell,& through the rear bumper). My youngest (15yr old brat), helped with the tailpipes on that old Chev, when I was still in the muffler shop

That old chev sounds nice, not too loud, but not too quiet......just right for a 40 something old man.

L

LUV2XCLR8 · 05-01-2005, 09:48 PM

AND

jec · 05-01-2005, 10:58 PM

Don't be fooled by horsepower claims on headers. Gains are only noticed with "open" headers and significant in upper rpm range.

Flow is limited by the smallest diameter in system and with ten (10) feet of 2 1/2" pipe running from front to rear this is the limiting factor. Consider the "ram horn" corvette manifolds with 2 1/2" outlets. They will perform well and leave more access to starter, oil filter, etc.

05-01-2005, 05:43 PM	#1
lok-dawg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Meridian, ID Posts: 53	Upgrading exhaust....headers a must? I've been planning on getting my exhaust done for a while now. Currently I run dual glasspacks. Not a bad sound especially at idle, but it is too high pitched and I need stainless tips badly, just look at the pic. My engine has good compression and I'm thinking 2.5 to 3in. tip with Flowmaster 40's series mufflers. Is it worth the money for headers? What type of gains will I see in performance and how will it affect the sound? Of course $$ is always an issue but..... Thanks for any responses! Attached Images __________________ '72 Chevrolet C10- Deluxe/5.7/Short Fleetside '02 Chevrolet Tahoe- LT/5.3/4x4 '13 Ford F150- XLT/5.0/SuperCrew/4X4 '14 Subaru Impreza- Limited/2.0/Sedan/AWD

05-01-2005, 08:19 PM	#2
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	There are a lot of variables that come into play. Headers help some performance-wise, but they are not a cure-all. One of the biggest problems is heat dissipation. The heat loss slows down the exhaust flow and really heats up the engine bay. If you go with headers, they should be ceramic coated inside and out. There was another post recently about using 2.5" ram horns from a vette, which would help with the heat and ignition wire problems. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-01-2005, 09:43 PM	#3
69 longhorn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: rock island,il,usa Posts: 5,382	I agree with Fred, headers are a good addition, but not the cure all. Also, I wouldnt go bigger than 2 1/2" on the pipe, unless the motor is really built!I run a 383, Hooker comps, 2 1/2" collectors& pipe to the butt. It all runs through a set of 50's Flows.....yes H pipe a couple ft behind the headers, & rear exit (around the fuel cell,& through the rear bumper). My youngest (15yr old brat), helped with the tailpipes on that old Chev, when I was still in the muffler shop That old chev sounds nice, not too loud, but not too quiet......just right for a 40 something old man. L __________________ http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn

05-01-2005, 09:48 PM	#4
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	AND __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

05-01-2005, 10:58 PM	#5
jec Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Middletown, Ohio Posts: 131	Don't be fooled by horsepower claims on headers. Gains are only noticed with "open" headers and significant in upper rpm range. Flow is limited by the smallest diameter in system and with ten (10) feet of 2 1/2" pipe running from front to rear this is the limiting factor. Consider the "ram horn" corvette manifolds with 2 1/2" outlets. They will perform well and leave more access to starter, oil filter, etc.



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