headers or manifold for my new 350? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**guyryan100** · 07-01-2004, 03:18 PM

I'm putting in a new 350 and am wondering if I should go ahead and put headers on since I'd have to buy the exaust manifold any way. The engine I bought is relatively lazy - it is rated at 260hp from the manufacturer. Would headers make a positive impact on this engine? I don't want to waste the money - can I get a bit more power/economy out of headers or should I keep it simple? Oh, the truck will be a daily driver.

Any other exaust recommendations?
--Ryan

toddtheodd · 07-01-2004, 04:21 PM

I've found that the headers are either in the same price range or cheaper than the "ram horn" exhaust manifolds for our trucks.
Sooo........ yes, you should get them, yes, it will make a positive impact over stock manifolds, yes, you will get more power/economy out of headers over stock manifolds.
Only problem with headers is the bolts need to be checked to make sure they aren't coming loose, and you will need a heat shield to protect your starter. (though I don't have a heat shield and have had relatively few problems with my starter)

jescates · 07-01-2004, 05:02 PM

I have two 70's, one has stock exhaust manifolds and one with headers. I haven't had any problems with the stock manifolds at all. Truck doesn't have any problems with heat to the starter. The truck with the headers, the bolts that hold them to the heads kept coming loose. So I bought some nice header locks. That keeps the bolts from backing out. The starter did overheat a lot also with the headers. Ended up wrapping the starter with summit heat blanket and went with a quality starter. Haven't had a problem with since. As far as the performance, not sure. Best of luck with which ever way you go though.

1972c20 · 07-01-2004, 05:45 PM

Originally had the stock exhauast, but one broke so I put on Headers. It sounds good with flow masters, but the bolts do back out and you have to be careful with the extra heat, especially the plug wires. You will need to retighten the bolts regularily. When they get lose, it blows the gasket and you get an exhaust leak. I got tired of the noise and hassle, daily driver, and went back to stock manifolds last time around. Since the ram horn manifolds are easy to find these days, I would stay stock. There is a reason GM paid those engineers so much, lol. Good luck !

**guyryan100** · 07-01-2004, 05:56 PM

Can anybody recommend a good inexpensive header? From what I've read here I need to get ceramic coated unless I want rust-coating.

07-01-2004, 03:18 PM	#1
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 470	headers or manifold for my new 350? I'm putting in a new 350 and am wondering if I should go ahead and put headers on since I'd have to buy the exaust manifold any way. The engine I bought is relatively lazy - it is rated at 260hp from the manufacturer. Would headers make a positive impact on this engine? I don't want to waste the money - can I get a bit more power/economy out of headers or should I keep it simple? Oh, the truck will be a daily driver. Any other exaust recommendations? --Ryan

07-01-2004, 05:02 PM	#3
jescates Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Mcloud, Oklahoma Posts: 656	I have two 70's, one has stock exhaust manifolds and one with headers. I haven't had any problems with the stock manifolds at all. Truck doesn't have any problems with heat to the starter. The truck with the headers, the bolts that hold them to the heads kept coming loose. So I bought some nice header locks. That keeps the bolts from backing out. The starter did overheat a lot also with the headers. Ended up wrapping the starter with summit heat blanket and went with a quality starter. Haven't had a problem with since. As far as the performance, not sure. Best of luck with which ever way you go though. __________________ 1970 C-10 LWB 1998 Jeep Wrangled TJ 2009 Honda VTX 1300 2013 Buick Enclave

07-01-2004, 05:45 PM	#4
1972c20 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2	I had them both ways Originally had the stock exhauast, but one broke so I put on Headers. It sounds good with flow masters, but the bolts do back out and you have to be careful with the extra heat, especially the plug wires. You will need to retighten the bolts regularily. When they get lose, it blows the gasket and you get an exhaust leak. I got tired of the noise and hassle, daily driver, and went back to stock manifolds last time around. Since the ram horn manifolds are easy to find these days, I would stay stock. There is a reason GM paid those engineers so much, lol. Good luck !

07-01-2004, 04:21 PM	#2
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	I've found that the headers are either in the same price range or cheaper than the "ram horn" exhaust manifolds for our trucks. Sooo........ yes, you should get them, yes, it will make a positive impact over stock manifolds, yes, you will get more power/economy out of headers over stock manifolds. Only problem with headers is the bolts need to be checked to make sure they aren't coming loose, and you will need a heat shield to protect your starter. (though I don't have a heat shield and have had relatively few problems with my starter)

07-01-2004, 05:56 PM	#5
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 470	Can anybody recommend a good inexpensive header? From what I've read here I need to get ceramic coated unless I want rust-coating.



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