Ramhorn VS Headers

[alfeefish]

Is it worth it to buy headers if you have a set of ramhorns? Do headers flow that much better than horns. I'm running a 270H comp cam which one would be best?

[Longhorn Man]

in all reality, headers on the street aren't really all that They make noise, add a butt load of heat, can be a PITA... however, if you drive balls to the walls, or race, they WILL add some power. Remember, this is one area, where you actually get what you pay for. You buy cheap headers, you get CHEAP headers.
Ram hors are the best of the manifolds, but even so, most (not all) headers will outflow them hands down.

[Luis_gz06]

In my opinion, headers are a pain in the neck. I have headers in my 70 longhorn and i dont feel a difference when i drive it. Then when you want to do a tune up on the engine, the headers get in your way when replacing spark plugs. Plus sometimes they dont lined up correctly and the gaskets wears out faster. Im planning to remove those headers and put the original horn manifolds. Its less work and hassle and less $$$. I would go for the horns.

[Sport/Truck]

I’m glad this question came up. I got a set of headers (hooker) with the truck, and have been debating putting them on. All I hear is how much of a PITA it is to keep them from leaking. Ive was reading how everyone has a different method on how to install them correctly. I’m just not convinced that any one way is the correct way- I sure several of you have had no leaks…..but there are a bunch that had.
This is the first that I’ve heard that the ram’s horns are good.
What about having them extrude honed?
s/t

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Luis_gz06

In my opinion, headers are a pain in the neck. I have headers in my 70 longhorn and i dont feel a difference when i drive it. Then when you want to do a tune up on the engine, the headers get in your way when replacing spark plugs. Plus sometimes they dont lined up correctly and the gaskets wears out faster. Im planning to remove those headers and put the original horn manifolds. Its less work and hassle and less $$$. I would go for the horns.

What brand are you using?
s/t

[Longhorn Man]

hookers are the sh!t. I had them, and miss them real bad.

[jimmydean]

Headers look cooler, 'nuf said.

[alfeefish]

Would powder coating help the flow of ramhorns?

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

hookers are the sh!t. I had them, and miss them real bad.

Now you’re really helping me here…
Here’s a picture of’em what do you think I should do? 2.5 collector 5/16 flanges.

[rage'nrat638]

i got headers.... and have lots of second thoughts. i keep a brand new set of ramhorns..just incase i get tired of the headaches.
i have burned up more wires..broken more spark plugs..went thru more gaskets..and tryed some many different bolts..i won't even talk about that.

this is what i have came up with after 28 years of driving and working on cars and trucks

hooker headers
cooper header gaskets
stage 8 header bolts
soft aluminum flange gaskets

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by alfeefish

Would powder coating help the flow of ramhorns?

You can't use regular powder on exhaust parts. There is a special "header coating" (powder good to 1700 degrees) that I was going to use on my rams before I tossed 'em.

Either way, you would need to coat the inside to improve flow and that's not very easy to do and get good results.

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by alfeefish

Would powder coating help the flow of ramhorns?

Inside? If there's a power that that will handle the heat might see some benefit. But extrude honing would be best as it knocks down any casting imperfections and smoothes up the casting. I asked about that my work and he seemed to think there is a power that can handle the heat. I was thinking of doing my headers if I used them as you can see in the picture they need it badly.

[rage'nrat638]

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Now you’re really helping me here…
Here’s a picture of’em what do you think I should do? 2.5 collector 5/16 flanges.

you got the best... clean them up, and paint them heres mine i just redid a month ago..

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by rage'nrat638

you got the best... clean them up, and paint them heres mine i just redid a month ago..

Rage' what is that number on the flange? Is it Important? I can take a picture of mine if it helps.
s/t

[rage'nrat638]

thats hookers model number those fit my truck perfect
69 c-20 350 engine th400 trans..

you can look up your number on summit and see what they really fit if your number is not the same

mine were made the 8th month of 1992 that 2452 is the model number

[neonlarry]

If you have deep pockets here are a couple of alternatives, get better flow and still use ramhorns:
http://www.castheads.com/corvette_systems.php
http://www.allstarperformance.com/product.htm?prod=718

[Sport/Truck]

I did a search on hooker headers and they show it to fit ‘67-‘87 265-400, 1/2, 3/4 & 1 ton trucks.

Looks like I finally got something that will fit that came with the truck! lol The brake booster, alternator bracket didn’t work for this truck.
s/t

edit- is the 1 8 96 the date?

[Luis_gz06]

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

What brand are you using?
s/t

Do you mean the headers or horns??

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Luis_gz06

Do you mean the headers or horns??

I meant headers, are you using something other than stock horns??
(Rubbing hands together waiting.)

[rage'nrat638]

yea thats the date..heck those are brand new.. compaired to mine

thats awsome.. those are sweet headers..

[Sport/Truck]

So is it worth it for me to put them on?
s/t

[Sport/Truck]

There is some discussion about x & h pipes a few threads down…Rage do you use one of these with your headers? Is it a good idea? I think x would be smoother IMO.
s/t

[dbcox]

Quit using the flange gaskets on the headers and use high heat silicone it wont leak then.go around with it making a nice bead let it set up a while bolt em on and go. i do all mine that way . its nice never having a ticking leak

[rage'nrat638]

yes i do use a H-PIPE equalizes the pressure and gives you more power.
my exhaust rap's pretty good.
they say spray some paint on the pipe behind the collector and where it stops burning off is where you want the h pipe.
mines about 12" back from the collector. the last thing you want is to not be able to sevice your trans or get to the bolts because of the exhaust..

just having one is a great idea..just make it user friendly

[Sport/Truck]

Why not the x pipe? Looks to be smoother to me.
Good info on the spray paint trick – hi temp or regular. lol

Are you saying to stay anywhere down stream from the burnt area IE; the closest to where the paint is burnt but to allow trans service?

BTY, if I do the headers can I drive into town for the exhaust work without hurting anything (besides my hearing lol). I live 12 miles from town (I-40)
s/t