Headers????????????????

[mike4x4neb]

ok I am going to put new exhaust on my truck very soon and was wanting your imput. Should I trash the exhaust manifolds and go to headers or Just replace all my exhaust from the manifold back. Ive heard that stock manifolds are good for lowend torque but im not sure how true this is. Im unsure about the headers because of the heat they will add to the engine compartment due to the fact that its hard enough to keep her cool as it is.

Mike

[ZekesRide]

If you pay extra for a ceramic coating the underhood temps are supposed to decrease, a little extra thought. Also, look for a set of 'torque' headers and a little will be gained on the bottom side. Another issue is ground clearance for off roading, something some Mfgr's don't think about in designing for trucks. Just my $.02.

Harold

[bluexj89]

I say look for the old rams horn stock manifolds. headers leak and always need torqued unless you sring for the high dollar stuff. to me it ain't worth it.

[ihc6480]

I think you would be better off sticking to the stock exhaust. Headers take up more room and develop more heat. I had headers on my first rig and they were nothing but a pain, literally had to remove the header to change the starter.

PS: don't use header wrap to cut down on heat, wrapping them causes them to rust out faster

[rob83cj8]

I agree with the general consensus, for wheelin', they're just not worth it. I used to run a chevy 350 in a fullsize Kaiser, the stock GM center-dump manifolds were awesome, you didn't have the extreme heat that headers generate, no leaks, no loss of room to work on things, just a great set of manifolds. Personally, I'd use stock manifolds and go with dual 2.5" pipes into Flowmasters and run it all the way out the back.

[mike4x4neb]

ok looks like im sticking with stock manifolds and if I can find a set changing over to the rams horn style. But for now im going to just stick with what ive got and get it done. Thanks for the imput guys. BTW anyone want to buy a set of 350 headers in great shape. ;D


Mike

[andyr354]

I have headers on my 70 2wd. They hang down but it doesn't matter on it. With the new copper gaskets it has been over 2 yrs since I have touched the headers. Behind that I have dual 2.5" exhaust with Flowtech Afterburners. I think they are just cheap dynomax headers, they were on it when I bought it.

[JAS79J10]

I know hedman makes a mid length header that doesn't hang down. I've owned a set and had great results with the additional power and no leaking problems.... Plus they are relatively inexpensive... ;D

[mike4x4neb]

well I had a set of flowtech headers laying around and decided to put them on. Well I got them installed and finished up with the exhaust pipe and rerunning some of my wires to stay clear of them. Well I must say that my truck has never sounded so quiet. I have had bad exhaust leaks since ive owned the truck so this is pretty nice having it all new with no leaks. I cant wait to get it back down to wheel it and see if my headers actually gave me any extra HP.

Mike C.

[MONGOOSE]

I am running headers on my burb with a set of the larger glass packs behind them. Seems to do me pretty good with the exception of the lack of room for the spark plugs, so I am springing for Accell header plugs, but they are cheap headers. A good set of headers shouldnt have the clearance problems like that. To keep the headers from developing a leak at the heads, use a hi-temp silicone instead of a gasket, and then use the copper gasket at the collector. As long as you make sure the collectors are put on right, you shouldnt ever run into a leak problem again.

As far as headers vs. stock manifolds, a set of headers will allow your engine to breath better, which produces more power and torque, so I like the headers.

Brian