Pulled my manifold off to get my power steering box removed for a rebuild. Since I’ve already got the manifold off and almost have the box out I figure now is the time to do headers, if I will do them. It’s street driven. Rare street battles but I do hop on it a lot. 318 that dynod 200hp/240tq at the ground. 2.76 gears and is a cruiser but I like having a peppy 318 for what it is. 470 lift cam, 4bbl, etc.. My friend has brand new Headman headers laying around NIB for $200. The steering link goes through the headers. I would wrap them. Is it worth it on a streetcar like this since It’s cheap or am I just opening up to more headaches? I’m not willing to spend $500+ on headers at this point as I have other priorities in the car but figured if the price was right it is at least worth considering. Thanks for any input.
Are headers worth it for me?
- Thread starter jrc4y4
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I think it's worth it. No way in hell would I ever wrap headers, though.
Your gearing and cubic inches will minimize the gains that headers usually get you. You'll still make a few HP but a 3.55 or 3.91 gear and a 340/360 would see 20 HP or more.
Hedman headers hang low too. I've used them only because they were either given to me or bought CHEAP. You'll still have to fit the exhaust pipes to the headers, $$$ will be spent somewhere.
Hedman headers hang low too. I've used them only because they were either given to me or bought CHEAP. You'll still have to fit the exhaust pipes to the headers, $$$ will be spent somewhere.
That's just not true, unless you have your car lower than stock ride height and or have shorter than stock front tires. I've used the Hedman type, Hookers and Summit. They are all bent in a similar fashion. I had to work HARD to make any of them scrape on a tall speed breaker. They hang lower than the God's gift TTIs or Dougs, but they work well as long as your car isn't in the weeds.
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Every car or 2wd truck that I own or have owned is lower than stock!
The Hedman 78050 pipes that are the most common do hang well below the oil pan and K member.
TTIs and Dougs's....Yeah, they are the best but if you are not willing to spend the $$$, you'll have to be willing to deal with the shortcomings of the cheaper headers .
The Hedman 78050 pipes that are the most common do hang well below the oil pan and K member.
TTIs and Dougs's....Yeah, they are the best but if you are not willing to spend the $$$, you'll have to be willing to deal with the shortcomings of the cheaper headers .
Frankenduster:
Charger:
My daily driver Ram 1500:
Headers are cool even if they don't help much. If you want my opinion, I'd go have them coated. (unless they're already coated) It'll cost about a hundred fifty but you'll be glad you did. Wrapping just isn't worth it. It's about fifty bucks or better for the wrap and several hours of your time. It doesn't even look good.
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
Headman headers ? No not worth it.
stroked340
Well-Known Member
All long tube headers EXCEPT TTI'S and Dougs scrape on something have run several brands over the years unless you jack the front end up they ALL scrape..so unless you want to spend $$$ on good headers leave the manifolds on..
dano
Evil Handy Man
Use Doug's, TTI's, or enjoy your field plow on the street. Others brands maybe fine until that one time and smash the one tube flat. Then you get to do it all over again throwing away money and time for the headache of installing them. Ask me how I know.
I ran hedmans and cyclones for years on the street. No problem. Yes, a couple of times with a few people in the car on a harsh dip, a scrape would happen. No, my header tubes NEVER went "flat"... LOL. barely would ding it, giving more clearance for the next time 
! Never hurt performance.
Yes, more money is better clearance. But hedman headers work just fine
! Never hurt performance. Yes, more money is better clearance. But hedman headers work just fine
Also, I might add, ^^^^^^ to me one of the nicest features of the Dougs and such is the #7 cylinder spark plug is exposed for easy access and plug wire clearance. But I'd use hedmans in a heartbeat if you have them and want to try them.
downsr
Well-Known Member
I would not change them.You would not even notice the power gain with the headers
RPMagoo
Just An Old Motorhead
-- Good move. - Leave it that way.
Well I'm boring and am going to sandblast the manifolds and coat them with this grey manifold paint EXHAUST AND MANIFOLD COATING-hirschauto.com
I figure if I don't do performance I can at least make it look nice again. I know there are mixed feelings on headers in our crowd and I'm a boring, wait till I can do it exactly how I want person, so I inevitably was convinced to leave it alone till I can go the Doug's route. Thanks guys. Yeah dyno results on engines like mine make me wonder how much power I can make with just regular manifolds. Hot Rod had a 300 HP 360 dyno'd and even the 340 Hi Po manifolds didn't perform much better than the 318 manifolds. I'm sure with the higher HP applications the difference would be significant.
I figure if I don't do performance I can at least make it look nice again. I know there are mixed feelings on headers in our crowd and I'm a boring, wait till I can do it exactly how I want person, so I inevitably was convinced to leave it alone till I can go the Doug's route. Thanks guys. Yeah dyno results on engines like mine make me wonder how much power I can make with just regular manifolds. Hot Rod had a 300 HP 360 dyno'd and even the 340 Hi Po manifolds didn't perform much better than the 318 manifolds. I'm sure with the higher HP applications the difference would be significant.
draginmopars
Well-Known Member
You could match port the manifolds, before you sand blast them.
the carbon print is already there
the carbon print is already there
Might I suggest Slip Plate or EZ slide coatings? Google it. I used EZ slide and they look great.
My duster was probably about the same ride height as Kern Dogs. Scraped the LH side Hedman several times. Bought some Dougs for $380 with the Autozone 20% discount. The flanges at the head are literally twice the thickness of the Hedmans. $200 is paying too much for Hedmans. If you can get them for $75, then OK.
pishta
I know I'm right....
I wrapped my SC's and loved the way it sounded, looked and felt when you opened the hood. I didnt drive it enough to seriously impact the metal though and my tune was not causing a glow, Even with that no popsicle STR12.....wow, all that motor and a teapot MC!
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