1 5/8 headers

B Body. 451 CI 1 5/8 full exhaust to back bumper, full interior street.
11.90's@110 mph auto,4.10 gear 3800 lbs with me in it.

View attachment 1716042235
451 small block?
9.90 at 135 mph at 2880 lbs.
W/1-5/8 headers?
10.68 at 3350…124.70
W/1-5/8 headers?
From all these responses it sounds like the 1 5/8 header can handle some decent power
Exhaust manifolds can also run quick. Cam timing and exhaust layout are critical. In general, a bigger header should in most cases provide better performance. This thread makes me wonder about several things starting with what are guys giving up with the smaller header? Then what is the details of there combo to run as quick as they do with the small header.