340 - Stock Exhaust Manifolds or Headers

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Rod 69 Cuda

Rod 69 Cuda

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I'm ready to drop a rebuilt 340 in my 69 Cuda. I purchased some headers (relatively cheap, $200, NOT tti) with 1/4 flanges. A couple acquaintances recommend I use the stock exhaust manifolds that I have as they suspect the headers will leak and be blowing gaskets. Not to mention the hassle attempting to replace the gaskets by lifting the right side of the engine to remove, replace, etc.
ANY THOUGHTS? Advantages or disadvantages?

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First thing I did to my 73 Challenger 340 car was remove headers and put the stock 340 manifolds back on, ran better and no leaks...
 
Cheap headers are exactly that. Cheap. Good luck. The 340 manifolds are pretty good.
 
If your headers go around the steering linkage on the drivers side, they will likely get smashed flat the first month.
 
73 340 Duster .....TTi headers been on it for 15 yrs....no leaks...easiest headers I ever put on a car.....no smashed headers...
 
Rod 69 Cuda said:
I'm ready to drop a rebuilt 340 in my 69 Cuda. I purchased some headers (relatively cheap, $200, NOT tti) with 1/4 flanges. A couple acquaintances recommend I use the stock exhaust manifolds that I have as they suspect the headers will leak and be blowing gaskets. Not to mention the hassle attempting to replace the gaskets by lifting the right side of the engine to remove, replace, etc.
ANY THOUGHTS? Advantages or disadvantages?

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TTI is best for all the hassle
 
You didn't provide any engine specs, completely stock or small mods. Headers add more on a modified engine. Most of us probably ditched our manifolds back in the day for a set of "cheap" headers, before the TTI/Dougs offerings. You'll leave a bit of power on the table with the stock stuff, if your ok with that run the manifolds. If you decide to run the headers run a coarse file across the ports to make sure they're flat and run a good gasket.
 
Mike69cuda said:
Here’s how I adjusted my Hookers headers for the most satisfaction....

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Damn, if I knew you hadn't thrown that headache away already, Id buy that driver side flange.....1/4 inch flange is pretty flimsey especially since the LA has the wide bolt spacing on the 3-5 ports. And don't get me started on that stupid Hooker 'O-ring sealing' garbage when they dont even fit the shape of the head ports.....run a good MLS gasket...paper ones will burn.
 
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Love Mike69cuda picture
Exactly what I did with my cheap Heddman headers in the 70's
Learned my lesson well and am using 1970 340 exhaust manifolds - never again to headers!
 
Since you’re asking, I think you know in the back of your mind what the answer is. Cheap headers = frustration with leaks/figment and bottoming out over speed bumps. There is a reason why the TTI’s are expensive.

The 340 manifolds will be “set it and forget it” while you’ll likely be frustrated shortly after installing the cheap headers.
 
If you HAVE the manifolds I would use the and port them. However I would not chase
the highly over rated 340 A bodies manifolds for big $$$.
 
if the headers aren't tti, dougs or even a shortie that may fit then run manifolds. don't waste your time with those cheap low hanging pieces of garbage..
 
340doc said:
You didn't provide any engine specs, completely stock or small mods. Headers add more on a modified engine. Most of us probably ditched our manifolds back in the day for a set of "cheap" headers, before the TTI/Dougs offerings. You'll leave a bit of power on the table with the stock stuff, if your ok with that run the manifolds. If you decide to run the headers run a coarse file across the ports to make sure they're flat and run a good gasket.
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Small mod cam, not too worried about hp. Thanks, I think I'll be returning the headers
 
Depends on what you mean by "stock manifolds".
If they are "NOT" 340 HiPo manifolds, don't waste your time.
 
Used the 72-74 manifolds on my 69 cuda 360. They worked fine. Didn’t want to spend the big $$ for the 68-70 340.
 
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Use Remflex gaskets, Stage 8 (or similar) locking bolts, keep your front end adjusted at a normal height, and driving carefully should allow you to use the cheap headers for awhile while you save for some Dougs or whatever. Otherwise, like said above, if you have the manifolds, use them.
 
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66jim said:
For his application "stock" will be fine 340 manifolds are NOT the golden nugget.
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Again
Stock what ?
273 318 340 360 ?
Lets find out what "stock manifolds" we are are talking about here.
Then we can debate.
 
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