Headers vs. Exhaust Manifolds ~ 'Let The Debate Begin'

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ramenth said:
Do it on the cheap. Just get the chrome valve stem covers. Good for maybe another 1/2 horse without the added expense of going full on chrome.
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That is smart thinking Beaver Dam.

Sam Kinison > "I like the way you think. Good answer, good answer. I'm going to be watching you."
 
RustyRatRod said:
No debate really. Headers make more power. Manifolds last longer.
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YOu know there was a time I'd agree with all of this but now we have cars coming off the assembly line with factory steel, albeit stainless, headers going 100,000 plus.

Truth be told if the factory is using headers now, maybe that tell us something.
 
'Exhaust Restriction 101'

Back-Pressure > Will negatively effect Engine Performance.

Increased 'back-pressure' levels, will effect the internal combustion.
The Engine has to compress the Exhaust Gasses to a higher pressure,
which involves 'mechanical work', which equates to more fuel consumption
and higher exhaust temperatures.

Even the 'slightest' improvement in reducing Back-Pressure, will increase
Horsepower {2% to 3%} in a 'stock' Mopar 340.

Using the general factor of a 'stock' Mopar 340 {290 Horsepower @ 5150 RPM's}.

That comes to {5.8 to 7.7} in Horsepower gain.
 
69 Cuda 440 said:
~ Memories ~

'Blackjack Headers' > {Marketed by Mr. Gasket}

Fabricated by the 'Tenneco Automotive Operating Company'
Filed ........ December 13, 1976
Lake Forest, Illinois

First came out in 1977.

Famous for the '3-Bolt' Swivel Flange Plate.

The Headers were usually advertised for $67.95.

And yes, painted 'Jet-Black'.

But wait,

Then they introduced > the 'AK-5000' Aluminum-Coated Headers.

Oh, did they have horrible 'Flange-Head Plates'. They were so bad, that
Mr. Gasket {a gasket company} suggested 'not' to use a Gasket between
the Flange-Header and Cylinder Head.

Thin tubing as well ..... 19 Gauge {.042"} on a good day.

Marketed as > "The Most Horsepower for the Least Amount of Money"

* Blackjack Headers ........... $67.95
* Aluma-Kote Headers ....... $117.95

See Link.

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/...ebsite Pics/Blackjackheaders.jpg?t=1242060435

~ Marketing Angle ~

* Electrostatically Painted
* Header Performance at a Moderate Price
* 100% Quality Tested
* Includes all Mounting Hardware and Gaskets
* Emission Fittings > installed where noted
Click to expand...

'Yea Baby' ........ Quality Tested @ $67.95
 
I will gladly give up 2 or 3% gain to never have to deal with headers= ground clearance issues, gasket leaks, cracked welds, rust thru, trans removal interference & high underhood temps.
 
69MOPE said:
I will gladly give up 2 or 3% gain to never have to deal with headers= ground clearance issues, gasket leaks, cracked welds, rust thru, trans removal interference & high underhood temps.
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69 Mope,

If you purchase 'Top Quality' Headers, you most likely will not experience all
those {6} above mentioned problems.

Speed Costs Money ........ How Fast Do You Want To Go ?
 
'OK Kustom Headers'

Manufactured by 'Kustom Equipment Company'
Flint, Michigan

They started out as a Custom Car Shop in Flint, Michigan in 1961.

Years as 'Kustom Equipment Company' ...... 1963 thru 1992

Marketing Phrase .... 'Bolt On A Tenth'

Featuring ................... 'Tunnel Tubes'

Famous for 'monster size' Primaries.

The '1st' Header Company to develop {1 7/8" Primary Pipes} for a Small-Block Chevrolet.

They were the 'Hot Ticket' for the 1970 NHRA Season, especially at the Indy Nationals, as most of the 'Top' {C/MP ~ D/MP ~ E/MP} Modified Production cars switched to 'OK Kustom Headers'.

'Big Round Tubes' was their trick, to go along with a larger collector.

These Headers produced a 'wicked awesome' loud noise.

Were the popular choice for Corvette Racers, who liked the 'side-mount' style.

One issue with the 'Monster-sized' primary-pipes, they usually hit everything
in the Engine compartment.

They sure 'did not' fit like a Glove.

At one time, the only Header Company who fabricated a Header with;
* 1 7/8" > Primary Pipes
* 3 1/2" > Collector

1970 Price List ......... $175 to $225

Also, were the Header Company who produced units for General Motors. The
'OK Kustom Headers' were the units found in the trunk of the 1967 and 1968
Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro's with the 'DZ Option'.

What makes some of these Header units rare, is that they were 'stamped' with a
General Motors {Part #} on the flange.

As a final note for General Motors, 'OK Kustom Headers' also developed the Headers for the Cosworth Engine.
 
69 Cuda 440 said:
'OK Kustom Headers'

Manufactured by 'Kustom Equipment'
Flint, Michigan

Owner..... Dave Lunkas

Years ....... 1966 thru 1980

Marketing Phrase > 'Bolt On A Tenth'

Famous for 'monster size' Primaries.

The '1st' Header Company to develop {1 7/8" Primary Pipes} for a Small-Block Chevrolet.

They were the 'Hot Ticket' for the 1970 NHRA Season, especially at the Indy Nationals,
as most of the 'Top' Modified Production cars switched to 'OK Kustom Headers'.

'Big Round Tubes' was their trick, to go along with a larger collector.

These Headers produced a 'wicked awesome' loud noise.

Were the popular choice for Corvette Racers, who liked the 'side-mount' style.

One issue with the 'Monster-sized' primary-pipes, they usually hit everything
in the Engine compartment.

They sure 'did not' fit like a Glove.

At one time, the only Header Company who fabricated a Header with;
* 1 7/8" > Primary Pipes
* 3 1/2" > Collector

Also, were the Header Company who produced units for General Motors. The
'OK Kustom Headers' were the units found in the trunk of the 1967 and 1968
Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro's with the 'DZ Option'.

What makes some of these GM units rare, is that they were 'stamped' with a
General Motors {Part #} on the flange.

As a final note for General Motors, 'OK Kustom Headers' also developed the Headers for the Cosworth Engine.
Click to expand...

Interesting info,69. The 302 Chev (with the crossram, & DEEP. gears), would like a big primary/collector setup,in the R.P.M.- happy drag days in the '60's. Always wondered, who made the 302 "in the trunk" option headers. Very cool.
 
Good Morning 'A-Body'

Yes, those Headers found in the trunk of the 'Optional DZ' Z-28 Camaro's
were fabricated by 'OK Kustom Headers', and with a GM {Part #}.

If you ever find a set of them, wrap your arms around them, and run home and hide them in a 'safe place'.

They are worth a 'Boat Load of Cash'......... $$$$$
 
69 Cuda 440 said:
Good Morning 'A-Body'

Yes, those Headers found in the trunk of the 'Optional DZ' Z-28 Camaro's
were fabricated by 'OK Kustom Headers', and with a GM {Part #}.

If you ever find a set of them, wrap your arms around them, and run home and hide them in a 'safe place'.

They are worth a 'Boat Load of Cash'......... $$$$$
Click to expand...

I can't even imagine pricing, & Good Morning back at you.
 
Abodybomber said:
I can't even imagine pricing, & Good Morning back at you.
Click to expand...

On the 'DZ Option'.

General Motors contracted Kustom Equipment Company to produce
'x' amount of Headers for the 'Z-28 Camaro' {DZ Option}.

'Kustom Headers' built them for the {1967 and 1968} Z-28 Camaro's
coming out of the Norwood Assembly Plant in Norwood, Ohio only.

Over-the-Counter', they were priced at $200 'over' the cost of a standard
Header.

Pricey Bastards

Also, 'OK Kustom Headers' could be installed on the Grand-Spaulding Dodge
in Mr. Norm's ~ 1968 Dart 'GSS 440' thru a special order.

Fenderwell units only.
 
69MOPE said:
I will gladly give up 2 or 3% gain to never have to deal with headers= ground clearance issues, gasket leaks, cracked welds, rust thru, trans removal interference & high underhood temps.
Click to expand...

Never experienced any of those issues with my tti's.
 
abodyjoe said:
Never experienced any of those issues with my tti's.
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And you won't.

But a lot of the "older" headers as mentioned in this thread were a huge pain the *** for rust and ground clearance. One of the reasons the 360 has manifolds on it, even with the engine being built the way it is, now, the engine saw duty as a year round daily driver for a while in a '72 Duster.

After the first year they were toast. The collectors were beat the **** out of from the pot holes. The salt tore 'em to pieces. At that point, when the engine was taken out and built to the old man's tune, he went back with manifolds. Yeah, he gave up some power, but it was a wash since any header on the market was going to take a beating due to piss poor roads and negate the reason for headers.

Now? Tti's are a different story as technology and demand have given way to headers that fit, without having to route the suspension through the tubes, without having them hang so low as to take a pounding, without having to worry about piss poor welds coming over the flange.

This engine is currently sitting in my M-body. A-body Tti's will fit and that's the route I'll be going when it's re-installed.
 
Generally,

The 'most' you can gain out of a 'stock' Mopar 340 with the 'best flowing' Headers
is about {+27 Horsepower} @ 5400 RPM's.

A basic set of 'Street Headers' will deliver a >
* Minimum ............... {+10 Horsepower}
* Median Level .......... {+14 Horsepower}
* Upper-Grade Units .. {+18 Horsepower}

This based upon tested Kilopascal {kPa} 'back-pressure' levels.
 
Headers 'Advanced Basics'

* Small Tube
* Medium Tube
* Large Tube
* Extra Large Tube

Formula
Cylinder Scavenging + Combustion Effects - Back Pressure {Slight Reduction}
= Increase in Horsepower

> Small Tube {1 1/2"} = Higher Torque at Lower RPM's
Creates good mid-range power, but falls off the table at Top-End.

> Medium Tube {1 5/8"} = Power at Mid-Range RPM's
Best 'general' performer at Mid-Range, with good early Upper-End Power

> Large Tube {1 3/4"} = More Torque at Higher RPM's
Higher RPM's, at the expense of Low-Speed Torque.

> Extra Large {1 7/8" or 2"} = Race-Type Headers
Designed for High-RPM Engines, and Big-Blocks.
 
I tend to agree. My recent purchase of a 68 Dodge Dart GT convertible revealed headers that were so "tight" that one pipe was touching the oil pan and the starter was wrapped in a heat shield blanket. Furthermore, ground clearance is not so good. As soon as I can swing it, I'm going back to factory HP exhaust manifolds.
 
Ok kustom were cool headers. RIP Dave Lunkas. He died in Flint horrifically some time ago. An early 90's version of the Paul Walker accident, to a t except on Cole blvd. and not an industrial park. Died instantly.
 
Forget headers, the best thing for lowering my et's was the chrome valve covers. They dissipated heat better and cooled the oil resulting in 25-50hp. The next best thing was my grant 13" steering wheel which saved weight and the foam rim doubled as an air bag.
 
69conv said:
Forget headers, the best thing for lowering my et's was the chrome valve covers. They dissipated heat better and cooled the oil resulting in 25-50hp. The next best thing was my grant 13" steering wheel which saved weight and the foam rim doubled as an air bag.
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Held on, of course, with the t-bolts.
 
hmmm...i thought the best bang for the buck was a 6 inch piece of exhaust pipe ( H )
 
All of us oldtimers ALL KNOW the secret to making your car FAST>>>>is air shocks! And blown out glass pacs!
 
~ Essential Performance Parts ~

* Shackles .......................................... +5 HP {Going down hill}
* Air Shocks ....................................... + 5 HP {Fully inflated}
* Chrome Air-Valve Stem Caps .............. +2 HP
* Chrome Valve Cover Breather ............. +3 HP
* Chrome Tail-Pipe Extension ................ +4 HP
* Hurst T-Handle {Steel} ...................... +2 HP
* Hurst T-Handle {Brushed Velvet}......... +3 HP

* Led Zeppelin IV {In the 8-Track} ....... +10 HP
* Christmas Tree Air-Freshener .............. +2 HP

* A 'strosh' in the passenger seat .......... -20 HP
* A hot 'braciole' in the passenger seat .. +25 HP
 
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