HP/Max Wedge Manifolds vs Header Packaging/Design

[pyrogen007]

I searched and couldn't find any answers so I figured I'd ask y'all. After looking at the various exhaust manifolds and headers out there, I noticed that all the "performance" manifolds have a similar design while all the headers have a similar design but they don't really share much design wise between manifolds and headers. I am curious why. Basically all of the manifolds majority of the tubing is above the spark plugs while with headers the majority of the tubing(full length, tri-y, shorty or block hugger) is below the spark plugs. Seems like there is more space where the factory manifolds are and a lot less by the "frame" rails, steering, shifter linkages and ect... Can headers not have a higher percentage of tubing above the spark plugs so maintenance is easier? I am not really including fender headers in this comparison, I don't have a race car. Even the cast "headers"(hemi and other max wedge) floating around the internet are crazy looking but mostly above the spark plugs.

All this because I haven't been able to find headers for my exact application and am probably going to take a stab at building my own and have been researching header design. My application: 70 Dart Swinger with 73+ K frame, 383 with Indy SR heads, manual 4 spd, manual brakes, power steering and factory A/C. I can do without the power steering but I live in Texas, A/C is a must.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've often wondered why the aftermarket didn't catch on to that. They kinda did with fender well headers.

 

[Lefty71]

Zoomies give you plenty of room for everything but the hood. JK....good observation I never thought about.

 

[pyrogen007]

I did forget all about zoomies! But yeah.. I need mufflers.

 

[mosleyme]

Been wondering about that myself. Later this year may go ahead and purchase an ICE kit and start testing the options. There may not be enough room to bring four individual pipes back down.

1-7/8" OD Basic Exhaust Header Modeling Set, 184 Pieces

Designed a flange. Looking into idea of 3D print in SS304.

 

[pyrogen007]

Very nice, it may just be packaging, I am curious to find out for sure.

 

[pyrogen007]

@mosleyme, have you made any progress on your testing? I have been stuck working on rust removal/prevention so I haven't really revisited this.

 

[mosleyme]

@mosleyme, have you made any progress on your testing? I have been stuck working on rust removal/prevention so I haven't really revisited this.

Nope, been working other projects. I have a 3D scanner now and a 3D printer than can do a bit over 12”.

 

[496 polara]

I always wanted someone do a shorty type header based of the max wedge manifolds. Something that didn't weigh as much. That would be a worthwhile exercise.

 

[pyrogen007]

I am a while from doing headers but I was studying the max wedge variants and the HP manifolds last night. The Max wedge comes too far behind the cyl head and I am pretty sure will foul on the firewall/blower motor in an A body, but that doesn't mean that you couldn't do a max wedge style that drops just in front of the rear most exhaust port. I also found the max wedge stage 3 manifolds/headers they were a tri-Y design from the factory so maybe that is the key?