Headers or Manifolds Who Cares???

[az88k5]

I put headers from my old motor on my new crate 350. Not sure what brand of headers they are. They came with the truck so I didn't really think of going with anything else. Wondering if I should put some manifolds on for reliability reasons. I will be getting new exhaust system soon. The headers have some rust on them is this a problem I should fix? Or just run'em! I have a pressure blaster I use to glass bead pool tile with. Should I glass bead refinish and Hi-temp paint my old headers, or buy manifolds? Or just run the hell out of them! /forums/images/graemlins/grind.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

 

[surpip]

The worst header will flow bwetter than the best manifolds, i would just run them, go for it /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif

 

[az88k5]

The only reason i ask is because my friend asked me why I am still running headers. I told him /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif they came with the truck.

 

[divorced]

I would just run them how they are, no blasting. I don't like manifolds because of problems with the 3 studs that hold the pipe on rusting and never coming apart. Headers can make the exhaust sound cooler too /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[sickquad]

I always wondered if headers would help a motor run cooler since they flow better? Or does it not matter?

-Chris

 

[divorced]

I don't think they help it run any cooler, nothing noticable on your temp gauge anyway. I just think they sound cool, they give an exhaust system a lot meaner tone.

 

[ntaj*ep]

Try-Y headers, run them otherwise run a good cast iron manifold.

 

[juanblzer]

I like quiet rigs when 4wheeling. I don't like super loud exhaust and I like to keep from frying my starter solenoid. Sure you could use a starter solenoid from a ford but I'd rather run manifolds. I don't like the heavy duty shackle conflict when running headers either. But I don't run leafsprings anymore.

 

[divorced]

[ QUOTE ]
I like quiet rigs when 4wheeling. I don't like super loud exhaust and I like to keep from frying my starter solenoid. Sure you could use a starter solenoid from a ford but I'd rather run manifolds. I don't like the heavy duty shackle conflict when running headers either. But I don't run leafsprings anymore.

[/ QUOTE ]


My shackle bolt doesn't even come close... /forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

 

[beater_k20]

run the headers. why, because they're what you have, and they wont cost you anything. sounds like a good enough reason for me. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[Z3PR]

I'd run the headers you have for now. If you want too upgrade, you can always buy yourself a new set of Thorleys.

 

[rcamacho]

If you keep the headers you might consider sending them out for ceramic coating after a good bead blast. The coating will keep the temperatures down and inhibit rust through.

 

[dyeager535]

I think I'll trade any header concerns (leaky connections from loosened bolts being the most common) for reliability of manifolds any day of the week.

Manifolds fail too, and as was mentioned, if you ever want to get the pipes off, good luck NOT breaking the exhaust studs on manifolds.

You can bolt them on and not have problems for a long time (typically) but headers are "free" power, especially if they are already there. +20-40HP on a stock 350 is absolutely the norm with headers over manifolds.

As cheap as headers are, even for decent ones, I'd run what you have until they rot out, and get another set.

 

[marv_springer]

[ QUOTE ]
headers / manifolds

[/ QUOTE ]

>5000 rpm - you need headers

<5000 rpm - I prefer manifolds

It's that simple! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Marv

 

[Aquaman]

My headers are the reason I am 2wd right now. Switching to manifolds, due to a deminishing wallet. My headers hang down too low now that I dropped her down from 12" susp+3" body to 6" suspension.

 

[swissk5]

I've got an '86 blazer that originally had the 304 engine built in. someone swapped the engine to a 350 but stuck to the original exhaust manifolds. somehow the block that was put in is shorter than the original engine, so the last bolt closest to the passengers feet can't be fastened. there just isn't no block behind the hole anymore... /forums/images/graemlins/yikes.gif
this leaking makes my blazer sound like a vw beetle.
so is the '86 something special or is the new engine something special? because i'm thinking about getting thorley headers and would like them to fit..

 

[diesel4me]

Some 305's did have weird bolt patterns on the heads for the exhaust manifolds for a few years---I think they had 5 bolts instead of the usual six,and only on the passenger side(might be wrong about that--havent seen one in a long time!).They had an adapter plate to make headers fit on those heads if I remeber correctly--it might not be available anymore,since there werent that many vehicles with the oddball bolt patterns built.Someone on here has probably run into the same dilema,they can most likely give you some advice about making the manifolds fit--or if not you will have to get a 350 manifold. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[bigyellowjimmy]

I prefer headers for high RPM and manifolds for low RPM (normal) useage.

 

[swissk5]

thanks alot for that info diesel4me! guess there was one of those weirdo 305's in there before then.. i'll go ahead and just swap the 305 manifolds for 350 thorley headers. /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif