CK5
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Hedders
- Thread starter 79jenny
- Start date
I prefer quality headers over manifolds, if you go cheap though you'll hate them because of poor tube routing and/or constant leaks because of thin flanges. That said, on a stock motor you will likely never actually feel a difference. Headers do go hand in hand helping with other mods so if you ever plan on more modifications they won't be wasted money.
Don't forget that you may need to modify some (or all depending on condition) of the exhaust piping to fit.
Don't forget that you may need to modify some (or all depending on condition) of the exhaust piping to fit.
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You won't feel any difference in power from headers on a stock 350. Cheap headers leak and expensive headers fit better but still won't make any power.
Take a look at these. I'm going this route eventually, swapping out my hedman headers
www.speedwaymotors.com
Hooker 8525HKR S/B Chevy Exhaust Manifolds, 2-1/2 Inch, Natural
Hooker's new cast iron small-block Chevy exhaust manifolds offer an increase in performance and visual appearance over stock-style manifolds. Their compact design fit into a wide variety of replacement and engine swap applications. This means you get the traditional look and easy fitment of a...
I'm over the bulk, plus where and how they hang...Also, I never coated or painted them and they're looking like junk now. But their replacement won't be for awhile, a long while.
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Bigb55
1/2 ton status
I have cheap thin headers and after enough hot and cold cycles they start leaking.
Headers have their difficulties so you gotta really want them. I'm not sure they're worth it on a stock engine.
I don't know as you would be able to feel a difference driving one of these heavy trucks. I know that I have experienced a difference with a C10, but tuning is often required. I had a '68 C10 with a little 307 which was pretty decent for an old wore out engine. Moved it from Nebraska to Wyoming and then installed cheap headers. Didn't need to change carb jets on that one.
Cheap headers don't scare me after all of the tricks that I have learned since 1985 with headers, however that doesn't mean that you may want to dive into a set.
I am getting ready to trash a set of $500 Sandersons because they broke, which was after the collectors leaked and screwed with the O2 sensor, so I put V band clamps on. Now cracked..
All of this has been with flex pipe sections in the system. So you can have problems with cheap on up in price.
Manifolds can break too, so there is nothing perfect IMO.
Cheap headers don't scare me after all of the tricks that I have learned since 1985 with headers, however that doesn't mean that you may want to dive into a set.
I am getting ready to trash a set of $500 Sandersons because they broke, which was after the collectors leaked and screwed with the O2 sensor, so I put V band clamps on. Now cracked..
All of this has been with flex pipe sections in the system. So you can have problems with cheap on up in price.
Manifolds can break too, so there is nothing perfect IMO.
I really like my hedman long tube headers. Really woke up throttle response.
Major upgrade from the stock manifold 80s air spider injection with the heat valve.
You need a mini starter though if you go with long tube. The heat will kill a stock starter.
Major upgrade from the stock manifold 80s air spider injection with the heat valve.
You need a mini starter though if you go with long tube. The heat will kill a stock starter.
Yeah, I still put a heat shield wrap around the mini starter...
I don't remember how that appeared...
The Bent one could probably explain it.
I agree with you about the throttle response.
But I have ran headers with a stock starter for a long time. My Dad put headers on his '72 C10 when it got out of warranty in late 1973. They didn't have mini-starters back then. Yes, the heat is hard on them, but it isn't a necessity. Dad put 250K on that truck and only put a few starters on it. I don't think that it was terrible.
I will always swap to a gear reduction starter whenever possible because of the reduced cranking amperage though.
I read an article yesterday where they took a bone stock 2 barrel carbed 350 and dynoed before/after with headers. The increase was not much at all, like maybe 10HP/Ft Lbs. Swapping to a Quadrajet and matching intake made far more power, but that wasn't tested manifolds vs. headers either, so who knows how well the two mods worked to complement each other. Probably quite signifcantly.
That doesn't talk throttle response or anything along those lines, but those are pretty small numbers for the potential hassle of headers.
I want to say with better heads (like Vortecs) 25HP is a given, and that's pretty significant IMO.
That doesn't talk throttle response or anything along those lines, but those are pretty small numbers for the potential hassle of headers.
I want to say with better heads (like Vortecs) 25HP is a given, and that's pretty significant IMO.
It's pretty well established that headers increase torque and power, no matter what the engine. Of course the amount depends on all the variables, like how bad the manifolds were, type of header, etc. At 1500RPM, probably no difference other than sound. The real question is whether or not it's worth it.
Some of the stock manifolds have tiny outlets for heat risers, etc. and small crossover pipes. Getting rid of all that can be much of the gains.
Some of the stock manifolds have tiny outlets for heat risers, etc. and small crossover pipes. Getting rid of all that can be much of the gains.
MetalMulishaMarcus
1 Ton Status
It all depends on the headers you're wanting to install. A couple weeks ago, I bought some long tube headers from a member on here. I did some research before I bought them and found out they are actually made for a stock to mild small block.
Here's the headers I bought. I have yet to install them. https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/headers_and_exhaust_manifolds/all_headers/parts/2453HKR#
I've got a stock small block with a better intake. I bought the headers to give the engine the best possible out come for power..even it I don't feel in. I'm also hoping it will bump the resale value of my engine when i swapp in the LS. It's also gonna be a little while before I swap the LS so might as well try and make a little more power now.
Edit - also, if it improves my throttle response, that's a bonus in my book.
Here's the headers I bought. I have yet to install them. https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/headers_and_exhaust_manifolds/all_headers/parts/2453HKR#
I've got a stock small block with a better intake. I bought the headers to give the engine the best possible out come for power..even it I don't feel in. I'm also hoping it will bump the resale value of my engine when i swapp in the LS. It's also gonna be a little while before I swap the LS so might as well try and make a little more power now.
Edit - also, if it improves my throttle response, that's a bonus in my book.
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