Headers or NOT

[George81]

Need some advise. I have an all original 81, 21K on the odometer. I just drive it, no rallies, racing or shows...to speak of! I do have an exhaust leak, the left side manifold gasket has sprung a leak. The delemma is should I just replace the gasket? Go to headers? Remove the smog pump, cats, and install true duals? If the answer is yes to all what would you reccommend for mufflers? Looking for a little more ponies! And some better sound! I also realize I've only got 190hp! No worries about OH EPA, we just spent millions on new Inspections Centers and my County has now done away with testing! Go figure, politics at its best!

As always everyone's comments at CAC are truely welcome!

 

[White75]

With that miles and the fact it's all original, I'd just fix the leak. The value would be more if you ever sell it.

If you say "screw orginiality, I want power", consider removing the exhaust system and do what you want but keep the original parts in storage in case you decide to bring it back to stock.
On our C3 we have stock manifolds, straight pipe (no x pipe) and mufflers (flowmaster or dynomax sound good). All the emissions stuff was ripped off a long time ago. Don't know what power its making but I love the sound. It has the staccato of a sidepipe car (because of the lack of a pipe connecting both sides of the exhaust) and has a nice rumble to it without being overly loud and annoying.

 

[Vette79]

When I first purchased my Vette, the idea was to stay original because it was all original, low miles, great condition, etc. The exhaust has since been replaced with dual chambered exhaust and headers. I absolutely love the sound and performance increase. I've learned once you start making changes then you will want to do more. Whatever you remove, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, put it away for future reference and to increase the value of the Vette if you ever decide to sell. Since you already have an exhaust leak that needs to be address now might be a good time to upgrade...

 

[petes74ttop]

Stay with stock.

Hi George81, if it were my car I'd just replace the gasket. The old one lasted 21 years. You say you don't race so why spend hendreds of dollars on headers to gain a minor amount of HP and then have to change header gaskets every year, and kill your starter due to heat soak. PG>

 

[minifridge1138]

I have an '82 and a box of Hooker Competition Headers in my garage. Personally, i think it is your car and you should do whatever is going to make you happy. No post on a forum can tell you what will do that.

Personally, i will be happier with a little more power and a little more exhaust noise.

If you feel your car is powerful and loud enough as it is, then just fix the leak.

The point of owning a Corvette is to enjoy getting from A to B.


Hey Pete, why would you change header gaskets every year?

 

[petes74ttop]

Hi minifridge1138, your right the point is to get from point A & B and back.
I think all of us would like a little more power. A lot of people have headers and they have little or no problems, but a lot do have problems with the bolts coming loose and blowing out the gaskets. Others said that it's even hotter in the drivers seat. Then theres the problem with the A/C bracket, some are sold separately or you have to fab one up.
For me, I kept the cast headers and put on chambered exhaust, my car sounds way faster than it is.
Enjoy your ride, PG

 

[George81]

Many Thanx!

Thanx for all the great comments! Wasn't looking for CAC to make-up my mind just fishing for advice and comments from everyone that's been in a similar situation! Headers and heat were my first and foremost concern! I want a better sound and the pony increase may or may not there. I'm going with the cast manifold, replacing the gaskets, and cambered or Dynomax/Flowmaster exhaust!