Headers vs. Stock Manifold

[Rowdy1]

Research It

Anthony, each of the sites I listed will respond to any questions you have via email. Tell them what you want, what you have and they'll tell you what you need and how much it is. You might save a few $$$ going with something scratched or dented but you might be sorry later when there's a no return policy. Get the header that's made for your engine and vehicle.

 

[UKPaul]

Nut,
Are you using the stock O2 sensor in your Headers? The only thing stopping me fitting Headers to my '81 (apart from cost!) is the O2 sensor. I've been told that if it's in the collector then it may not get up to temp & a heated sensor may need to be fitted. Is your sensor in the collector or a primary?
Thanks
Paul

 

[Jack]

Tony:
If you're considering headers like those dynatechs ... like Rowdy said .... pass on the scratch n dents sale. Consider Stahl headers ... they're not cheap but been around forever & noted for A1 quality & service.
Stahl Headers
1515 Mt. Rose Ave., York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-846-1632 Fax: 717-854-9486
E-mail: judys@stahlheaders.com
http://www.stahlheaders.com/Headers_&_kits.htm

JACK:gap

 

[pgtr]

What about Tri-Y's or 2.5 rams horns?

Didn't see either of these mentioned so thought I'd throw them out.

I've always been curious if anybdy either A) still made Tri-Y headers or B) fitted them to a C3?

Also there are 2.5" outlet rams horns I believe. THey were used a little while back in the mid 60s. Don't know why they didnt' use them on the '70-'72 LT1s as they had 2.5 all the way back but were necked down at the manifold.

Those are 2 options I have toyed with at any rate...

-T

 

[pgtr]

Just went over to thorleyheaders.com to look at their Tri-Ys. They were the only name that came to mind in connection to Tri-Ys. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they offer a Tri-Y for vettes - just a standard 4 into 1 design like everybody elses.

If anybody has heard of Tri-Ys in an early C3 - I'd like to hear more about it.

thanks,
-T

 

[Bob Yates]

Hey Sting....Ray !!!! Have you thought about the stainless steel headers that came from the factory on the 1981 vette. their lighter than your manifolds and less under hood heat not much modifying if any to your exhaust . They do a real nice job with 21/2 Inch pipes with free flow mufflers. The sound is heaven to your ears . Good luck on what ever you do.

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

BerlinaBob here: -spotted a nice 2.5"/Rams-horn left-side exh.-manifold on Ebay-motors presently for $51.oo(+mailing); --will try to copy a picture of it here for you, but if I can't then just go to www.ebaymotors.com and type-in " corvette exhaust manifold " and take your choice... :J

 

[Mako]

I'm looking for advice. My driver's side exhaust manifold has a crack.

Small block manifolds have a boss for a bolt to hold the alternator mounting bracket. There are adapters made to replace that boss which the headers won't have, don't forget to order one of those.

I highly recommend you order the headers un-coated, as welding coated headers is a massive pia...

Install them, have the exhaust system connected and only then send them out for coating to anyone of the many coating houses out there like Jethot or Airborn etc...

CYa!
Mako
Been three, done that...

 

[Stingray74CC]

got em

The headers are on!!! They bolted right up. I went for a little spin down the street. Amazing difference, I didn't get a dyno before but I'm willing to bet I picked up atleast 25-30 horsepower.

There is one thing though...my mufflers are crap. Is it possible to blow out your mufflers as in ruin them from multiple backfires. When I was replacing the carburator, I had a lot of backfiring going on. They do sound bad...kinda tinny (tin, not sure about spelling). The guy recommended the Flowmaster 4 chamber exhaust. He had a set on his mustang...sound way better than mine did. I DON'T want to sound like a mustang. How different will a Chevy 427 sound than a 4.6L Ford....I'm guessing WAY different.

They also tightened up the front end. The car feels much safer and actually drives straight without swerving all over the road.

 

[Mako]

Re: got em

The headers are on!!! They bolted right up. I went for a little spin down the street. Amazing difference, I didn't get a dyno before but I'm willing to bet I picked up atleast 25-30 horsepower.

Coolness! What flavor did you end up buying?

I like Borla mufflers a lot. $$$ though :-/. Walker makes a good "turbo" type muffler that performs well too. Flowbastards drone and sound like crap to my ears

CYa!
Mako

 

[Rowdy1]

Trust Me.......

There ain't NOTHIN that sounds like a BB except a BB Glad everything bolted right up, they can at times be a real pain.

 

[Stingray74CC]

Went with the Hooker Super Competition 1 7/8" to a 3" collector. I've been looking around--couldn't find 4 chambered, i think he meant 40 series. I'm open to any other suggestions.

 

[Stallion]

I'm guessing you're talking about BB Manifolds?? I've read in "How to Hot-Rod the BB Chevy" that the Corvette (C3)exahust manifolds are the lowest restriction stock exhaust manifolds. The difference in HP though can be between 20-50HP using headers depending on your engine tune. You can order one manifold for about $300-$350 maybe cheaper. If your looking for all out performance, go with the headers.

I just ordered the stock exhaust manifolds for my BB for $497/pr. I wanted/needed a setup that would be an absolute bolt-together system and headers just don't fit that thinking. You can increase the flow in these already low restriction manifolds by grinding away the bump in the manifolds.

Wow! Those headers are expensive! $300 each! And, you would need 8 of them, right (provided you're not using dual intake/exaust?)? That's quite a bit! Or, maybe I have the logic wrong? But that's expensive.

TR

 

[Stingray74CC]

A header collects all of the exhaust from one side of the engine therefore you need two of them. They are very expensive. I bought mine from Summit for $529 ceramic coated. I know all of you warned me not to get the ceramic coated before making sure that they fit. I talked with Hooker and they told me that there will be no problems if everything else was factory. It worked out thank goodness.

 

[Paranoid]

Wow! Those headers are expensive! $300 each! And, you would need 8 of them, right (provided you're not using dual intake/exaust?)? That's quite a bit! Or, maybe I have the logic wrong? But that's expensive.

TR

No, you would only need one exhaust manifold per side. It's cheaper if you buy the pair @$497. When I bought them I was interested primarily in a complete bolt-on system---NO welding.
Since then I've run accross a set of used Hooker Super Comp headers & complete exhaust system which was on a BB for about 18 months. Now that will work for me since it included welded on collector pipes which mate the collector to the exhaust pipes.

BTW the used Hookers I bought were originally ceramic coated too. You really couldn't tell though---it seemed that most of it had burned or wore off! :eek I didn't think the ceramic coating could "wear" off.

Len

 

[Stallion]

Oh, right. Two headers per block. I was thinking of heads, which would be 8 in all needed. Right? Thanks!

TR

 

[Stallion]

The above post was referring to exaust heads, because in all (intake and exaust) there would be 16 on a Vette, correct? Just wanted to clarify that. Thanks!

TR

 

[Mako]

The above post was referring to exaust heads, because in all (intake and exaust) there would be 16 on a Vette, correct? Just wanted to clarify that. Thanks!

TR

There are two cylinder heads on a V8:

http://www.caspeed.com/images/trac1pic.jpg (shows exhaust port side)

and two exhaust headers:

http://www.caspeed.com/gallery12/images/stahl6-800.jpg

There is one intake port and valve and one exhaust port and valve per cylinder on a Chevy V8

You can read this page to get a better idea of what the guts of an engine are like:

http://www.caspeed.com/gallery8/index2.html

CYa!
Mako

 

[Bob Yates]

Hey Sting Ray... What was I smoking, you have a BB and I was talking about an SB. I should have minded my on bee's wax. Glad you've got your job finished . Now have some fun

 

[Stingray74CC]

no worries, it's definitely a wilder ride now though