Headers

[nj7000]

After installing a new leaf spring, new shocks all the way around, a new power antenna, and fixing some interior things, I'm already thinking of my next project! My car is basically stock, and I was thinking about installing a set of headers. What kind of set-up would you recommend? I'm not looking to spend a lot of money, and there's nothing fancy under the hood right now. I also have the original exhaust setup, but that might change one day too. One thing at a time! :eyerole

 

[celeryman22]

I believe a lot of people here are using the dynomax long headers. I installed a pair on mine. They are ceramic coated, summit racing sells them.

Mike

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I put the Dynomax on mine as well. A bunch of people contributed to a post I put together documenting the process.

The only thing I would do differently is that I would change the motor mounts at the same time. With the stock ram horns the bolts will come right out. The headers get in the way and will need to be dropped down to remove them.

 

[lnirenberg]

I put the Dynomax on mine as well. A bunch of people contributed to a post I put together documenting the process.

The only thing I would do differently is that I would change the motor mounts at the same time. With the stock ram horns the bolts will come right out. The headers get in the way and will need to be dropped down to remove them.

Realistically, with a modestly modified base engine what kind of ft/lbs & horsepower gains can you expect from headers?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I've seen posts that claim 30 - 40 hp. I'd be hard pressed to find it on my 77. Considering the weight of the car, etc. it's negligible. However multiple changes and you can get a substantial change bit by bit. You don't really notice that either since each small change is indiscernable.

 

[Bill75]

NJ, I've seen write-ups on here about the negligible gain of installing headers on a stock L48 engine. In fact the low compression engine needs backpressure created by the present exhaust system to develop the HP it creates naturally. Installing headers may affect that design and produce less HP. If you do a search on here I'm sure find some results that talk about it.

 

[nj7000]

Well my main goal with installing headers was to get a better sound from the car. I don't want anything real loud, just a little growl. I just want to open things up a little bit while I was doing that. What would you guys recommend to change the sound, so it sounds a little meaner?

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I like mine with the 2 1/4 inch pipe, dual cats, H pipe and Flowmaster Delta 50's.

 

[Koop]

After installing a new leaf spring, new shocks all the way around, a new power antenna, and fixing some interior things, I'm already thinking of my next project! My car is basically stock, and I was thinking about installing a set of headers. What kind of set-up would you recommend? I'm not looking to spend a lot of money, and there's nothing fancy under the hood right now. I also have the original exhaust setup, but that might change one day too. One thing at a time! :eyerole

I went with chrome Thorley headers on mine, they didn't cost a bundle, they look nice and sound very good.

 

[81 Corvette]

I have the dynomax ceramic as well. On my L81, they made a difference in both sound and performace.

If you do decide to get them, its a requirement that you fire up the car with open headers.

This was one of the funnist mods ever. My exaust shop was about 10 miles from where i put the headers on. They heard me coming from miles away