Author Topic: 454 headers noise level in cab?  (Read 4048 times)

Offline GreenK30

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 5
  • Newbie
454 headers noise level in cab?
« on: March 02, 2018, 08:50:56 PM »
How much more cabin noise should I expect when running headers vs factory cast exhaust manifolds?

I'm thinking of using these headers on my 454 K30 if that makes a difference:
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/hok-2463hkr/overview/

Online Rapid Roy

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 635
  • Euless, Texas
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2018, 09:23:29 PM »
Welcome to the site
1974 Cheyenne 10 LWB STOCK 350 W HEI /TH350/AC/4 BBL Quadrajet
Mopar by Birth
Chevy by Choice

Offline GreenK30

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 5
  • Newbie
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2018, 05:32:27 PM »
Thanks bud. :)

Offline Irish_Alley

  • Tim
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13319
  • Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2018, 07:01:51 PM »
It's going to depend more on where your exhaust ends and if you're running a cat, resonator or muffler.
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline GreenK30

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 5
  • Newbie
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2018, 07:20:40 PM »
I'll run the exhaust pipes full length, and exit like the factory. Mufflers only. I want to keep it quiet, factory like.
I've read that OEM cast iron exhaust 454 manifolds are restrictive, and one of the best mods for a 454 is to put headers on.
Any thoughts appreciated.

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18979
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2018, 07:49:48 AM »
I would recommend high quality headers with a heavy duty finish. Cheap headers are noisy and rust quickly. Big blocks need to breathe to perform well so I can agree with ditching the manifolds but I wouldn't for those ones you linked to.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠¯¯¯¯¯'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline RossVE

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 15
  • Newbie
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2018, 10:21:12 AM »
How much more cabin noise should I expect when running headers vs factory cast exhaust manifolds?

I'm thinking of using these headers on my 454 K30 if that makes a difference:
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/hok-2463hkr/overview/
I used a set of Sanderson BB8 headers on my c30. They're a little spendy but I'm very happy with the fit and quality. With full dual exhaust the tone changed a little in the cab, but the noise level is about the same as it was with the stock manifolds.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk


Offline GreenK30

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 5
  • Newbie
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #7 on: March 05, 2018, 07:47:04 PM »
I'll look into what my other options are. I see the Sandersons mentioned and LandL products as well.

Offline Engineer

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1402
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #8 on: March 05, 2018, 08:59:45 PM »
I have been running a set of the headers that you linked to for 20+ years now........see my monster truck build thread. I reinstalled them after sandblasting them and put a ceramic paint back on.

If you can get those Hooker headers with a quality coating I think you will be satisfied. I love mine......even when they were rusty.
2002 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 8.1/ZF6sp RC/LB
2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 6.0/4L85E EC/SB
1997 Chevy Blazer 4x4
1994 Chevy K-2500 4x4 C6P 5.7/4L80E
1979 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10
1977 Chevy K-30 4x4 4sp 4.10 454

Dad of an Eagle Scout, and a Life Scout

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18979
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2018, 05:13:57 PM »
You should buy them already coated or have them coated after you test fit them as they are best coated when new, not rusty and they rust very quickly. Years ago i had a set of headers coated that had been run on the truck for about a year. They are in a pile in my truck and I can show you what they look like now. Stainless is another great option to go with and you can get them ridiculously cheap on eBay, just search stainless headers bbc
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠¯¯¯¯¯'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline 75gmck25

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 439
  • 1975 GMC K25 Camper Special, 350/TH350/NP203
Re: 454 headers noise level in cab?
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2018, 06:27:19 AM »
Also take a look at Hedman Elite headers, which have thicker tubes and thicker flanges that hold up better.   

Bruce