New Headers vs. Stock Manifolds

[Cameron76]

I am trying to decide wether to put back on my stock manifolds or to put on ceramic coated headers. I have a new create 350 that I am putting in but not really sure of the pros and cons of headers vs. mainfolds. Are the headers worth it?

[76_Scottsdale]

A nice set of nice ceramic headers with high quality gaskets are a good bet and will free up probably 15hp or more versus stock manifolds. With quality headers, gaskets, and fasteners, it's hard to go wrong with headers.

[eventhorizon66]

For aesthetics and performance go with headers.  They one of the best bang-for-the-buck performance parts.  I like my Doug Thorley Tri-Y's; not 100% satisfied with the quality of coating (I'm real picky), but its not a show truck, so I'll live with it.

The only con's I've ever heard of are added heat (cured with the ceramic coating), warping flanges (a quality header will have 3/8" thick flanges, so warping is a non-issue), and loosening fasteners (quality gaskets solve this and there are a few options for locking bolts).  Also you'll likely have to either modify you're factory AC brakets or fabricate/buy an adapter.

Oh, and when you make the right decision to install you're ceramic coated headers, tape the entire thing with masking tape before attempting to put it in.  It'll save you few knicks and scratches in the finish, at least if you're as clumsy as me, and it'll be fun picking it all off when it's finally in.

[123 pugsy]

Hopefully I'll have dyno results soon with the new headers on to get a comparison. I have the before results so should be interesting.

[VileZambonie]

Get some shorty headers. They'll pretty much bolt near where your stock manifolds were but if you're dead set on a set of manifolds I believe I have a set.

[KojaK 79k10]

There are performance manifolds that flow better, don't warp, don't overheat stuff like headers do. they are virtually the same price as headers so if you want manifolds then there are a few company's out there.  www.speedwaymotors.com won product of the year awards at the NSRA street rod nationals with their TRU RAM manifolds. They are dynoed to have the same hp increases as a traditional tube header. They can be ordered bare or stainless. I haven't tried these but had a buddy who did and he said they were great.

[Cameron76]

Thanks for the information. I am going to go with the headers. Can't go wrong with added hp, better sound and a good look.

[123 pugsy]

Good choice. I got my headers on and I got more tire burning torque out of the truck. The dual exhaust must help also.