Headers? worth the effort & cost?

[Rhett Croley]

I run the Sanderson manifolds on my 496ci. A couple reasons why. First, I've been fighting headers for almost 30 years in several different k10 and K5s I've owned. I've had good results with the Stage 8 locking header bolts but they will still leak eventually. Still the stage 8's are the only way to go, imho, for regular headers. Another trick I learned is to put some anti-seize on both sides of the gaskets. I have always preferred the fel-pro gaskets but I've heard good things about the aluminum gaskets. Second, I went with the Sandersons on because I wanted a quiet cab. My 500hp stroker k5 is quieter inside than my 375hp k10 with traditional headers and I'd go to sandersons on it too but they simply don't make them to fit offset motor mounts like in the 83-91 squares, they only offer the ram-horn style. Basically, I am really happy with my BBC Sandersons. Traditional headers just aren't worth the trouble when you can but high-flow manifolds, install them and never touch them again.

 

[BRetty]

So, for the "Chevelle" headers, am I looking for "full-length" headers that tuck close to the engine b/c they were for a car, or do I want mid/shorty/hugger?

My '73 C10 is dropped 4.5/6, and has a column-shift automatic transmission.

I would simplu measure in my engine compartment, but nobody seems to publish the actual sizes of the header assembly. THey spec pipe diameter but I would like to know the distance from the center of flange/manifold to the CL of the collector port.

 

[bucket]

It's really all trial and error. I've got two trucks with Nova headers. Depending on the brand, they they may have a model that fits both applications, or one for Nova and another for Chevelle. And some brands will have a slightly different layout depending on primary size. But the general consensus is, headers meant for '68-'74 Nova and '68-'72 Chevelle will fit a squarebody truck and tuck up in the frame. But on the other hand, so do some longtube headers meant for a squarebody. The linkage for the shifter may or may not need tweaked. I had to mess with the linkage on one truck, but not the other. Both with headers for '68-'74 Nova. Just different brands.

 

[BRetty]

Acrtually, Sanderson does have overall dimensions at their own web site.

 

[bucket]

I forgot to mention, the Hedman Elite headers on my small block truck would have required shifter linkage modifications too, and those are actual truck headers. I installed a cable operated floor shifter instead. But they do tuck up in the frame nicely.

 

[Ricko1966]

@bucket you'll like this

Exhaust Pipes Test - Car Craft Magazine

Because results can vary so wildly, we decided to take a look at some past testing just to see what works and what doesn't...

www.hotrod.com

 

[bucket]

@bucket you'll like this

Exhaust Pipes Test - Car Craft Magazine

Because results can vary so wildly, we decided to take a look at some past testing just to see what works and what doesn't...

www.hotrod.com

Yeah, I actually kind of remember reading that article.

 

[Finkaire]

Unless you plan on going racing the OE cast iron exhaust manifold is quiet, doesn’t leak and you don’t need to end wrench your spark plugs. IMHO

 

[JBswth]

i should rephrase this - is there really a performance gain to be seen for any set of headers on a basically stock BBC?

Probably not much, but if you have a hotter than stock cam and have had it ported, then YES you will gain performance.

J. B.

 

[JBswth]

If you like more low and midrange power, yes there really is.

More low-end and more midrange? You sure about that? I always thought headers gave you mainly more top end.

J. B.

 

[bucket]

Probably not much, but if you have a hotter than stock cam and have had it ported, then YES you will gain performance.

J. B.

There is often a significant gain even on a stone stock engine.

More low-end and more midrange? You sure about that? I always thought headers gave you mainly more top end.

J. B.

Yes. Long tube headers tend to produce more power down low too. Despite decades of magazine articles and dyno tests that prove it (@Ricko1966 just posted one in another thread), there's still the common myth that long tube headers are only for higher rpm and don't do anything on the average V8 engine.

 

[xm20k]

Long tubes increase low and mid range power due to improved scavenging at low rpm. They also allow the engine to carry longer up top before rolling over.

On another note the longer the collector or area after the collector (up to around 18") the bigger the increase. This is why drag racers run collector extentions even if no other exhaust system is used.

 

[HUFFINCOSMOLINE]

I have used the Mr. Gasket aluminum shim header gaskets on my 76 and have not had any problems with it since. This is with cheap old MR gasket headers (look to be the same as flo tec or summit brand headers).

Percy's also makes them and same basis.

You must be registered for see images attach

Love these gaskets, they awesome

 

[Sad Sack]

Love these gaskets, they awesome

I always use FelPro 9275B, cheaper alternative.

 

[JBswth]

There is often a significant gain even on a stone stock engine.



Yes. Long tube headers tend to produce more power down low too. Despite decades of magazine articles and dyno tests that prove it (@Ricko1966 just posted one in another thread), there's still the common myth that long tube headers are only for higher rpm and don't do anything on the average V8 engine.

Always thought headers of any length only helped upper ranges.

J. B.