Headers vs. stock manifold
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
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Headers vs. stock manifold
This question has been plagueing me for awhile. 
I've heard pros and cons about switching to headers from OEM manifolds. To my knowledge, the headers would seem a better performance item. I would go with the long equal length headers, not the shorties (another benefit of a truck 
). Better wave propegation means drawing more exhaust out of the cylinders quickly, and takes off the stress of forcing exhaust out to a certain extent. However, i've heard stories that its best to leave the factory manifolds in place. Noise is not a factor here, and I would use copper gaskets with the headers instead of paper. Any suggestions/comments?
I've heard pros and cons about switching to headers from OEM manifolds. To my knowledge, the headers would seem a better performance item. I would go with the long equal length headers, not the shorties (another benefit of a truck ). Better wave propegation means drawing more exhaust out of the cylinders quickly, and takes off the stress of forcing exhaust out to a certain extent. However, i've heard stories that its best to leave the factory manifolds in place. Noise is not a factor here, and I would use copper gaskets with the headers instead of paper. Any suggestions/comments?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,098
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From: Raleigh, NC
Headers vs. stock manifold
i want headers for my truck but like my description says, waitin for my engine to blow, ive heard that the OE manifolds will give you more torque than headers, im not really sure of that though.
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 692
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From: Coon Rapids, MN
Headers vs. stock manifold
You are probably right, I think the stock manifolds do have more torque than the shortie headers but the long ones will have a little bit more. The shorties are good for upper end. I looked into this for a while but put down the idea after finding out possible problems with leaking, clearance issues with the long headers, and such. Also, the gains are very minimal. Maybe 5-10hp. I do like the sound though, it adds a nice tone to it. To me it just isn't worth it to spend around 300 dollars that might add 5-10hp and take a good part of a day to install not to mention the heat issues a few people encounter. 
Some people really like them, but I have other things I would rather spend the money on. Just my thoughts.
Some people really like them, but I have other things I would rather spend the money on. Just my thoughts.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Headers vs. stock manifold
I have the summit shorty headers on my 93 and they gave me a bit more power, but I don't feel any lost low-end power. Cant' be beat for $159 either.
'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
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'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
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From: Joplin
Headers vs. stock manifold
long tube headers are an improvement over stock; but, where they really make a difference is when you've redone the cam, valves and intake/carb. It's a big air compressor you just have to tune the torque where you want it. Doug Thorley tri y headers are supposed to be great for your low end torque; but, they're a little pricey.
Shorty headers won't do much for performance they just look one heck of a lot better than rusty old manifolds. They will usually bolt op to your stock pipes if you buy the right ones.
It just depends how bad you want the extra torque/HP.
Good luck!
Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.
Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!
Shorty headers won't do much for performance they just look one heck of a lot better than rusty old manifolds. They will usually bolt op to your stock pipes if you buy the right ones.
It just depends how bad you want the extra torque/HP.
Good luck!
Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.
Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
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From: washington
Headers vs. stock manifold
I think it matters on what headers you buy. I've seen several articles that compare shorty headers with stock manifolds in mustangs. Of course the mustang/fast ford magazines don't look too much into the torque catergory but they seem to improve horsepower in mustangs.
I attempted to put a pair of hedman long tube headers on my rig and I ended up taking them back because they were too close to the tranny and starter. I still think the best way to go is to wait until a complete exhaust job is needed and then go with a pair of equal length mustang style headers. The mustang ones will fit perfectly in the engine compartment and mustangs had a different angled outlet is why they won't bolt up to your current system.
I attempted to put a pair of hedman long tube headers on my rig and I ended up taking them back because they were too close to the tranny and starter. I still think the best way to go is to wait until a complete exhaust job is needed and then go with a pair of equal length mustang style headers. The mustang ones will fit perfectly in the engine compartment and mustangs had a different angled outlet is why they won't bolt up to your current system.
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From: Joplin
Headers vs. stock manifold
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 08:51 PM (EST)]SSWWEEEEETTT truck, Bret! 
'
Headers can be a biatch, especially if you have a non hydraulic clutch.. still haven't found a set for my '82 F250 $ speed manual 302; except, for Doug Thorley tri Y's and they're out of my price range...lol
I usually plan on replacing half the exhaust for headers...just the nature of the beast.
Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.
Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!
'Headers can be a biatch, especially if you have a non hydraulic clutch.. still haven't found a set for my '82 F250 $ speed manual 302; except, for Doug Thorley tri Y's and they're out of my price range...lol
I usually plan on replacing half the exhaust for headers...just the nature of the beast.
Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.
Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!
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Headers vs. stock manifold
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Mar-02 AT 10:46 PM (EST)]Thanks for all the replies folks. I have a custom exhaust (true duals) with cats removed and pipe welded directly to the manifolds (with o2s in place). So the y-pipe and flanges are done away with. I think I will go with equal length headers, heck maybe it will even make my exhaust sound better and get rid of the occasional backpop. Now what brand do you recommend? 
I'll tell you how it goes when I get it done.
Now what brand do you recommend? I'll tell you how it goes when I get it done.FTE Stories
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