Gains from adding headers to an FE engine
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Junior User
Joined: May 2019
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Gains from adding headers to an FE engine
Has anyone ever had a chance to spend some time on a dyno and test exhaust on an FE engine? I built the 390 I have a little over 20 years ago but put the stock exhaust manifolds back on. My engine is nothing special. RV cam, Edelbrock dual plane intake, Holley 670 carb and that's about it. I am seriously considering installing headers. I have done a little research and it sound like you can gain anywhere from 40 to 75hp by adding headers.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,011
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I would have guessed between 15-25 if lucky. The real power increase is probably dependent on how “hot” the engine is and how bad stock manifolds are choking it. On your build I would guess 15-25 hp and some added torque. Someone with way more knowledge than me will set the record straight.
P.S.
I would put them on because hey, they are headers and any gain is better than no gain.
P.S.
I would put them on because hey, they are headers and any gain is better than no gain.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 640
Likes: 10
I think 4 to 7 hp gain is a more realistic number. I've put headers on a few V8's including my 74 ford that use to have a 360. never have I experienced a huge increase in power, based on a seat of the pants measurement. most dyno results I have read online are consistent with this. headers change the sound a little bit and give you an exhaust leak every couple years though!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,246
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From: Kenner,La.
Headers
Headers really do not come into play until you start approaching the 500 hp zone. They do make your exhaust sound louder or better whichever is your choice. Adding an “X” pipe in place of the straight crossover balances the exhaust with a different sound.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 530
Likes: 89
I think JacobJ has a realistic view on what you'd see from adding headers.
Also what 73 hi-boy said about how "hot your engine is. The more cam and higher rpm you're running the more you're going to need your exhaust to flow.
Here's a video that'll give you an idea for engines in general. They use 3 different LS engines and a few different sets of manifolds/headers to show you how each set affects the performance on a dyno.
Also what 73 hi-boy said about how "hot your engine is. The more cam and higher rpm you're running the more you're going to need your exhaust to flow.
Here's a video that'll give you an idea for engines in general. They use 3 different LS engines and a few different sets of manifolds/headers to show you how each set affects the performance on a dyno.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
I think 4 to 7 hp gain is a more realistic number. I've put headers on a few V8's including my 74 ford that use to have a 360. never have I experienced a huge increase in power, based on a seat of the pants measurement. most dyno results I have read online are consistent with this. headers change the sound a little bit and give you an exhaust leak every couple years though!
Stock engine - Waste of money IMO unless you are specifically going for the "macho" factor element.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 324
From: Central Florida
The exhaust system is a key weakness of the FE. Headers will produce add'l power but how much depends on many factors. For sure the benefit will be non-zero.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,219
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From: SW PA
Comparing modern exhaust manifolds (LS) to 1960's FE technology is apples and oranges.
Factory FE manifolds (especially some passenger car type) are crippling in design...small open chamber log with no runner and no square inches.
Why not collect the before and after data yourself for an extra $100 and a fun time on a chassis dyno and report back here.
Factory FE manifolds (especially some passenger car type) are crippling in design...small open chamber log with no runner and no square inches.
Why not collect the before and after data yourself for an extra $100 and a fun time on a chassis dyno and report back here.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,603
Likes: 1,174
From: San Jose, CA
And in many cases with the older engines too, you might need to re-tune the carburetor to match the new dynamic.
Meaning in most cases you need to richen up the jets a size or three. Unless you were already a bit rich.
An older V8 might have been a bit rich anyway, in which case you'll probably notice a fuel mileage increase with the headers and a little bit of power without changing jet sizes.
I'm in the double-digit estimate group here. About 15 to 25 is not unreasonable, or unheard of, especially with a cam. But that doesn't mean the guys on the single digit team are wrong. A 5-10 increase is not impossible either.
So I say 4 to 24 hp!
And whether you gain down low or not depends on the overall system "tuning" not just a headers-vs-stock thing.
But better breathing is better breathing. Most depends on whether you are willing to take the trade-offs or not. Fitting, leaking, ticking, heat on the starter, re-tightening fasteners, re-painting because rust doesn't look as good on smooth steel as it does on cast-iron, etc.
I'm still a fan of headers. But you gotta be willing to take the bad with the good.
Paul
Meaning in most cases you need to richen up the jets a size or three. Unless you were already a bit rich.
An older V8 might have been a bit rich anyway, in which case you'll probably notice a fuel mileage increase with the headers and a little bit of power without changing jet sizes.
I'm in the double-digit estimate group here. About 15 to 25 is not unreasonable, or unheard of, especially with a cam. But that doesn't mean the guys on the single digit team are wrong. A 5-10 increase is not impossible either.
So I say 4 to 24 hp!
And whether you gain down low or not depends on the overall system "tuning" not just a headers-vs-stock thing.
But better breathing is better breathing. Most depends on whether you are willing to take the trade-offs or not. Fitting, leaking, ticking, heat on the starter, re-tightening fasteners, re-painting because rust doesn't look as good on smooth steel as it does on cast-iron, etc.
I'm still a fan of headers. But you gotta be willing to take the bad with the good.
Paul
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,778
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From: Foothills of NC
Put a set on a 1968 Ford pickup with a 360. Couldn't tell any difference except for the built in exhaust leak on one cylinder where it bolted to the head. I've gotten way better gains on 360's by jetting the carb bigger. I've put headers on a few cars, and never saw any difference with a stock engine at the rpm I run one at.
Also put a set on a new with 700 mile 1979 Ford Pickup with a 302 I owned. No more power as I could tell, but with true duals and Hush Thrush mufflers, it sure sounded good.
Also put a set on a new with 700 mile 1979 Ford Pickup with a 302 I owned. No more power as I could tell, but with true duals and Hush Thrush mufflers, it sure sounded good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,879
Likes: 2,368
I have headers on the 428 CJ in my high boy. I put them on years ago because I thought they were cool but I saw zero increase in performance. with the Remflex gaskets they cause me no problems but at some point I'll put the stock manifolds back on and toss the headers.
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