Has anyone installed headers?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 207
Likes: 171
"Not even close" "increase in power Maybe but I doubt it"
So they look cool and sound better but the performance is pretty much the same? To me that means the stock manifold must be pretty close....
I have had lots of vehicles with headers, even Banks headers on my motorhome, all of which made a substantial power improvement. The stock manifolds obviously work or there would be a substantial increase in power by changing to headers. That is generally why I have done headers. Pretty sure the dyno results confirm the stock manifolds are VERY close when it comes to power.
So they look cool and sound better but the performance is pretty much the same? To me that means the stock manifold must be pretty close....
I have had lots of vehicles with headers, even Banks headers on my motorhome, all of which made a substantial power improvement. The stock manifolds obviously work or there would be a substantial increase in power by changing to headers. That is generally why I have done headers. Pretty sure the dyno results confirm the stock manifolds are VERY close when it comes to power.
When I install headers on vehicles (Trucks) I consider;
- Down pipe size - total exhaust size/flow thru the end of the system
- Heat soak in the engine / under hood temps / exhaust valve temps - Under load and on long pulls
- Engine longevity, reduced strain on cooling system and components
- Long term maintenance, ie. broken & rusted manifold bolts, studs, etc. - This assumes the header is high quality, not cheap thin walled junk.
- And finally it's just bada$$ to have a quality headers and exhaust
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
I don't disagree with your statement, but there are other considerations that go along with maximum HP & TQ.
When I install headers on vehicles (Trucks) I consider;
When I install headers on vehicles (Trucks) I consider;
- Down pipe size - total exhaust size/flow thru the end of the system
- Heat soak in the engine / under hood temps / exhaust valve temps - Under load and on long pulls
- Engine longevity, reduced strain on cooling system and components
- Long term maintenance, ie. broken & rusted manifold bolts, studs, etc. - This assumes the header is high quality, not cheap thin walled junk.
- And finally it's just bada$$ to have a quality headers and exhaust
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 576
Likes: 169
I reached out to American Racing Headers and received this response:
We tested the Long System. I’ll have to dig out the test results. It was done a couple of years ago at least. I just purchased a 2022 F250 with the 7.3L that I’ll be installing our Long System on. I will get updated dyno data for sure. As far as the difference between the Short and Long System, I’d say the performance difference will be minimal. We wanted to give potential buyers the option of extending the system in 3-1/2” and keeping it all 304 S/S. This would come in handy if additional upgrades, like a supercharger, are added. Thanks for inquiring
We tested the Long System. I’ll have to dig out the test results. It was done a couple of years ago at least. I just purchased a 2022 F250 with the 7.3L that I’ll be installing our Long System on. I will get updated dyno data for sure. As far as the difference between the Short and Long System, I’d say the performance difference will be minimal. We wanted to give potential buyers the option of extending the system in 3-1/2” and keeping it all 304 S/S. This would come in handy if additional upgrades, like a supercharger, are added. Thanks for inquiring
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 208
Likes: 34
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 576
Likes: 169
You poor man! Asked a simple question about hot roddin’ his pickup and a bunch of folk jumped in to tell you you’re doing it wrong or it’s not worth it. I got the same feedback a few years ago when I wanted to hot rod my Suburban. “Why do you want to do that?” “You won’t feel it; it’s too heavy.” “It’s your money…” Nevermind that a man just wants to have fun and give his truck that very satisfying sound of speed. Sheesh! I’m with you! Spend the cash and let it be just the beginning!
It is tempting
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
You poor man! Asked a simple question about hot roddin’ his pickup and a bunch of folk jumped in to tell you you’re doing it wrong or it’s not worth it. I got the same feedback a few years ago when I wanted to hot rod my Suburban. “Why do you want to do that?” “You won’t feel it; it’s too heavy.” “It’s your money…” Nevermind that a man just wants to have fun and give his truck that very satisfying sound of speed. Sheesh! I’m with you! Spend the cash and let it be just the beginning!
Just a discussion man, nobody was hating on anybody...try not to be so sensitive on a truck forum...lol
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