Need advice: headers on 1973 Ranchero
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2001
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Need advice: headers on 1973 Ranchero
Hello! I am getting ready to drop a 400 in my 1973 Ranchero. As far as I know the only headers for this application are Hooker Super Comps (6125), available normal or ceramic coated.
First of all - I have heard of ground clearance issues with Hooker Super Comps, though not sure if that was a general comment or with my chassis. Any experiences here?
Secondly - I am trying to decide if the $190 difference is worth it to go ceramic. I have already sunk a lot of money into the engine so every $ is starting to hurt. I hear ceramic will cut under-hood heat, increase power a little, will look great, and will last longer. Can anyone share their experience either way, but particularly if you have used both types? Thanks
First of all - I have heard of ground clearance issues with Hooker Super Comps, though not sure if that was a general comment or with my chassis. Any experiences here?
Secondly - I am trying to decide if the $190 difference is worth it to go ceramic. I have already sunk a lot of money into the engine so every $ is starting to hurt. I hear ceramic will cut under-hood heat, increase power a little, will look great, and will last longer. Can anyone share their experience either way, but particularly if you have used both types? Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
bb, I don't know if you have ever had headers before, or how you plan on driving the car. Every guy ought to have one set. I put a set of headers on a new engine in my F100 and I have a new 390 on engine stand waiting to be installed in another project without headers.
I had a starter to get cooked on that truck and it took me 8 hours to do the 15 min job.
My 2 If you will be racing go with headers, if not just duals is the way to go. IMHO
John
I had a starter to get cooked on that truck and it took me 8 hours to do the 15 min job.
My 2 If you will be racing go with headers, if not just duals is the way to go. IMHO
John
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
IMHO, They're hotter and louder, and in some instances you may feel a little more power. It is my conviction that unless you are turning more than 4000 rpms (racing) they are a PITA.
I would suggest using stock the manifolds, and taking it to a good muffler shop, start the dual app. using the H pipe with Flowmaster mufflers.
That should make a daily driver setup that will give you a boost in power, and sound awesome too.
John
I would suggest using stock the manifolds, and taking it to a good muffler shop, start the dual app. using the H pipe with Flowmaster mufflers.
That should make a daily driver setup that will give you a boost in power, and sound awesome too.
John
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
.......ditto on the duals/flowmasters. I put headers on my 68 Firebird, and like the last guy said PITA. Runs hotter, ground clearance issues, tendency to burn out starters. I have a 73 Ranchero that I just got, and it has duals with glass packs(they sound....well ok, but gotta go), but the Flowmaster 40 series gives it more of that "muscle car" sound......I will be puttting the Flowmasters on her WITHOUT headers.With that being said, unless your racing her, I woundn't go with the headers, just my humble opinion. Kelly
http://photo.starblvd.net/rkm1003
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Last edited by rkm1003; Feb 5, 2004 at 08:14 AM.
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