Headers on a Diesel?

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Sep 26, 2004 | 04:02 PM

dmgiff

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From: southwestern us

Headers on a Diesel?

Possibly a dumb question, but why don't you see headers on diesel engines? My guess is because they are more beneficial for high-rpm applications, but wouldn't any increase in exhaust flow help? And on that same note since I'm getting ready to exhaust and chip my truck, is an aftermarket intake necessary? I'm a little leary of the cotton-gauze filter and you guys all rave about the stock filtration system on the PSD. Would I be missing out if I put a turbo back exhaust and a predator, but didn't do the air intake? Truck is exposed to very dusty environment about once every 3 weeks--3 mile long dirt road which covers the whole truck in dust. Thanks for all the collective knowledge.

Sep 26, 2004 | 05:31 PM

IB Tim

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From: 3rd Rock

You can have a header on any turbo system, however in a production vehicle it would be cost prohibitive and the cast iron retains heat well.

Sep 26, 2004 | 05:36 PM

SpartanDieselTech

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From: Hendersonville, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmgiff

This is how it is to my knowledge....

The only beneficial "change" to the manifold-to-turbine exhaust is a REDUCTION in the diameter of the uppipes- the reduction in size creates greater exhaust velocity to spool the turbo for faster response and more boost potential. Headers can be used; or with the traditional uppipes, but to get a beneficial power gain the overall internal flow path sizes must be less to create higher velocity.

The problem with it is this- to get the extra power, you are essentially restricting the exhaust from the manifold. This builds lots of extra heat, and is only used in extremely high power applications, in conjuction with water injection and internal ceramic coatings.

If anyone knows anything else about it, please jump in...I know they do make headers for a 7.3; never seen them for a 6.0.

You might want to do a search on this subject, it has been discussed in some length here before.

Last edited by PSD 60L Fx4; Sep 26, 2004 at 05:42 PM.

Sep 26, 2004 | 07:15 PM

dmgiff

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From: southwestern us

Okay, that makes sense, thanks. Any tips on my intake question?

Sep 26, 2004 | 07:39 PM

SpartanDieselTech

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From: Hendersonville, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmgiff

Okay, that makes sense, thanks. Any tips on my intake question?

MY advice----leave it alone. The Donaldson filter is a great filter; I would recommend just leaving everything from the filter to turbo alone. You might consider the "zoodad" modification to the inside of the grill cover...do a search for it on this forum.

I personally prefer to leave the stock filter assembly in place as not to alter the readings of the MAF sensor out of stock parameters. Some will tell you it won't hurt anything at all, others will tell you the opposite. I consider myself to be a fairly performance-oriented person but I still do not believe it is worth the "risk" (if you care to call it that).

Sep 26, 2004 | 10:23 PM

dmgiff

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From: southwestern us

That sounds like good advice to me, and coming from you, I will certainly heed it. Thanks a lot.

Sep 27, 2004 | 12:14 PM

SpartanDieselTech

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From: Hendersonville, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmgiff

That sounds like good advice to me, and coming from you, I will certainly heed it. Thanks a lot.

If you are looking for increased airflow, you might want to take a look at Bank's intercooler and boost tube assemblies, and their power elbow (intake elbow). There stuff should provide a pretty large airflow increase over stock.

If you want an increased intake density with reduced EGT, take a look at the water injection thread...