Headers vs. stock manifolds

[Bent]

I just wanted to see what you guys think? Because I,m starting to think that headers aren't worth the trouble anymore.

[19_Chevelle_69]

Headers. Manifolds are fine for a driver, but headers are the only way to go for power.

[HALLY]

Summit sell locking header bolts and ive personally never tried them b ut have heard good things from people that have. HALLY

[19_Chevelle_69]

Stage8 makes a good system for header bolts, these are the ones you have seen at Summit.

The problem Bent is having is that the collector gaskets are blowing out on him. You can get copper or aluminum ones that usually give no problems whatsoever.

[Bent]

I just bought some thick dead soft aluminium gaskets that are supposedly blowout and weather proof.... We'll just see about that. They also come with some lovely liturature on the gospel.

[BowtieGuy]

Headers are definetely the way to go.

[Missgoodwrench]

I think headers are better, but living in Cali they aren't much good seeings how we have such strict smog laws.

[Bent]

Have to buy the c.a.r.b. certified ones and get them inspected eh? In idaho I just have to pass emissions with no cats! LOL

[rayray4all]

Hi All,
I have a couple questions about Headers?
With Headers mounted? the collecters end up just before
the Trans Brace? Do the pipes go over or under the brace?
2nd Do the headers couse acess to plugs difficult?

Thanks for your help

85 C10 305

[Bent]

My headers do make it kind of a pain to get to a few of the plugs, but they do decrease the under hood temp by quite a bit... My pipes go over the support and don't cuase me any loss in ground clearance. You can also buy shorty headers which make it a lot easier to get to the plugs and not have to worry about clearance issues. (My Dynomax Headers run into the front shackles if they aren't turned properly )

[biggawd]

every set of headers ive had i keep on blowing the gaskets on them,so i just went back to manifols. a lot less trouble and yes my truck is just an everyday driver.

[red87]

headers are the way to go you can get headers cheap and anything is better than stock :rocking:

[Bent]

But the stock ones never gave me any trouble.

[red87]

i have headers on both my trucks i have no trouble

[Pontiac1976]

Well Header are better for racing & good weather kliment driving, if you tow a lot or live in Bessy body Neighbor hood, "the 11pm to 3 am coming home & the 5am to 6:30am going away from home complaint's of noise suck. Then Manifolds are probably better for you.
- for headers are plugs a little harder to get at, temp under hood hotter, a little more noise under hood, loosen up now and then if you do not have header locks, collector gaskets blow out two to three times a Yr, more work to change the trans fluid & filter .
+ for headers more power better TQ if tuned well better highway mileage that nice header sound .
- for Manifolds less power less TQ .
+ for Manifolds less noise under hood, less heat under hood, easer to get at plugs, Manifolds bolts stay tight most of the time for long times.
headers will not last as long as Manifolds if driven year long"(winter Snow)" headers Kool the longer the better if you put them on .

Pontiac1976
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