Hi i was wondering if you run headers or stock manifolds on your big block chevelles. i have a 71 with a 454. i can't decide if i should run shorty headers or stock manifolds. thanks

Headers here on my 69 BB Brian (much to the shigrin of some of my resto buddies). Just my preference is all.

I like my stock Exhaust Manifolds, I just like to hear my engine run, and my sound out the back.

I prefer the stock manifolds as well. On the cars I did put headers on the performance failed to out weigh the headaches. This time I want to give the manifolds a test and hopefully can get a complete mandrel bent exhaust behind them.

You can also get your stock manifolds ported out for more flow:yes:

I have headers on my big block 70. When the time comes to redo the exhaust, I'm putting stock manifolds back on it. Headers are too much of a pain and the novelty is wearing off. Headers leak, scrape, leak, rust, leak, lose bolts, leak, in the way of the oil filter, did I mention leak?

Ok, not a big block--but--my cheapass Headmans have been on my 400 for years; and I haven't had a leak yet. Another set is on my boat--again--no leaks.

I don't see the "hassle" of headers. Mine don't leak, don't scrape, don't leak, don't lose bolts, don't leak, and I don't have enough interference with the oil filter to make a difference.

They (both sets) are an icky shade of brownish-black from exterior rust, though.

I gained 4 almost 5 MPH and 2 tenths at the track when I swapped my manifolds for full length headers on my 454...no other changes.
From a performance standpoint it was well worth it. Mine do not leak and I have no problem getting to my oil filter.
Part # is SUM-G9010 over at www.summitracing.com

I gained 4 almost 5 MPH and 2 tenths at the track when I swapped my manifolds for full length headers on my 454...no other changes.
From a performance standpoint it was well worth it. Mine do not leak and I have no problem getting to my oil filter.
Part # is SUM-G9010 over at www.summitracing.com

Note the gains in performance are with full length headers. If you go with shorty-style the performance gains aren't much more over cast manifolds. So if you're looking for performance go full length. If not, I prefer cast manifolds (even though my 454 has full length headers).

I don't have a problem getting to the oil filter either. The problem is as soon as you unscrew it, oil from the block goes all over the header. Pain in the ass to change the spark plugs too, especially number 8.

I read in "How to HOTROD Big-block CHEVYS".
They dyno tested a 454,LS6/450hp.
With stock exhaust manifold the test showed 378hp ,if I remember it right.
With 4 to 1 full length headers it showed 450+ !!!
74hp differance!!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0912656042/ref=sib_dp_pop_fc?ie=UTF8&p=S001#reader-link

So if You are looking for more hp,..............:thumbsup:

I don't have a problem getting to the oil filter either. The problem is as soon as you unscrew it, oil from the block goes all over the header. Pain in the ass to change the spark plugs too, especially number 8.

What I do Mr. Rightler is tape some shop towels up onto the block behind the filter and run the towels down over the header pipes so the towels take the hit. I have a problem with two plugs and needed to do some fabrication on a plug socket so it will fit.

Never had any leaks in the eight years I've owned the car. I had them on and off once in 2006 for a new Jet Hot coating and still no leaks. Don't have a problem with loosening bolts which are just the standard variety. Of course, I don't drive mine too much.

Headers here on my 69 BB Brian (much to the shigrin of some of my resto buddies). Just my preference is all.
Don't let those resto guys put evil thoughts in your head. You stick with the headers Don:pl:)

According to these guys,"shorty headers" are not that bad after all.
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/tech_get_technical.php

Also see side bar on left!
Lots of info!


".....Exhaust headers with equal length tubes have been shown to develop slightly more power in an open system, but not when hooked up to a street system with mufflers. Fact is, most street motors with shorty headers will produce the same power as they would with equal length headers.".......


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Don't let those resto guys put evil thoughts in your head. You stick with the headers Don:pl:)

Hmmm, sounds like "The pot is calling the kettle black" :secret: :D

I do not need the extra H.P. from headers. If its a race car and you want everything you can to drop the E.T., Thats fine..... For driving on the street my question is. How often do you need the extra H.P. from headers??? Also when do you use the extra H.P. Most of us guess to the ADDED H.P. headers provide.
Its a personal choice and more of " I got a set of Racin headers on my Big Block" Yea Bubba it must be fast its got a Big Block and headers............" I have been around for a while, Did the header thing, and the Corvette side pipe thing. To race some of the NEW STOCK --GM--Ford--Mopar--new Vetts, You will need a helava lot more than headers, New Vetts run in the 12s. Its the owners daily driver, My buddys 4 door Suburu (with GOLD wheels) runs low 13s and hes trying to get into the 12s.
Its his only car.
George Washington once said " I would NEVER hit my new headers with a rifle butt to make them fit "
Bob

There aint a damn thing wrong with headers.
The ones that leak were installed with improper gaskets. Or just cheap headers to begin with.
Let's not forget the MPG gain also with headers. It's been proven...
I had shortys once on a 375/ 396. ran awesome. Only pulled them cause they wouldn't work with the 4spd going in. These will fit with the motor already in the car.
Hookers Comps are awesome. A bit of a pain if it's a air car getting to #8 plug. We install these on all of our rides, just low ground issues to deal with speed bumps.

Long tubes have low to ground issues, so if it's going to sit low be careful who you buy from.
Lemons makes awesome pipes, but pricey as hell.
Keep the cast irons for the retro, or low hp look. You can feel the motor being held back at hi rpms.
BB's like to breathe, so let em and never turn back

You can get dead soft aluminum, or copper seals that are reusable and won't leak.

RandyB.

I put a set of Casler Headers(Hookers low end brand I think) on my Chevelle in 1972.I used the supplied gaskets and bolts.They are still on the car today.Never leaked,had a problem with clearance,loose bolts or any of the other problems normally related to Headers.
Of course 36 years or so later yes they are rusted through and they look really bad,but when the car was a daily driver,(1969-1980)they were will worth the effort.Just my.02