Headers vs Max Wedge Swoops

[RHW2]

Has anyone ever done a horsepower comparison between headers and "swoop" exhaust manifolds. Thinking of pulling my TTi headers and putting Max Wedge manifolds on but don't want to give up a bunch of hp to do it. I do understand that the numbers may be different based on motor combination, but just a general number based on a 600hp motor. I don't race at the track but occasionally pick up a street race and I like winning... lol

 

[VANDAN]

My builder wanted me to use headers on my build, as they do yield extra HP. My dyno was around 640, with his test headers, so he thought I'd be over 620, with the manifolds. I opted for the MW manifolds, as nothing else really has that look.

 

[Slap Stick]

Not to mention the added weight.

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Nicks Garage did a video of HP manifold vs Max Wedge manifold vs Headers and the difference between the Max Wedge & headers was surprised by the results.
Edit : I am a bonehead and loaded the wrong video I was thinking of so here is the correct one.

 

[67charger383]

Headers are better. No real reason for the manifolds unless it’s an original max wedge car

 

[RHW2]

Nicks Garage did a video of HP manifold vs Max Wedge manifold vs Headers and the difference between the Max Wedge & headers was surprised by the results.
Edit : I am a bonehead and loaded the wrong video I was thinking of so here is the correct one.

Thanks for the video... very informative. Not giving up much with Max Wedge manifolds hp & tq wise. Only down side appears to be additional weight

 

[RHW2]

Headers are better. No real reason for the manifolds unless it’s an original max wedge car

Other than just the kool factor... lol

 

[RHW2]

My builder wanted me to use headers on my build, as they do yield extra HP. My dyno was around 640, with his test headers, so he thought I'd be over 620, with the manifolds. I opted for the MW manifolds, as nothing else really has that look.

Thanks... mine dynoed at 558hp 571tq at the wheels. 496 stroker full roller 11.5 to 1.... actually a 440 block with Indy SR Max Wedge heads A & A Transmissions cross ram with 650cfm Edelbrock AVS Thunder 2s... I'll have to find out if Mancini's Max Wedge exhaust manifolds fit my heads

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Thanks for the video... very informative. Not giving up much with Max Wedge manifolds hp & tq wise. Only down side appears to be additional weight

The other downside is the cost but the cool factor out ways cost for me. I have had headers before and they just caused more problems than their performance gains so I like the max manifolds as a way around that. I have a street car.
JMHO

 

[RHW2]

The other downside is the cost but the cool factor out ways cost for me. I have had headers before and they just caused more problems than their performance gains so I like the max manifolds as a way around that. I have a street car.
JMHO

Yeah the kool factor would be my reason as well. Where did you find the flange that bolts to the manifolds?

 

[VANDAN]

Yeah the kool factor would be my reason as well. Where did you find the flange that bolts to the manifolds?

Not sure of what flange, but I'm using the TTI system, bolt up...

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Yeah the kool factor would be my reason as well. Where did you find the flange that bolts to the manifolds?

I do not have max wedge manifolds yet but am looking at the ones Mancini sells to go with a 1970 383 hp motor I am building to go with their six pack setup kit that I bought already. This motor will be on a run stand till I decide what to put it in. I just don’t care for headers anymore. JMPO
Manifolds : https://www.manciniracing.com/mamaxwema.html
Head pipes with flange : https://www.manciniracing.com/3maxweexpi.html
I will have my own flanges custom made more than likely as I will be making my own exhaust for the run stand.

 

[stage3]

Thanks... mine dynoed at 558hp 571tq at the wheels. 496 stroker full roller 11.5 to 1.... actually a 440 block with Indy SR Max Wedge heads A & A Transmissions cross ram with 650cfm Edelbrock AVS Thunder 2s... I'll have to find out if Mancini's Max Wedge exhaust manifolds fit my heads

what cam did u have to make that number ?

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

383 HP

383 HP Six Pack

383 HP Six Pack with Max Wedge Exhaust Manifolds

 

[RHW2]

383 HP View attachment 1223002
383 HP Six PackView attachment 1223004
383 HP Six Pack with Max Wedge Exhaust ManifoldsView attachment 1223005

ABSOLUTELY.... LOL

 

[RHW2]

what cam did u have to make that number ?

I'll have to dig out the cam card but it is a Comp Cam Xtreme Energy roller

 

[moparsquid]

on my 500 i did M/W repops looked cool but the weight and heat was unbearable should have gotten hedders they were cheaper

 

[RHW2]

on my 500 i did M/W repops looked cool but the weight and heat was unbearable should have gotten hedders they were cheaper

View attachment 1225246

Thanks for your reply.... I was wondering about the extra heat. I do have a couple questions.... how did you get Holley carbs to work? I tried but I couldn't get the linkage set up correctly. And with a name like moparsquid you must have spent time in the Navy....

 

[moparsquid]

Thanks for your reply.... I was wondering about the extra heat. I do have a couple questions.... how did you get Holley carbs to work? I tried but I couldn't get the linkage set up correctly. And with a name like moparsquid you must have spent time in the Navy....

your observation is spot on , I retired in 95 with just over 20 years. as for the linkage i actually purchased these from e bay the linkage was not stock but looks like some one made their own rods but the center pivot was max wedge had to trim some of the carb linkage to clear the manifold once i got the kickdown and throttle cable set up it actually worked very well

 

[RHW2]

your observation is spot on , I retired in 95 with just over 20 years. as for the linkage i actually purchased these from e bay the linkage was not stock but looks like some one made their own rods but the center pivot was max wedge had to trim some of the carb linkage to clear the manifold once i got the kickdown and throttle cable set up it actually worked very well

I retired in 08 after almost 33 yrs as a Master Chief.... did you run any carbs other than Holleys? If you get a chance could you take a few pictures of the linkage.