headers, worth it?

[Celt69]

I have a beautiful set of jet coated exhaust manifolds on my '67 440 Belvedere and I know the previous owner HAD a set of headers on it at one time but felt they were too troublesome to be worth it. Every other performance car I have owned I had put headers on.

I would like to add a GOOD set of headers and add an x-pipe while at it, thoughts, experiences? Are headers on the 440 really worth it? I am at 452ci and am not lacking any power! Am I just asking for more hassle than it is worth?

 

[super-bee_ski]

My opinion?

Headers will give your car a performance edge.
-I have headers on my 70 Bee (TTIs)
-I have headers on my 63 Dodge Polara (TTIs) Car is still awaiting restoration, not running yet.
-I recently picked up a 67 GTX, 440 built mildly and I purchased 2 sets of original Cast Iron exhaust manifolds, not running headers.

If you want a performance and you want to get the most out of what you have, headers definitely are the best bang for the buck.

Just my opinion

 

[Celt69]

My opinion?

Headers will give your car a performance edge.
-I have headers on my 70 Bee (TTIs)
-I have headers on my 63 Dodge Polara (TTIs) Car is still awaiting restoration, not running yet.
-I recently picked up a 67 GTX, 440 built mildly and I purchased 2 sets of original Cast Iron exhaust manifolds, not running headers.

If you want a performance and you want to get the most out of what you have, headers definitely are the best bang for the buck.

Just my opinion

Thanks Super-bee_ski. I am somewhat torn, I don't want the hassle of header leaks, undressed access, heat etc. but I do want to maximize performance. The car is a super stock clone (half '67 GTX recreation and half RO23 - previous owner, not me!) that will never see a track, just a Saturday night special. I agree, the TTI's look pretty tempting!

 

[69roadr]

headers sound better and cool off faster than stock manifolds also. if you have a problem with your starter, get a mini starter

 

[Sonny Black]

Answer; yes...too many reasons to type here...just do it:icon_thumright:

 

[Hanover Mopar]

Another do it here

 

[WileE]

Unequivocally... yes. Stock exhaust manifolds have their place... on stock cars, or original/ numbers-matching type cars.

 

[hunt2elk]

I never wanted headers either after hearing stories of leaks and fitment issues. I put TTi headers along with their full exhaust systems on both my current cars and really can't complain about anything except the fact that replacing starters is going to be a major pain in the a$$.

 

[uwss]

Another vote for just do it; google it, research it and then buy

 

[cryplydog]

I vote headers IF you want more power. Good luck.

 

[theman440]

Not worth it (performance wise) on a street car. Sound wise yes, unless the engine is operating between 4000-7000 RPM. IMHO.

 

[HawkRod]

I agree with most others to put them on. BUT, I think if you decide to do it, to go with a real good quality set. Personally I am sold on TTI headers, as they are the only company I know of that makes different headers for B vs. RB blocks - as they should since the fitment is different. I hear Doug's are really good too.

Bottom line is my suggestion is go for it IF and only IF you are willing to spend the money to do it right. If you buy quality, you should be trouble free except for installation and starter repairs...

 

[Cranky]

If you buy cheap headers, they will usually leak with better ones being....well, better and best usually won't but sometimes will. You do need to know what to check before installing any header and one is to make sure the head/gasket flange is smooth and flat. If it's not, leaks will most likely happen. A long true straight edge and a large flat file is your friend and if you need to file the gasket surface, the longer the file the better with a 14" being a good one. Most header leaks are due to a poor gasket surface and the better you prepare it, the better the seal. Had a set of Hooker Super Comps on a 340 that went for 18 years before the tube finally rusted through. The heads need to have a good gasket surface too. Never had a leak at the heads but did have a few at the collectors but they were opened from time to time

 

[IQ52]

I put headers on all the cars I own. I want the additional power, fuel economy and exhaust tone.

If you say you are not lacking any power, why bother with the headers, run what you have.

 

[SlinktRR]

Definitely get headers. They suck to work around when hot but the performance gain is noticeable. I use hooker 1 7/8 comps and tti 2.5" full exhaust, didn't need to mod the headers at all to fit...and I have power steering.

 

[Celt69]

Thanks Super-bee_ski. I am somewhat torn, I don't want the hassle of header leaks, undressed access, heat etc. but I do want to maximize performance. The car is a super stock clone (half '67 GTX recreation and half RO23 - previous owner, not me!) that will never see a track, just a Saturday night special. I agree, the TTI's look pretty tempting!

HAHA, just reading the thread and autocorrect changed "underhood access" to "undressed access", not really what I wanted to say there!

 

[Mebsuta]

^ I saw that and just figured it was none of my business.

 

[Bigal75]

Do it.

 

[Dennis H]

TTI's. Lighter, cooler. Get the ceramic coating and your wallet. Buy from a FBBO Vendor.

 

[Celt69]

TTI's. Lighter, cooler. Get the ceramic coating and your wallet. Buy from a FBBO Vendor.

damn, you guys are all making a compelling argument!