should I use manifolds or headers????????

[RustyRatRod]

I like headers. They flow better than manifolds and they sound cool. Just the fact that they separate each exhaust port and reduce reversion helps tremendously. They are one of the biggest bangs for the buck there is. Manifolds have their place for sure. They pretty much last forever, like bad furniture. They have great ground clearance. If you have a stock or close to stock engine, they might be for you, but they ain't about makin power. Never have been.

 

[MoparMitch]

I agree , Headers are better for full performance vehicles , but as previously stated they can be a PIA. Much of this debate depends upon whether the owner is looking for a stock look or perhaps has a numbers car. In which case I would use the manifolds. Not much gain with headers for mild street cars either. I'm gonna use the manifolds on my basically stock 383 with a mild cam.

 

[coloradodave]

The motor is stout, dynoed at 530hp on engine dyno with headers on it. Can't think I would lose tons of hp and choke the motor up with mainifolds, don't you think?[/QUOTE]

Ask your dyno guy! Depends on what you call a 'ton of horsepower'. Why build the motor with all the trick parts, make over 500HP with headers and then go backwards on the exhaust. For a stock or mild build street or even a street/strip car, manifolds are fine and definitely easier to work around. 530HP is not a mild build and manifolds will absolutely knock off a bunch of power at mid and upper RPM. Quality headers (TTI), installed properly don't leak.

 

[Dennis H]

472 HP at the crank for my 440. Why put heavy and hot manifolds on there when you can run headers? Light. Cool. Trouble free TTI's. Get your wallet out and get it over with. Only way to go. Follow them with QTP's, Bully Tips and a pair of DynoMax SuperTurbos. All the pinache without the drone.

 

[383man]

Ron,

If you don't mind. What kinda spring compressor is that and where can I get one? Thanks.

You know I dont even know the name of it but I bought it from Mancin's and it works great. It bolts down with the rocker shaft bolts and then you turn the allen head screw to compress the spring. Then you can use both hands to remove and install the keepers. I dont even remember what I paid for it as it came with other parts also. Ron

 

[ecc12]

But honestly depends on your budget, engine configuration and what you restored the car for and lastly decision is your decision .

This is my thought when I restored my 1973 charger with 440 and mild cam and research and priced out parts
.
1.What type restoration plan to do is for show or street and strip racing?
2. type for engine stock or modified
3.type exhaust system and size, muffler
4. how much can you afford
5.do you have clearance in engine compartment for header and run dual exhaust on your car with no problem if not do have time and resources to retrofit the system to your car.

if designed to be street and strip then I will go with header with 2 1/2 exhaust system but if you designed for show then stock manifold best. I have stock manifold on my 1973 charger with 3" exhaust system it gives me nice tone without any tinny noise .

 

[67 440 4Speed GTX]

If you want to sell the manifolds, I would be interested in them. I am trying to put mine back to stock. I would think the headers would flow better! Let me know the casting #s and the date code on them if you want to part with the manifolds.

 

[Dennis H]

If you want to sell the manifolds, I would be interested in them. I am trying to put mine back to stock. I would think the headers would flow better! Let me know the casting #s and the date code on them if you want to part with the manifolds.

They are available. Clean and no damage. 2806900 N on one and 284399-1 on the other.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I have a 67 R/T 440 4 speed Dana car. It has a 71 440 6 pack engine in it now. I am building a 67 for the car.I want it to look stock but am putting in a solid cam and stroker crank. My question is headers or manifolds. I have the HP 67 stock manifolds and a new set of TTI headers. I have several people wanting the manifolds and just cant decide to sell them or not...
Just thought I would run it by you all and get some different thoughts on the matter.

Headers


Manifolds

If you want it to look stock enought that you're willing to pull the '71 440+6 to drop in a '67 motor..... definitely manifolds.

If you want to use the headers, then there's no reason to pull the '71 motor since headers are more noticeably "non-stock" than any date code. Headers make noticeably more horsepower.

If you want to look "1/2-stock" or a "day two restoration" then use the headers and put a Carter 4-barrel on it.

Just my 2-cents...