Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Phuloi68** · 08-19-2006, 09:24 AM

When I started building my 85 I bought new stock exhaust manifolds not thinking about duel exhausts. I am wondering if it would be ok to install duel pipes and mufflers using the stock manifolds or is it necessary to use headers.
I have not built up the engine, it is a stock 350 sb crate motor. I am wanting the duels to give a little bit more hp.
Any imput on this?

C&C Chevy · 08-19-2006, 11:40 AM

I have stock manifolds and true duels. It's not necessary to have headers, but they'll help flow more than the stock manifold's. I plan on getting some nice headers one day...

**Ron 586** · 08-19-2006, 11:55 AM

With a stock engine the manifolds and dual exhaust will be fine. On the street that would be all you need. The wow factor when you pop the hood at the local cruise in makes some go with headers. Good luck with your truck.

danny7139 · 08-19-2006, 12:05 PM

Headers are a pita sometimes. Either get a cheap pair and have them rust or get a really nice pair and hope it doesn't leak every year.

piecesparts · 08-20-2006, 12:15 PM

Do it however you want. The headers are good for exhaust floow and enhance the custom air cleaner that you have already or may want to install. More "AIR" in whch means that mmore "AIR" wants to get out. I am running headers on my 84 GMC , my son's 86 Silverado, my 95 Impala SS, and my 91 Silverado. I have had zero problems with these setups, because I used quality headers, gaskets, and bolts. In the past years, I have experienced problems with other cars and engines, but I learned from my errors and now I seem to have the better end of the deal. I have also seen individuals have problems with factory maifolds, such as bad donuts, bad gaskets. broken manifold studs, and head bolts. Cast iron is not always the answer.

If you choose headers, then I would definitely look for ones that are coated in a ceramic, to lower heat in the engine compartment and get a finish that does not rust.

1974gmc · 08-20-2006, 06:19 PM

i have a pair of flowtech long tube headers on my '74.... have had no problems with them leaking but they have got fairly rusty after one year.

08-19-2006, 09:24 AM	#1
Phuloi68 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Valparaiso, In Posts: 1,114	Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds When I started building my 85 I bought new stock exhaust manifolds not thinking about duel exhausts. I am wondering if it would be ok to install duel pipes and mufflers using the stock manifolds or is it necessary to use headers. I have not built up the engine, it is a stock 350 sb crate motor. I am wanting the duels to give a little bit more hp. Any imput on this? __________________ Phuloi68 Indy survivor Norwood survivor Big Sandy survivor for those who fight for it... F R E E D O M has a price the protected will never know.

08-19-2006, 11:40 AM	#2
C&C Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Midwest City, OK Posts: 1,001	Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds I have stock manifolds and true duels. It's not necessary to have headers, but they'll help flow more than the stock manifold's. I plan on getting some nice headers one day... __________________ Robert Current: 1986 SWB Silverado 4.3 / TH400 Past: 1985 SWB Silverado 305 / TH350 - sold 1995 1987 1/2 ton Silverado - FI 350 / 700R4 sold 2007

08-19-2006, 11:55 AM	#3
Ron 586 RIP Mr Ron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 8,150	Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds With a stock engine the manifolds and dual exhaust will be fine. On the street that would be all you need. The wow factor when you pop the hood at the local cruise in makes some go with headers. Good luck with your truck. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle TN Message Forum TN Facebook Group SETN Truck Show My Photobucket

08-19-2006, 12:05 PM	#4
danny7139 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 8	Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds Headers are a pita sometimes. Either get a cheap pair and have them rust or get a really nice pair and hope it doesn't leak every year.

08-20-2006, 12:15 PM	#5
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds Do it however you want. The headers are good for exhaust floow and enhance the custom air cleaner that you have already or may want to install. More "AIR" in whch means that mmore "AIR" wants to get out. I am running headers on my 84 GMC , my son's 86 Silverado, my 95 Impala SS, and my 91 Silverado. I have had zero problems with these setups, because I used quality headers, gaskets, and bolts. In the past years, I have experienced problems with other cars and engines, but I learned from my errors and now I seem to have the better end of the deal. I have also seen individuals have problems with factory maifolds, such as bad donuts, bad gaskets. broken manifold studs, and head bolts. Cast iron is not always the answer. If you choose headers, then I would definitely look for ones that are coated in a ceramic, to lower heat in the engine compartment and get a finish that does not rust. Last edited by piecesparts; 08-20-2006 at 12:16 PM.

08-20-2006, 06:19 PM	#6
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	Re: Headers Vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds i have a pair of flowtech long tube headers on my '74.... have had no problems with them leaking but they have got fairly rusty after one year. __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

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