Headers

[Terry Hauck]

I want to put headers on my 69 383 Roadrunner. I'm keeping the 906 heads. Looking at TTI and Doug's. Your input and experiences please.

 

[RKNRLR]

from what i hear tti's are pricey but quality. I waited a bit longer and opted for some custom headers, 2" diameter x 29" length. Im not running any mufflers, so the super long header length helps to keep he car quiet at low revs, and the lack of muffler helps it scream when you step on it.

 

[Russ69Runner]

Scream when you step on it !!!!!!

 

[Basketcase]

I just changed out the rusty headers on mine. I went with Flowtechs ceramic (made by Holley)
A lot cheaper than the TTIs. Look good, not a bad install at all. 383 4 speed. Original gear reduction starter. The only things....my heads had the original studs..had to clean out the bolt holes on the flanges with a drill bit. #7 tube needed a couple taps with a hammer to clear the Z bar...nothing drastic. Tube for #4 rubs the inner fender. I have a small leak on #2...shoulda dressed the mounting area to the head. Overall pleased and they sure look a lot better than the old rusty headers. But all in all.....original HP manifolds would work as well, and make life easier.


https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...7310012-P?searchTerm=flowtech+ceramic+headers

 

[Basketcase]

 

[69hemibeep]

I hear good things about TTI and Dougs just do some research or contact them as to what size tube to use. Bigger is not always better when it comes to headers.

 

[Terry Hauck]

I have heard others say the original HP manifolds work really well. I have them still. Is there a coating that will keep them looking good?

 

[69hemibeep]

Any powder coat out fit can ceramic coat them. Here is a set I had done, the guy wanted the heat riser left on it.

 

[Russ69Runner]

Yea have to bend a pipe every now and then to make them fit Basketcase. Used some exhaust paint on some pipes and they looked good for a while then started turning tan ceramic paint for header's. So maybe the powder coating is do able. East wood sell's a kit. You can bake them in the oven.

 

[RKNRLR]

I hear good things about TTI and Dougs just do some research or contact them as to what size tube to use. Bigger is not always better when it comes to headers.

This is 100% true. The "expert" at the exhaust shop recommended 2 1/8" pipes for the headers, but after careful consultation with my mechanic, and some calcualtions form some formulas i got from a couple of interesting hot rod articles, i went with the 2" pipes.

Those formulas were bang on, predicted peak torque and HP to within 100 rpm. Definitely worth a read.

 

[ykf7b0]

I installed a set of ceramic coated Patriots on my 440 4 years ago and they perform great and still look wonderful.

 

[Dan Kiewicz]

This is 100% true. The "expert" at the exhaust shop recommended 2 1/8" pipes for the headers, but after careful consultation with my mechanic, and some calcualtions form some formulas i got from a couple of interesting hot rod articles, i went with the 2" pipes.

Those formulas were bang on, predicted peak torque and HP to within 100 rpm. Definitely worth a read.

Do share.... Always looking to learn....

 

[RKNRLR]

couple of articles with some good info

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/header-basics/

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/header-primary-tube-diameter-affects-performance/

There was another with header collector length vs engine size, but it seems to have disappeared from their archive.

 

[RAINMANYEH]

I took the header that were on her when I bought her down and had them blasted. I used VHT paint on them and it’s holding up well.

 

[Dan Kiewicz]

couple of articles with some good info

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/header-basics/

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/header-primary-tube-diameter-affects-performance/

There was another with header collector length vs engine size, but it seems to have disappeared from their archive.

Thank you! I love to learn. I've been a motorhead all my life growing up in Detroit. You almost couldn't help it. I learned how to drive in a '69 Roadrunner an older friend, Phil May owned. Captured me at the first turn of the key. He was a bad ass mechanic himself working at Selfridge ANG base on C-130s. Man those were some great times.

 

[RKNRLR]

These guys will probably also be of great assistance to you
https://frontstreet.media/2018/07/16/the-science-of-exhaust-expert-education-from-burns-stainless/

 

[6PKRTSE]

I always media blast away the cheap shipping paint applied to the headers. Then repaint with bbq high temp black. Paint out lasts the headers after they rust through from the inside out over the years.

 

[Russ69Runner]

How about the one's that are ceramic coated inside now. See East wood has a spray in coating now.

 

[RKNRLR]

i ended up waiting a little longer, saving a bit more, and having mine made in 409 stainless. I think the ceramic coating does more to protect everything else in the engine bay from the heat than the headers themselves.

 

[Russ69Runner]

That could be the fact RKNRLR. Those headers always put off a lot of heat under the hood.