Ct1987

Hi, I have a question for those of you who have installed headers on the 305 engine. I know its the less favored engine here, but hey, its all I got.

Will I gain anything by installing headers. I am thinking of Dyno Don's units. I have already removed the emissions junk and the cat. I saw a little better performance after I removed the cat. And if you did install a set, was it a pain in the you know what?

Your ideas can help me decide if its worth it or not.

Thanks,

Louis

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Headers are always somewhat of a pain in that part; especially for somebody that's never done it before. Best to face that whole factor up front, without fear.

Yes you will gain "something". (unlike "remove the emissions junk") But what headers REALLY do more than that, is to prepare the car for OTHER mods. Other things that have YUUUUUJJJE effects with headers already there, like better heads, a cam, a "bore kit" for your block, etc., will do ALMOST NOTHING without them; but will be able to provide their full benefit WITH them.

Unbolting and re-bolting the big shiny eeeeeeezy pieces that sit up on top of the motor - carb, intake, valve covers, air cleaner, etc. - does LITTLE if anything for performance, EVER, on a stock motor. Headers on the other hand, pay off big time. Especially good-quality ones, that don't cause other headaches. There are few things in the world that will cause a hot-rodder more grief than cheeeeeep headers.

I say, go for it. It'll require a level of commitment on your part at first, but will reward you in the long run.

Ct1987

Hi Sofa,

Thanks for the reply. I have installed headers before and I would rather have surgery without anesthesia than to install them. This project definitely needs a lift. I am thinking of having my trusty go to garage install them under my supervision.
Many thanks,

Louis

kfsullivan

I have a 1988 Trans Am with 5.0 TPI and this past summer I completely re-did the exhaust including Dyno Don's headers and with a Magnaflow cat and cat-back system. I've noticed a nice bump in HP and performance. More upgrades to follow next summer hopefully, so yes, it's worth it.

Ct1987

Thanks for the photos, Sully. I think my mind is made up. Will place an order with Don after the new year.

Louis

Chris Knight

iTrader: (2)

I too am in the process of upgrading my exhaust system the same as kfsullivan. Unfortunately I still need the airtubes for the EGR to be on my car. Not only will it increase the potential for my current 5.0 TPI, but also be able to install a larger motor later on if I decide to.

I'm going with 3 inch exhaust over 2.5 to allow the motor to breathe much easier. One reason to go with tuned length headers is back pressure. As I understand it, the back pressure creates a vacuum right at the exhaust port when the motor goes to get rid of the burnt gases in the cylinder. Instead of the motor have to use power to push the gases out, the vacuum sucks them out instead. Less power used by the motor here increases the power it can put down to the tires.

turboguard

The best thing about headers for a 305 is that they are future-proof for a 350/383 in the future! That's my next upgrade after I get my shiny new wheels on.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I'm pretty sure, with Don being in Orange County CA and all, that he'll make a pair of his headers with the AIR ports. (It's AIR... has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with EGR) Give him a PM or something.