OK I have several questions:

1. Which size header (short style) is best for a modified 350 TPI? I have done several searches on the boards but find both 1 5/8" & 1 3/4" to be popular and nothing I could find convinced me either way.

2. What kind of gain should I expect from installing headers? I have the later style stock manifolds and am not sure what to expect from them.

3. I have a set of headers from a parts car I bought for my 5 speed conversion. I'm not sure what brand they are but they measure 1.51" OD at the tubes (no air). I was just going to have these coated and have a y-pipe made but from what I have read 1 1/2" are too small for a 350 and it wouldn't be worth the $$. Is this an accurate assesment? They are in excellent shape other than some dents in one of the tubes made to clear the steering shaft.

Thanks.

 

anyone??

 

SLP 1-3/4" would be best IMO.. after that, Hedman 1-5/8"

 

Just get the hooker 2055's. The only thing better would be hooker long tubes. If you think about it, it really doesn't make sense to go with SLP 1 3/4 headers since the y pipe is only 2 1/4 inches into a 3 inch pipe. Who do you know uses 2 1/4 piping on an engine that requires 1 3/4 inch headers? 2055's are the best header/y pipe combo available. If you need more you will have to go with longtubes and either the mufflex y and catback or a custom dual setup.

 

SLP 1 3/4 headers with 3" complete catback exhaust for the best gains. Also they are stainless steel and will not rust like brands.

 

Theres really no reason to go with 1 3/4" headers on any mild SBC (especially a low-reving TPI car). I think you'd make more useable power with 1 5/8"

 

Why I also suggested the Hedmans

He did say "modified 350 TPI" thuogh, so I suggested the 1-3/4 headers just incase his 350 can spin up higher than a typical TPI.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. So safe to assume that the 1 1/2" headers I have are a waste of time? From another post I came across yesterday, I think what I have are dynomax judging by the pictures and description. I dont want to spend money putting a crappy set on, rather spent on what works best.

Do the hooker 2055's or hedmans have AIR tubes? From what I can find doing a search it sounds like they do? I don't need them, and would rather not have them as they really clutter up the engine bay. Do the hedmans have a y-pipe, and what size?

My intake is ported just about everywhere it can be, also a bit on the stock heads. I plan to replace the heads with some AFR's (195?) and add an aftermarket base and runners eventually, but would like to retain the basic TPI setup. Injectors, ignition & chip all modified. I love the low end response of the TPI, and it complements my setup well.

Sorry for all the questions, just want to spend on the right parts.

 

ahhhh, someone else that likes the TPI!!! I'm with ya' man!

I'd say you can't go wrong with most of the popular set-ups.

Of all the popular mods, I've never run into anyone who regrets the SLP's due to size. I've PMed several people with mild L98's and they love there SLP 1.75's . More than a few people said it was the single best mod they had made.

 

The Hooker 2055's have the A.I.R. tubes and a very nice y-pipe. Their collector ball flange opening is the only "nit" I had with them, and I took care of that.

Only the emissions-legal $300+ set of Hedmans that include the y-pipe have the A.I.R. tubes.

There are a lot of reports of clearance problems when installing SLP 1-3/4".

From all reports, the Hooker y-pipe is the best one out there. Most likely, you can live with the 1-5/8" primaries of the 2055's easier than you can deal with the "issues" the others have.

 

...I'd agree with that. But I'm still partial to SLP.

...why? I have no idea.

 

on my 305 tpi i ahve the flowtechs

the worst piece of garbage headers out there

1.5 primaries are not bad for a 305 thats not the problem its the fitment

the passanger header bangs on the framerail and had to dent the y pipe so it did not bang the floor

and the y-pipe has the worst mierge i ahve ever seen

yes they are better then manifolds and yes they did only sodt 200 header and y-pipe but its not worth the headaches