I've got a few exhaust issues that i've got to work out this summer.I've got a mild 350 under the hood now and have a lot of reservations about running headers.I know that they are going to flow better than any manifold,but there are plenty of potential problems that i can think of as well.The under hood heat has got to be a big one.I've already had problems with hot start ,burnt wires,exhaust leaks and while most of these can be conquered easily,it seems to me that headers might be more trouble than they're worth.I've had friends tell me they're not worth it too.The header sound is kind of cool,but i'm not 19 anymore and kind of appreciate a quiet ride on long trips.My plan is to maybe go with a set of '89 or later tpi manifolds and y-pipe and gut my cat with a pipe through it,maybe not the most effecient way to go,but it would be real cheap and low maintenance,and perform better than what i have now.Lets hear both sides guys!what do you think?

 

Actually headers run cooler than manifolds. Plus headers should be your first mod, cause any other mods won't benefit as much as they can without a free flow exhaust. You could always get the headers ceramic coated which helps with heat a lot.

 

go for the headers

also with the headers you are not going to have underhood heat issues prolly being that the metal doesn't retain the heat like your stock manifold will do

 

Headers WILL make your exhaust note louder........and meaner.

Just get a quiter muffler.

 

Also, get some wire looms, don't make the mistake I did, buying a 4th set of plug wires ain't cheaper than investing a couple bucks in protection.

 

I'd go with headers... but if you really want a TPI exhaust manifold, I'll sell you the set off my 90 L98 Iroc when I get headers.

 

I appreciate all the feedback people.I figured most posts would be for the headers,but i'm surprised that at least a few of you didn't have a horror story or two to relate.I know i paid about 60 or 70 bucks(u.s.) for my accel plug wires,and would be pissed if i had to buy 4 pair like Mark did.I know i could get looms and a starter heat shield with a set of those header bolts with the retaining clips and with a little careful planning,never have a problem.I just thought that someone out there must still run manifolds just for the simplicity of it .I'm a big believer in the k.i.s.s. principle.From what i've read there's a big difference in modern manifolds compared to the restictive ones of a few years ago.Just for curiosity,how much would you ask for your manifolds synapsis?How big is the y-pipe,so i can compare it with mine

 

I have no idea what a set of stock manifolds would be worth. 75 a set maybe? That's how much more I need before I can go buy my headers.

I don't think I have a stock Y-pipe though, the weld on the driver's side looks really "amateur".

 

Hey MT...

My Formula is a "G92" 305 5-speed car with the N10 bigger manifold / dual cat exhaust on it already. I'm not planning to run headers right now either. The thinking behind this is that the stock "350" exhaust is probably good enough for a mildly modded 305 (L98 Vette heads & free/cheap stuff). I doubt that a big bang-for-the-buck from headers would be there on my car. It's my 365 daily driver and I've got other cars to go faster with anyway. Right now, I'm going to see how fast I can make the 'Bird go with what I've got. I'll be posting times when I get em.

Good Luck.

 

Ok a few things to get straight about headers...

1. Headers will be only slightly louder inside the car than gutting the cat...

2. Get a quiet muffler and the added noise will be insignificant.

3. Headers will give you a few more MPG

4. Don't pay 70 bucks for plug wires... not worh it at all. ex: I replaced my 8.5mm $80 MSD's (which were slipping off the plugs)with 8mm $15 Autozone specials... not a hint of power loss.

5. Much prettier than those sorry *** rusted manifolds.

 

Dude you shop at Autozone?? OMG

 

Also coat your headers.

 

Hey, I shop at Autozone. They had the best selection of misc exhaust pieces for my emergency cat delete.

I can finally cut the broken @$$ cats off my car and replace em with straight tubes... until emissions time.

 

Like OMG yes... best place for cheap *** spark plugs, wires, type-R stickers (LOL) K&N's you name it... why waste money on things that don't matter in the least? I haven't found any totally ridiculous prices for anything... even the valve covers are reasonably priced.

Just wondering... where might you suggest I go?

This is assuming you were originally imlying that I shouldn't shop at auto-zone.