What would I really lose?

[onebadfish]

Been looking at the cuda.....(can't do much else with a foot of snow on the ground) 440-6 pack, 4 speed, 906 heads, standard mopar bump stick (forget the part number)..nothing radical..runs great. Dynoed at 410hp at the flywheel only have 3600 miles since full rebuild...but I want more.

Stroker 512-solid flat tappet that pulls to 6200, headers...headers...well, when I check out the engine bay I can see where a set of headers would be a PITA to install (my last toy was a little red express) and maintain with torsion bars, starter and clutch linkage in the way! So hence my question - What do you lose by keeping the orignal exhaust manifolds? I really like the way the engine bay looks stock....can I build an iron headed stroker with stock exhaust manifolds to 600hp at the flywheel? Anyone run a stroker without headers? Just wondering....thanks.

[Chryco Psycho]

You will make a lot more torque even at low rpm with stock manifolds , I have done this on 2 cars that look bone stock but have killer 512s in them

[onebadfish]

Sounds interesting Neil, "killer 512"!

[cudabob496]

some head porting and a good mechanical roller cam should have you well above 500hp!
Actually, more cost effective to get the newer high flowing alum heads!

[Chryco Psycho]

you may not make the 600 hp but the midrange torque is nuts , I always port the manifolds as much as possible as well . it will still make power 

[onebadfish]

Sound I run aluminum heads or have someone port/polish the 906s? Big torque monster - what cam specs?

[Chryco Psycho]

I would not run 906 heads , no quench .
 You can work a set of closed chamber 516 or 915 heads with large valves & port work which I would be happy to do for you if I was still there 
 If you go Alum use a good head Super Stealth , Indy EZ , stay away from the Eddy Victors lots of hassles to make them work . If you are going alum might as well get a head with good flow #s not just a street version of the iron heads .
 Cam ? how long is a piece of string ? 4 types , flat tappet hyd or solid & roller hyd or solid . , I generally use a flat tappet solid with a similar grind to a mild roller , good durability & great powerband but youhave to set valves from time ot time