headers???

[nsmall]

I am very new to building a car so i research everything carefully.  I have a mild built 340 with brand new 2.25 exhaust thanks to the previous owner.  I am considering adding TTI or Doug's headers as I have the stock manifolds on now and I'm taking the engine out this fall.

Will headers make enough new horsepower to merit dropping $800 or whatever they cost to the exhaust I currently have?  I don't mind spending the $$$, I just don't want a headache.  I'm assuming the 2.5 inch headers can be set up to the current 2.25 exhaust?  I have heard headers can be a pain (hanging low, leaking gaskets, my exhaust guy says I will have to tighten them up often), yet I would like to see more horse power, probably sounds cooler, and I assuming my stock 73 manifold restricts airflow.

I drive the car once a week so I hope they don't hang too low as I want to enjoy the car.  Last question, I'm assuming headers are easier to install when the engine is out?  I would consider adding them down the road if you guys think they are Not to hard to install once the engine is back in...again this is a 340.

Thanks everyone.  Really value your opinions as I have a lot to learn.

[dfrazz]

TTI are the best but also the most expensive, Dougs will also work but just not as high quality.  You can add fasteners like Stage 8 to lock down your header bolts if you are concerned about them loosening.  Today through Friday Mancini Racing has 10% TTI's if you can swing it, these never go on sale.

They can be installed without pulling the motor and are not that bad on a small block.  You will want to drain the coolant from the block to avoid a big mess.

[Mopar73340]

Just to add to what was said above, TTI also supplies all of the fasteners. You won't have to remove the engine but will probably at least have to raise one side at a time. You should not have any ground clearance issues under normal circumstances. I've had my TTI's for 10 years and never had a leak or had to re torque the bolts. 

[DocMel]

So far no one has addressed: "Will headers make enough new horsepower to merit dropping $800 or whatever they cost to the exhaust I currently have?"

Frankly, you will get a large amount of opinions on this.  For a stock or mild build, you wont get any kind of seat of the pants feel.  I beleive headers really dont cone into play unless you have combo of things together that make them worth it, like a good set of flowing heads, a good cam/carb combo, etc.  And even then, mid to high range rpms is probably where they come into play

Bottom line a basically stocker or mild engine, to me with a 2 - 1/4 exh, is not worth the 800 price.  Add another 150 or so  in labor to that if a mech does the installation 

[73restomod]

Peak To Peak it should easily make 25 but the big gains in midrange torque are what makes them worth it.

[cudabob496]

Headers are one of the best things you can do for power.
Get equal length.
Best deal for mufflers, Walker Super Turbos.  TTI recommends them.
They flow real well!
I would get 1 and 3/4 inch tubes

[Chryco Psycho]

To be clear 1 3/4" primary tubes into 2.25 pipe

[cudabob496]

http://www.exhaustvideos.com/faq/how-to-calculate-muffler-size-pipe-diameter/

[cv70chall]

What about a set of headers for my 440? I went with the HP manifolds and have had nothing but valve cover gasket leak headaches. What's involved with headers on my car?

[60K T/A]

Speed isn't cheap. Would you rather use your stock manifolds? I just installed a set of American Racing SS headers and  cost me $1500.00

[stinger]

not only the cost of the headers you have to consider the heat,burning up wires,clearence issues and the pita of general maintenance like changing plugs,compresson checks etc. is it worth it to you?

[cudabob496]

ceramic coating inside and out of headers good for about 50 degree decrease under hood

[blown motor]

I have TTIs on a 340 with no ground clearance issues.The previous owner put them on and said he had to put on a mini starter to make it all fit, if I recall correctly. Maybe someone else can comment on this just so you know up front.

[stinger]

I run the Dakota starter and like it way better then the big old stock type starter. and yes I couldnt fit the old starter with headers.

[dodj]

Bottom line a basically stocker or mild engine, to me with a 2 - 1/4 exh, is not worth the 800 price.