440 Magnum Owners Please Step Inside... (TTI Headers)

[IronChef]

New to the forum.  I just purchased a 1970 R/T.  The engine was rebuilt about 5K ago, bored .020" over, mild cam, but everything else stock (really just freshening up the motor).  Had TTi headers and free-flowing mufflers on it.  The previous owner removed the headers and returned the exhaust to back to stock, but included the headers with the sale.

I'm well aware of the performance advantages of headers...that's not the issue.  But I have a set of Hedmans on my 383 Charger.  They're hot, noisy, and I'm not sure if I want to deal with that in this car.  However, I've heard that TTI makes a very high quality product.  Is it possible that those issues would not be as big a problem given the higher quality of headers?

What are your opinions of putting the headers back on, and given the mostly stock nature of the motor, what would I be losing if I don't?

Thanks for the input! 

[mopar12372]

a good header is all about fit . the flange is thicker on a good header . the collector flanges are welded or dosnt have them at all . myop its all in the imstall and the UP KEEP. they do sell gaskets that are multi layer aluminum that seal really good and dont blow out if you keep the bolts tight but age does have a factor too. any thing that rubs or pushes up againts them are your enemy . all of that will possibly cause them to leak(long tube). if you cant afford the 30-40$ for the aluminum multilayer gaskets then what you do is go out and buy some permatex copper high heat and spread it on both sides of the gasket (can be done on the aluminum multilayer). if they are not hpc coated get them coated . i also wrap the bottom portion of the header with wrap all the way to the muffler (not good for people that travel in the snow or the rust belt , if you garage the car over the winter its ok) . this keeps the heat down and the noise level in the car will drop ALOT. I use this wrap on my off road vehicles and have not had a problem in the mudd or rain (5 years and ticking. ). all in all if your expecting them to act like exhaustmanifolds dont fool your self (these leak too) exhaust manifolds dont perform like like headers / shortys are a waste of time . hope this helps Bill

[usraptr]

Unless you plan on racing the car, the few HP you'll pick up with the headers aren't worth the hassle in my opinion.  If the engine and car is mostly stock, I say leave the stock exhaust manifolds on it.  I have basically the same engine set up you do and I'm going with the OEM exhaust manifolds.   

[72rtchallenger]

I like the tti headers over the stock 

[Cooter]

IMO, ANY engine benefits from headers. MPG goes up, torque goes up, as well as VE...(Volumetric Efficiency)..



Although, it sounds as if you've talked yourself out of headers. TTI does make a good header.. You pay for 'em, but they are top notch...And BTW, ALL Tube style manifolds (Even the ones on newer cars), will be "HOT"....

[bb71challenger]

Not wanting to highjack the thread but I have a question that relates to this topic. What is the general consensus of Manifolds vs. Shorty Headers? I bought a set of Shorties and welded 3" ball flanges on them. Would I get enough of a spike in hp to make it worthwhile or should I just use the cast iron Magnum exhaust manifolds? If its not at least a 25hp advantage then it would not be worth it to me.

[IronChef]

Although, it sounds as if you've talked yourself out of headers. TTI does make a good header.. You pay for 'em, but they are top notch...And BTW, ALL Tube style manifolds (Even the ones on newer cars), will be "HOT"....

Not necessarily.  I'm actually right on the fence, but I wanted some input to find out:

 a) if, given that this will be little more than a motor for cruising around, do I really gain significant benefits from using headers and

b) Does the quality of TTI headers give me less noise and heat than I get out of a cheaper brand.

[72rtchallenger]

a) if, given that this will be little more than a motor for cruising around, do I really gain significant benefits from using headers and

I believe you will

b) Does the quality of TTI headers give me less noise and heat than I get out of a cheaper brand.

if ceramic coated they will be better but all headers get hot,,the sound is great if you want hem quiet use a good muffler,,I use Magnaflows

[Cooter]

Not wanting to highjack the thread but I have a question that relates to this topic. What is the general consensus of Manifolds vs. Shorty Headers? I bought a set of Shorties and welded 3" ball flanges on them. Would I get enough of a spike in hp to make it worthwhile or should I just use the cast iron Magnum exhaust manifolds? If its not at least a 25hp advantage then it would not be worth it to me.

IMO, Shorty headers are better than manifolds, but I wouldn't go so far as to see at LEAST 25 HP from 'em...Especially, with Ball flanges...HP costs in time, patience, AND money...

[bb71challenger]

Cool. I do not like that they seemed to almost rub the inner fenderwells. With fresh paint I dont want to risk heat damage. Now I am glad I kept a set of hp manifolds.