exhaust

[rattlesnake]

I am installing the rebuilt 440 back in my 70 Cuda.  I have alwaya had full 2" headers with 3 1/2 " collectors all along, but never really like the look.  Besides the finish not having long term durability, I have also had problems with clearance between the header and the steering shaft.  I don't want to lose performance or inhibit breathing but really want something besides the full size header, any suggestions?
Ray,

[72cudamaan]

Depends on the build. Not many motors need 2" tubes. If you're engine is
built for high hp then large exhaust comes with the territory.

[PlumCraZRT]

Depends on the build. Not many motors need 2" tubes. If you're engine is
built for high hp then large exhaust comes with the territory.

I agree with this.  If you want more clearance, go with a 1 7/8" system from TTI.

If you have a really mild/stock motor, consider the 1 3/4" system as well.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

 

Unless you have a radical build on the engine, there is no reason to have 2" headers.

I have 1 3/4" headers and 3" collectors on my car with a 440.

[burdar]

I think there have been articles that show you accually lose hp with 2" primary headers on almost everything but a full on race engine.  Even if you did lose a few hp, I doubt you'd feel it on the street.

[PlumCraZRT]

I think there have been articles that show you accually lose hp with 2" primary headers on almost everything but a full on race engine.  Even if you did lose a few hp, I doubt you'd feel it on the street.

You will lose torque (power = torque x rpm) because the exhaust velocity will be much lower in the 2" primaries.  When you're in the neighborhood, the trade becomes high-end power vs low-end torque.  The smaller pipe will favor low-end torque,  whereas the larger diameter will let it "breath" at WOT.

[rattlesnake]

O.K. I did not do a very good job of getting my question out there.  I do not like the headers.  What sort of factory or aftermarket exhaust is available that will not hog the engine compartment but still provide good breathing for a 500HP 440.

[72cudamaan]

O.K. I did not do a very good job of getting my question out there.  I do not like the headers.  What sort of factory or aftermarket exhaust is available that will not hog the engine compartment but still provide good breathing for a 500HP 440.

Outside of having a set of hp manifolds extrude honed, I don't think you many other choices.
No sense in putting bigger pipes on if the restriction is already at the manifolds. 

[rattlesnake]

I am familiar with the HP manifolds but the extrude hones lost me.  Are these something different than the regular HP manifolds?  Where can I get these items?

Ray

[Moparal]

ported oem hp exhaust manifolds.  I don't think you could get a max wedge manifold to work on 1 side either, not sure

[burdar]

Extrude honing is expensive and the hp gain is almost nothing.  If you want to use manifolds your going to be down on power.  You can buy a different set of headers that fit nicer like Tri-Y's.  They don't make as much hp as more traditional headers but you wouldn't have as much of a loss.

  http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/ProductsType/BRB_Headers.html