firsttimeoldsowner

Hows it going guys got the motor rebuilt now I'm trying to figure out headers or no headers that is the question, I went withe build and the parts that Gearman69 gave and had to bore the block .30 over. Ok the dilemma is I got an exhaust system that bolts up to factory manifolds I have to install a crossover pipe give it the 'H' in h-pipe but I have people telling me with headers my car is going to be loud coming from the engine bay now is this true because i know i'll get a performance boost from stock exhaust to headers so Im asking how loud would it be now remember its gonna be my daily driver. Now i love to know whats everybody's opinion and if you got the facts lay em on me I need all the knowledge I can get and thank you for taking the time to help.

BlackGold

Your choice of mufflers, size of pipes, and location of the exit will all have a larger impact on sound level than the headers do. Adding headers alone will not be much louder.

Olds64

x2

If you don't want it to be loud put some 3 chamber FlowMasters on it. If you want it to be loud put 18" glasspacks on it and dump it before the rear axle.

firsttimeoldsowner

OK now the next question is short or long tube headers and any particular brand you guys would recommend?

Olds64

What kind of car is it going in? If it is a G body Cutlass I would say shorty headers would be the ticket to give you more space to work with. If it is an older Cutlass then go with long tube headers, they are supposed to be better for performance. I have a set of Hedmann headers on my 71 98 and they are great.

firsttimeoldsowner

its going on a 72 supreme with 350 Also I want the nice muscle car sound too

oldcutlass

Go to some car shows and listen to the exhausts. Find some you like and ask the owners what they used. Remember the internals of the engine will effect how the exhaust note plays also.

don71

If you want headers, go full length.

Don't stop short. pun intended.

I have hedman on mine currently with 455. In the past I've used blackjack with the 350. I'ved owned my car 30yrs. 23 of them with headers. I have a love/hate relationship with them.

Olds64

If you can afford it I also suggest getting powder coated headers.

olds 307 and 403

Coated or Stainless is the way to go. What motor and what car? Problem with shorty headers is custom down pipes and less flow. Headers do add power but always seem to leak somewhere and are slightly louder.

firsttimeoldsowner

To olds 307 I have a 72 cutlass supreme freshly rebuilt 350, TH350 stock rear-end and gears so I would it be worth it to go to headers or just stay with stock manifolds with duel exhaust and should i put a "H" pipe or leave it a duel exhaust with no crossover pipe

fleming442

H crossovers are old hat. X is the way to go these days. Look into a Pypes kit. They're reasonably priced, fit well, are stainless, and you can choose your mufflers. I put a 3" kit with their Race Pro mufflers, and it's actually quieter than the 2.5" with Flowmaster 40s. Plus, if you do some research, you'll find that Flowmasters don't actually flow that well. I can see clean through the Race Pro!

Oh, yeah, YES headers! Long tubes. Go stainless if you can afford them. I recently started whack in the 3 bolt flange in favor of a band clamp. It works so much better.

droldsmorland

If the engine is built to breathe then go headers. They are a love hate thing IMO. If the engines near stock spec in torque and HP (~325-400 hp) go with WZ manifolds and an H or X set-up with 2-3 chamber and forget about the header headaches. No leaks, starter, distribution block or heat issues. Though a high quality set of long tubes with the good locking bolts and hi qual gaskets will last for a while and add to the look cool factor.
Also depends on whether or not your concerned with originality.

marxjunk

this will help pick the sound you want..

i love the sound of flow masters but the drone can suck...if you cant pic a muffler after this clip..well...

fleming442

Peep dis:

76olds

Many guys here go with long tube headers, I have a stock 350 with a couple bolt- ons. I went with the shorty ceramic coated headman's with remflex gaskets 2 1/4 pipes with flowmaster super 40's. Nice sound for a stock 350 Olds.
No issues with the install but as Olds 307 & 403 mentioned you'll need custom down pipe off the driver side header. Pics n my avatar with the driver side pipe off the header.
Hope this helps
Eric