At what point are headers "worth it"?

I've read all the posts on here about headers, and how much trouble they can be. I've even read quite a few long time members posting about how much the regret switching to headers and considering going back.

So considering the challenges of installing headers on a Maverick...

Do headers offer any benefit to stock, or mostly stock engines?

And if not, at what point in the performance upgrade process are headers worth the trouble?

Also, are the hasssle/benefit ratios any different for Mavs of different years or equipment levels - such as auto trans vs. manual, or power steering vs. manual?

 

I'd say whenever you're looking for more than 250HP@theflywheel

There are some hassles depending on the type of header chosen.

A simple search will net you all the info you're looking for.

 

flip the manifolds and go turbo lol

you would be better off under 300 h/p to just got with a nice 2.25 dual exhaust

 

What is the intended USE of this car? If it is for a 16 year old to drive around in...no real need for headers. The closer you get to actually drag racing this car....then the closer you are to needing headers.

Why are there headers on MY car. Mainly just for "looks" and ease of keeping them clean (since it is primarily a show car).

 

I like 'em on the Comet because they give the car a nice "tuned" exhaust note... When they are wide open it sounds obnoxiously cool at WOT.

 

The first thing I did to my first Maverick was put headers on it, I was 17, it was cool as hell, and well worth it. I've had headers on many different cars & trucks in the 25 years since then, and don't regret it.
Have a read here:
http://www.hedman.com/FAQ

 

I think a lot of stock 300+ HP cars have...stock manifolds w/cats on them...

 

yup

 

Yep - searched and read. I have the general idea about headers. I suppose I was looking for opinions on the hassle/beneit ratio specifically for Mavericks.

Yep - 16 yr old driver. I see no real use for them considering all I've read about the potential for problems installing on a Mav - especially with power steering.

Good point - and we would both like a little more "oomph" from the overall exhaust note of the car. Right now it's pretty mild w/ long glass packs and straight duals all the way out the back.

Me too, but it was a 73 Z-28 for me. Thanks for the link.

 

Very interesting and useful question for a lot of people with stock motors.
My answer would be no. Just put a good dual exhaust system on and leave the stock exhaust manifolds in place, because the gain in HP probably could not be felt in the seat of your pants.
And then you have shorty headers, mid length headers, full length headers and tuned equal length headers...................full length and tuned equal length are mostly for race motors, of motors making over 450HP.
Remember, a motor is nothing more than an "Air Pump", so the more air/fuel you put into the motor, the more you will have to get out.
My 97 Mustang Cobra put out 305hp stock, and after changing to headers (FMS shorty headers) I gained about 5HP at redline............not really worth the money and effort. Then I switched to a Bassani exhaust system that went from 4 cats to just two and also had and X pipe................gained another 7hp, but again pretty close to redline. So for the amount of money and time spent to gain 15HP I would never do it again.
So, depending on a lot of variables, I'd say anything over 300hp in an older V8 would be a good starting point for headers..............IMHO

 

Look at the cars in the F.A.S.T. series. Those things are ridiculously fast running through stock intake and exhaust manifolds. I have been struggling with the header idea lately, had them on a few cars and hated them so I lean hard towards manifolds.

 

minus all the benefits they do produce

the SOUND is well worth it alone.... hands down, no ?'s asked...

 

RMiller,

Ok, but most the cars running the ridiculously fast times had pretty good "factory cast iron headers" right off the showroom floor. But my guess is that with tuned headers they would be running even more ridiculously times.
IMHO

 

No doubt about it. Just having one of our anemic little exhaust manifold anywhere near one of those cars would knock a couple seconds off their times! That's why find myself thinking about headers.

 

RMiller,

The other thing to consider in the F.A.S.T. Series is that they can modify their motors internally, but the outside must remain stock looking...........kind of like the old SS classes when I raced back in the 70's and my SS/IA Camaro was in the 10's.
Really, the best header would be one you built specifically for the motor and car and not all that hard to do..................just takes some welding skills and time!
Again, IMHO