Which headers

[4x4 Station Wagon]

I need to get some headers ordered up..... I have a 383 stroker going in with your typical advanced adapters kit. I will soon mount my scout steering box which should provide more exhaust clearance. I am lost on the whole header tube size, long tube thing! I would have swore i read a test back in the day where a stroker had performed better with a 1 5/8 rather than 1 3/4 or something like that. I thought the smaller tubes had produced considerable more torque???? I need straightened out here please!!!

So my questions are
What size headers should i go with to best mesh with the motor (it has large valves and is claimed to be approx. 425 hp and I think 430 ft lbs torque I would have to look again to be exact)

Which headers would allow for best exhaust routing? (No body lift)


Thanks

 

[Bret]

The 2.5" rams horns should give you enough clearance. It should also provide more than enough flow at the RPM's you will likely see. I rarely see 4K with mine and the beauty of the 383 is you don't have to wring it out to get the oomph. If you want something fancier the Sandersons are suppose to be good too. The scout box is very similar to the 60 box and there is lots of room (compared to sag).

the only problem I have had is heat damage on the #5 & #6 wire boots.

the cam you use may have more effect on "usable" torque than your exhaust FWIW

 

[bsmith123]

headers

smaller tubes and longer collectors means more torque. With a 383 I woudnt think lack of torque or HP would e an issue and there are advantages to the quiet ad cooler cast iron manifolds.

If you do just want headers then you should go fr it though just be careful of wiring etc.

The 383 is a lot of motor in an FJ I bet--should be smokin fast

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Thanks guys! Fancy isnt my thing so I have no problem with 2.5 ram horns if you think they will do just fine. Crap i will have to look but i think i hauled my stock manifolds off to the scrap yard but then again they may have been rear dump (suburban)?

"smaller tubes and longer collectors means more torque. With a 383 I woudnt think lack of torque or HP would e an issue and there are advantages to the quiet ad cooler cast iron manifolds."

Ok that is what i thought i had read. I do want to be able to hear myself think so good point.... Well fat chance since the tires are surely going to howl! LOL

Thanks again guys i will start searching for 2.5" ram horns. I will just match gasket them to make myself feel cool! LOL

 

[Bret]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/23616-2-5-inch-rams-horn-exahust-350-a.html

Here is another post with some info that may help. Gives source and some other discussion on the 2 or 2.5 discussion.

I have been happy with my 2" ramshorns running 2.5 exhaust, but I am not concerned with a couple ponies. Over 300HP on tap is generally enough. "Accidently" lifted the front tire off the ground screwing around. I don't need any more than that.

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Great i will check the link right now. Should get better longevity on the front tires that way!!


OK i Read the link and am editing my post

Very helpful link!! I wish i could have found it and saved you guys the trouble. It looks like i would be fine with the 2" and cheaper and I would be able to purchase the cross pipe simplifying things.....

 

[alex e]

Not to hijack here, but with my 350 5.7 in now and Saginaw conversion imminent, I will need headers too, and I'm told "wheel well" style headers. Is that inside or outside the frame style for small block V8? My center dump CA legal manifolds that I just removed won't work. I don't want a loud crazy sounding 40 either. What should I look for? Huggers? Ramshorns seems like they'd fit........now that I followed all the links.

 

[lone gunman]

i also want to add that if you search eBay for ram horn exhaust you will find them but they tend to want more for them so just search chevy exhaust manifolds and you will find them. i got both of mine for like 39.00 delivered and since i already have them i don't mind telling.

good luck!

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Dang it I should have never asked now the supply and demand is going to be through the roof on ebay!!!

Just kidding