headers

[rlcwagoneers]

I'm getting ready to replace my engine and thought now would be the time to put headers on. What's everyone's opinion, good or bad idea.
The vehicle is an 87 gw with a 360.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

My opinion, Headers Suck. There are two types of Headers, Ones that Leak, and ones that have not begun to leak YET! Headers do not help your torque at low RPM's where you need it anyhow.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

LOL Gees Roger I did not realize this was you. Hey that engine runs great and the manifolds come with it as well as the Y-Pipe, I have not unbolted any of it. Just drop it in as she be you will be happy. :D :D :D

[Elliott]

I'd be inclined to 2nd Crazy_Jeepman's opinion. Headers will cook wires, raise engine compartment heat which in a worst case can effect atomization, eliminate the heat riser, usually interfere with the starter, etc, etc.
They're spendy for your trouble, look nice, sound great... but would they benefit your crawlin'?
If your doing hi velocity off road travel, and I have seen CJ's literally fly across bogs I woulda' sunk to the bottom of, then they may be an advantage... but I have never seen a waggy driven that way.......... yet.

[joe]

Headers are a PITA and good ones are expense but even those are still a PITA.

[Ralph]

It depends on how much you're willing to spend.

I've got Edelbrock's TES-6881 header system, which replicates the stock manifold and Y-pipe configuration, have the AIR tubes welded in place, and allow use of the OEM heat riser valve. They also come with a new set of gaskets and grade 8 header bolts. The system costs $500 or so at Summit or Jegs.

I've had them Jet-Hot coated, which ran another $250. This is an excellent heat barrier, such that I can briefly tough the headers with bare fingers when the engine is running.

And to stop any leaking problems, I also bought CopperSEAL gaskets for $35 and a set of Stage8 locking bolts for about $50.

Does it make a big performance difference? Probably not at low speeds, but they are definitely better for accelerating and for driving at highway speeds, especially where I live now and have to climb mountain highways up to 11,000 feet.

I first installed this set of headers on my Grand Wag (may she rest in peace) back in November 1989, and then put them in my J10 last February. There was a post not long ago about another IFSJA member not having very good luck with the Jet-Hot coating, but mine has worked out very well.

[ December 07, 2002, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: Ralph ]

[BigChief]

Headers can be a good benefit to almost any engine, but you have to remeber that you have an exhaust SYSTEM, everything must work acccordinly with your specific motor combo.A stock motor will probably not want 2 1/2 inch dual with flowmasters,likewise a modified 401 will not like 2" with restrictive mufflers.If youe exhaust is good, I would wate till somethin needs replaced and then do a system insted of tossing a good exhaust right now. Elliot, you've never seen me drive yet. LAMO

[gwinn]

I dropped $500+ dollars on Edelbrock emmissions-legal headers. I had some problem at first with them leaking :( , but after 5 or so retightening sessions while they're still red-hot, they've quit leaking for now. By the way, most of the header bolts have to be tightened with a 3" long, 5/16", 12-pt hand wrench. :( I might feel better when the burns on my hands go away, but that $500 could have been a good start for something more useful. smile.gif

[kidatforty]

I agree with Ralph and Big Chief. Most cast manifolds will develop cracking eventually and the extreme exit angles are not desirable. If headers are installed, and you use studs and nuts, make sure you use all-metal lock-nuts. If you use bolts, use lock washers. They should'nt come loose. Be sure to re-torque after running for a while. Remember that that the whole system is only as good as the individual components. Fabricate heat shields where needed etc.. Yeah, it costs to do it right but I personally think it's worth it. I want optimum flow. The faster you get the fuel in, burn it,get it out, the more horsepower you develop.

[FSJeeper]

Get a 70's drivers side exhaust manifold and put it on and forget about it. Flows darn good and almost as good as a set of headers. You may need to lift your FSJ to get it to clear or you'll have to have one tight bend in your exhaust on the drivers side.

[INDYJEEP]

WELL UNLESS YOU ARE DRAG RACING YOUR FSJ
i GOTTA SAY NO AMC FACT THE STOCK 72-79 MANIFOLDS RE BEST FOLLOWED BY 80-82 AND LOW END TORQUE IS HELPED IF YOU PUT IN A 2 1/4 CROSSOVER IN THE DUALS BUT DUALS ARE HARD TO DO RIGHT ON THESE RIGS

[Elliott]

Originally posted by BigChief:
Elliot, you've never seen me drive yet. LAMOOh, I tell you... I was so impressed by that CJ scatting cross the top of that water! Sat there in a Dodge 3/4 ton lookin' for away around the little lake when that guy came absolutely flying out of the trees and just blasted over it, musta been 100' across.

[ December 07, 2002, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: Elliott ]

[Wagillac]

Do amc exhaust manifolds flow that much better than sb chevy log type manifolds? I just installed headers and 2.5" pipes on my chevy pickup with a 350/sm465/np205/4.10 gears and the diference was amazing. The low end torque was way better, the power through out the entire range has gone up a bunch. It still isnt a speed demon but is a lot better, before passing was imposible because there was not enough torque to accelerate in 4th gear.