Headers for a A body
I don't mean to be disrespectful but what's the downside of them?
Not disrespectful. That’s an honest and good question.
The longer the tube, the more torque the header builds. The shorter the header, more HP & less low end torque.
The car I'm trying to go look at ( weather is the problem ). Has headers on it but they have one of the tubes that's close to number 5 &7 spark plug. Doug's headers don't do that but I really don't want to pay $900 for a set of headers, I think they are ceramic coated too
**** costs money Dan and complaining about it won’t help, cutting corners hurts the package. Getting the better of best parts pays for itself down the road. The only standard header that has the close pipe to 5&7 with the 3 tubes under the steering linkage I came across is from Summit Racing.
Good test to point out.
That was a very tame engine showing the benefits of the longer tubes. The stepped header (TTI) really shined. The straight 1-3/4 did t do as well but I’m not totally surprised by that ether. It’s at the tipping point of diminishing returns. A larger header at this point would be a looser & a race header.
I'm been reading on how to improve the volumetric efficiency. Don't good heads help along with a good exhaust system,
Yes! It’s not done with shorty headers. A very good inexpensive exhaust kit also comes from Summit Racing. I use it with there headers. A true dual exhaust set up.
what about the intake manifold and air cleaner housing.
Yes!
I know that the car isn't home yet so I thought I would take this time to learn how to improve its overall performance. Improving the volumetric efficiency is a good idea even if it runs good? The first thing to do is to make sure it's safe to drive. Thanks everyone for your help
YES! Get it home, go over the car starting with a change of all the fluids and filters. Tune up. Then check all steering, drive train and suspension parts. Tires and brakes. Replace as needed. Check electrical system.
Test drive around the block. And then longer trips.
Once you drive it around some and the car earns your trust, then you can start to modify it. Don’t put race parts on a tame or stock engine. Your intake track for a street engine should be a K&N filter, small 4bbl. carb (I like a 650 AVS II) on top of a dual plane. The top 3 intakes of my choice would be a RPM, Action Plus or for a 318 specificly, a LD4B, but they can be a pricey intake for an old part.
For an exhaust, I’d look to ether the Doug’s or TTI headers.
TTI also has a full exhaust system you can purchase.