Headers And Exhaust Manifolds

Describes the outside diameter of the collector outlet. The larger a collector diameter is, the higher its mass flow potential will be with an inverse effect on velocity. Maintaining velocity is critical to supporting low-mid RPM performance and should be an important point to consider when choosing header collector size. For most V8 equipped vehicles with an exhaust system after the headers, 3" collectors are the limit for practical collector diameters. Dedicated drag race vehicles equipped with open headers can benefit from running larger (up to 4.5") and longer (between 16"-20") collectors than typically used on headers developed to be connected to an exhaust system.

Headers are available in various coatings. High heat resistant black paint is the most common and supplies good corrosion resistance and stealthy underhood look. Ceramic coatings are very corrosion resistant, increase exhaust velocity by keeping heat in the primary tube. Coated headers also provide a stunning underhood look. Chrome has a high luster finish and has very little corroson resistance capabilities.

Headers come in many styles to accommodate many vehicle styles. Long tube headers are the most popular bringing long primary tubes to a long transition collector. The shorty and mid-length headers are used for emission controlled late model vehicles or vehicles that require maximum ground clearance. Fenderwell headers are used in some classic applications where a large motor is installed into a small engine compartment so the fenderwells have to be cut to get the header tubes out of the engine compartment. Zoomies are race headers used by Dragsters and Funny cars.

Describes the outside diameter of the header primary tubes. Headers are commonly available with multipe tubing diameter options in order to accommodate different levels of performance from a common engine type. For example, small block Chevy applications can benefit from using 1-1/2" to 2" primary tubes depending on the displacement, compression ratio and power band of the engine and the weight, gearing, tire size and usage scenario of the application vehicle. Hooker headers are produced in multiple tube diameter ranges known to be effective and popular for the intended engine/vehicle application. For stock to mild performance engines intstalled in a truck or heavy vehicle, choose a header tube diameter on the smaller end of the available offerings. For higher HP and max-effort engines in the same vehicle, choose a mid or large size tube diamater as available. Typically street driven V8 car applications from 250-400hp use a 1-5/8", 400-500hp use 1-3/4", 500-700hp use 1-7/8" and 700+hp use 2".

Mild steel is the most popular material in header manufacturing as it is very pliable and very easy to bend and weld. 304 stainless steel is a higher end material that has excellent corrosion resistance capabilities. It is a little more difficult to bend and weld but is much more durable than mild steel.