Topic: ANOTHER HEADER QUESTION.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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While I was out for a drive ,I started to listen to the sound of my car.It got me to thinking.Is there over kill when it comes to headers.I have a stock 350@165 hp,it has hooker headers with 4"side pipes.Dose this hurt the operation of the engine.This is just something that I was wondering about.The motor on my car will be going to the shop after the summer driving season is over.That when Iwill decide what way to go with my engine.
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
If your exhaust is too free-flowing for your power level, it will slightly reduce low end torque, because the exhaust gas velocity will be too slow. It will not hurt your engine at all. A 4" system will support at least 500 cubic inches.
Larry
Larry
Lifetime MemberWhat do headers do?
As exhaust gas flows it is like anything else. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. When the exhaust valves shuts the moving gas tends to create a vacuum. With headers, this vacuum pulse applies vacuum to the next opening cylinder. This helps scavange the exhaust out of the cylinder, which in turn allows more fresh air fuel in to the cylinder, creating more power.
If the headers or pipes are too large, the flow slows down, much like water in a wide deep river. Shallow narrow rivers flow much faster with the same amount of water.
The reduced flow speed caused it to lose the vacuum effect, and cylinder scavenaging is reduced, and power drops. Smaller headers and pipes can work better, but as Larry says, there is no harm.
If you match the headers and pipes to the engine, you will improve low end and all performance. I went a bit large on my pipes. I do have full length small tube headers, and then used 2 1/2 inch dual exhaust pipes. While this did not hurt my low end, it did not help low end either. Mid range and high end did improve.
Man Ken........ Seriously, I'm impressed.
Its no wonder your writing magazine articles
Its no wonder your writing magazine articles
It's all about the sound man, it's all about the sound!
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
Thanks Terry, but don't be too impressed. I should know a few things.
kstyer 2008-06-14 19:34:11
I have 24 ASE certs, have been in the auto repair business for 35 years, and teach auto/truck repair at Ohio Technical College. I worked on our C3s in a Chevy dealer for several years starting in 77.
All that and $1.25 gets me a Diet Coke.
I still learn a lot from everyone here. C3VR really is the best place on the web.
Dave, the sound does need to be right! The end of my pipes hold Hooker AeroChamber mufflers. The allow you to talk at idle or light throttle with no problem. Open it up and those babies RUMBLE! Gotta love em.
Terry, your worth a Million bucks here! 
ebo
I agree with ebo, Terry, you and everyone here are totally priceless. Everyone is as important here as everyone else.
Hey, that' how family works. Personally, I need all you guys more than most of you will ever know. 
I luv you guy's...................in Forum: C3 Engines
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