I am doing away with the smog equipment on my 74 (its smog exempt). My question is, do i put on headers or factory iron manifolds? The reason for questioning it is would the non-coated headers cause more heat in the passanger compartment then the cast iron ones? Ronda says no to sidepipes on this car, she loves the beauty of a C3 out of factory. thanks all!

The stock manifolds will be a bit cooler under the car as opposed to the headers. But with good carpet insulation and a well sealed interior/heater, either one should not be a problem.

Without the insulation and seals, you could feel a difference.

But with ceramic coated headers, it more even again.

I've heard that ceramic coated headers can run a little cooler than stock iron manifolds I do know that the headers will look and flow a lot better

I agree with the above..

but I also recommend jethot coated headers...

you can order the hooker (and possbily other brands as well) set through them and they will coat and ship to you at a very reasonable price (especially when you consider how expensive the headers are by themselves).

50% reduction in exhaust surface temp

i put ceramic coated headers on my 73/350 and im real happy with them

The coated do stay cooler, which means the exhaust gasses stay hotter, which makes the not contract and lose volume. This keep the momentum of the gasses travling rapidly, instead of slowing down. This makes the header more efficient at scavaging, and the engine performs better. The ceramic really helps.