Pulled the 400ci heart out of "BIGBRRD" last Saturday to make the cleanup of it and the engine compartment much easier.  Have a few questions (I'm sure there will be more as this project progresses):

1. We replaced the left exhaust manifold last year (it was cracked in multiple places) and now see that the right one is cracked also.  Rather than replace it with another iron one would upgrading to headers be a good thing to do?
2. If so - which ceramic ones are the best (not even thinking about plain ol' metal ones)?  Want the best value for the money.
3. How much of the emissions vaccum plumbing (what a bird's nest mess!) needs to be retained?  We've already dropped the cat-converter in favor of an X-pipe/true duels setup.

Thanks! 

Norsky2006-10-04 10:18:58

Headers are good. Ceramic coated ones will absolutely last the longest, and normally keep some of the heat down in the engine compartment. Make sure the ones you get are for a four speed car, and will fit. Never herts to ax questions before.
Get good gaskets for them...they will burn/blow out if ya don't.

Emissions? Do ya need it to pass a state inspection? If not, why not take it all off and store it, so you can either sell it later for $$$, or return it to the car. There will probably be some carb tuning to do, if you install the headers, but, I think there's a guy here that's purdy gud at doin Quadrapukes...I think his name is Ken? Do you know him? Really nice guy!