Building headers & need advise

[Greg from Aus]

Hi guys,
I'm building a set of headers and I want max ground clearance, can I bring the collectors up on the slope of the toe boards?
Please see the pictures for my idea's.

[Ron Sutton]

Of course you can do it that way. Some headers are built that way from the company. But it does shorten your primary tube length signifcantly, which will affect the power curve of the engine.

Do you care?

If yes, how much does that shorten the primary tubes? What length primary tubes would you end up with?

While you're at it, provide us with the primary tube diameter, HP output of the engine & rpm range you expect to operate in.

[Sieg]

First time I've seen this desire.........how low do you need to go?
Manifolds and oval tubing?

[Flash68]

Looks like you are trying to build some shorties there.

Check out Stielow's thread.. he just posted some shorty type header pics for the added clearance he wanted I believe.

[dontlifttoshift]

Sure can. Like Ron said above it will affect peak power but it may not matter.

Here are the headers mentioned from Mark's current build http://ultimateheaders.com/bends.html

[Ron Sutton]

Actually, shortening the primaries will reduce low end & mid range torque & response.

If you get too short, it can mess up the soundwave harmonics of the exhaust & reduce power even in upper rpms.

Some people want to reduce bottom end, so it's they are not fighting for traction as much & reduce their tire spin. Other drivers want torque on the street ... because it's awesome ... as long as you have traction. And in his case, Tonner may "have to" to make everything fit.

Tonner, if your goal is to reduce torque ... and package the exhaust better ... my suggestion is work to keep the tubes all the same length, and a minimum of 27" long from the face of the head to the end of the tubes in your collector. This will move the power band up some (less bottom end & a little more top end).

If you have to go shorter than 27", the power penalties will start be larger, and potentially across the powerband.

If you have room to make them longer than 27", I'd be happy to help you work out the optimum size for your engine package. I would need some details to do so.

Best wishes.