What EXACTLY do headers do?

**JbHemi** · 12-26-2007, 09:32 PM

what are some details for them let do this what are the PROS and CONS of having header im curious and also interested to hear what people have to say ....

**Mr. iNCREDIBLE** · 12-26-2007, 09:35 PM

basic terms is they allow the exhaust gases to vent better, as they are more open.

when combined with a cold air intake like the Air Hammer the engine can breather better..,

air (not fuel) is what makes power, remember a motor is nothing more than a vacuum pump.

the reason the air and exhaust are restricted from the factory is to meet EPA regulations..

more air in = more exhaust out = more pollution...

**JbHemi** · 12-26-2007, 09:43 PM

i have a k&n intake is that good with headers?? how much hp u gain with headers?... u gain a nice sound 2 right?

**STAGE 3 R/T** · 12-26-2007, 09:47 PM

u gain a nice sound, not sure about how much hp u gain...

**Mr. iNCREDIBLE** · 12-26-2007, 09:48 PM

sound and performance are all based on the motor/ the headers/ the intake..

no 2 cars are alike, what works for me might not work for you, what sound I like you may not..

i think in general you can expect to gain 30 -50hp with intake and headers.. all depends on the setup, brand, etc..

it will be louder yes, your cat back system will determine how much louder/deeper etc..

IMO, and just my opinion... I wouldn't do just headers..

have to do the entire exhaust,

headers
high flow cats
and everything behind the cats..

and you have to mate them correctly to get the best performance and sound you are looking for.....

JMO though..

**stitchmonkey** · 12-26-2007, 09:52 PM

Since we're talking headers here do the SRT headers fit a 5.7?

**Mr. iNCREDIBLE** · 12-26-2007, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by stitchmonkey

Since we're talking headers here do the SRT headers fit a 5.7?

doubtful... ports won't match up...

**stitchmonkey** · 12-26-2007, 09:59 PM

Thats what I was thinking, I was just at a performance shop and the guy has a Jeep and said he was gonna put them on, said they flow better than The Gibsons, and JBAs?

**JonzMgnm** · 12-26-2007, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by stitchmonkey

Since we're talking headers here do the SRT headers fit a 5.7?

Yes, they do, but there a couple of issues to deal with. The most important is the fact that 6.1's don't have an EGR system so you'll need to fabricate a tube on the front of the passenger side header to work with the 5.7's EGR system. Next, there is a slight difference in the exhaust port configurations (d-shape vs. square) between the two motors....not that big of a deal really, but something to consider. And then there's the issue of the cats not bolting up, in other words you'll need the cats from the 6.1 also.

**Mr. iNCREDIBLE** · 12-26-2007, 10:03 PM

well yeah Jon you can MAKE anything fit...

off hand they don't.... you have to do a lot of modding to make it work..

easier to buy a system designed for the 5.7L IMO. but to each their own.

**MagNite** · 12-26-2007, 10:05 PM

Basically headers breathe better because all the pipes from each cylinder are of equal length before going into the exhaust pipe, where as a stock setup they aren't. If you look at the picture of a stock set up below:

You can clearly see that the further away the pipe is from the collector(#1 for example as oppossed to #4), the longer the distance the exhaust has to travel. In a header set up, all the pipes are equal so they travel the same distance before going into the collector. So, less turbulance, same back pressure between the cylinder banks, better breathing.....

**stitchmonkey** · 12-26-2007, 10:08 PM

Thanks, this guy was talking to did bring up the EGR issue, not the cats though, so why does the SRT get away with out an EGR system and the 5.7s don't? is it cause of that pesky old MDS again?

**BigHemi06** · 12-26-2007, 10:25 PM

I was wondering the samething Stitchmonkey.

**bipto** · 12-26-2007, 10:29 PM

The 5.7 EGR requirement has nothing to do with MDS. The 6.1 cam has sufficient overlap to make EGR unnecessary...

**bipto** · 12-26-2007, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by MagNite

Basically headers breathe better because all the pipes from each cylinder are of equal length before going into the exhaust pipe, where as a stock setup they aren't. If you look at the picture of a stock set up below:

You can clearly see that the further away the pipe is from the collector(#1 for example as oppossed to #4), the longer the distance the exhaust has to travel. In a header set up, all the pipes are equal so they travel the same distance before going into the collector. So, less turbulance, same back pressure between the cylinder banks, better breathing.....

Careful - while this can be a benefit, not all aftermarket headers offer equal length primaries...