Do you run headers ?

[Don_Lightfoot]

My car is mostly stock with a few Day II items (headers, wheels, distributor). My machine is on the loud side which is how I like it. However, I will likely be going back to the stock manifolds and exhaust at some point in the future. Can't say right now when that might be though.

[Survivor 69/Z28]

So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

[Salvatore]

Run the headers. They are a bolt on item. I like the Day-2 look for my 69 Z. Everything I did to the car can be changed back in one weekend if need be. Headers, wheels,Accel cap and wire kit, flex fan, traction bars etc. I own a survivor 1969 SS nova with the smog and the dog dish caps. That is boring enough for me!

[Xplantdad]

You go Sam!

[CDNL-78]

Hey Sam
I'd be more then happy to trade you my headers for your boring ol smog system.

My plans are to find the original manifolds, but probably just put them on the shelf. I really enjoy the sound of the headers on the big block.

[Salvatore]

Nothing wrong with having the original stuff on the shelf. Remember not many of these cars stayed with the all original parts on them for more than a week or two. Don't know of ANY musclecar in my day that did not have at least a set of mags put on. Too many cars get restored today and lose their real identity. Do what makes you happy! Worry more about fun than value for now.

[olredalert]

-----Sam,,,The headers do bolt on, but you also have to cut the front pipe and do a bit of welding. That might be something to keep in the back of ones mind. For instance, if I had just spent the bucks install a Gardener setup I sure wouldnt be hacking on it. On the other hand if the front pipe is already compromised the decision would be a bit easier.
-----I had headers on my 64 421HO GP for the first several years and never liked them because the pipes hung down low enough that I had to be careful going over certain bumps or risk flattening a tube or three .........Bill S

[napa68]

My personal taste is going back to manifolds. I appreciate the stock look (especially with smog). Less leaking. Also, when you see a car that appears ALL stock yet runs like a scolded monkey, that's an attention getter.

[Chevy454]

Headers?! We don't need no stinkin' headers...

[XXXGoldL34M20]

[ QUOTE ]
So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

[/ QUOTE ]

for me its just preference in being stock 100% when the headers come off.
my car is all ready original with stock tires/interior/motor components etc...
so i really want to go that extra mile to have the car back in its original state.
as far as judging goes,yes it does help if your into that and it also increases value to have all your stock manifolds with smog system,especially if its a high horse motor like mine.
IMO i just think i give more respect to the guys that restore there cars back to original rather than having day 2 stuff on the car,so i plan on going back to the original set up myself. just my 2 cents