Header design

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m (Reverted edits by 125.46.36.223 (Talk); changed back to last version by Jon)
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What is a header? To some it is a bunch of tubes that connect the exhaust port to the rest of the exhaust system. To the more mechanically curious it is a system of tuned length and diameter tubes connecting to a device that amplifies and optimizes the wavelength of the exhaust, effectively sucking burnt gasses out of the engine's cylinders.
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To some, a header is junch a bunch of tubes that connect the exhaust port to the rest of the exhaust system. To the more mechanically curious, it is a system of tuned length and diameter tubes connecting to a device, which amplifies and optimizes the wavelength of the exhaust, effectively sucking burnt gasses out of the engine's cylinders.
  
I realize in the street rod world absolute mechanical efficiency often takes a back seat to appearance, clearence issues and ease of installation. I do think however most of us overlook the benefits of a properly designed and built header and how it can improve driveability, power output and fuel economy. If you are building headers or modifying existing headers, why not try to keep the physical operation of a header in mind while working on it?
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In the street rod world, absolute mechanical efficiency often takes a back seat to appearance, clearence issues and ease of installation. However, most of us overlook the benefits of a properly designed and built header and how it can improve driveability, power output and fuel economy. If you are building headers or modifying existing headers, why not try to keep the physical operation of a header in mind while working on it?
  
 
The two most important aspects of header design are tubing diameter and primary tube length. This is definitely one area where the "Bigger is Better" philosophy doesn't cut it. Most very mild small blocks out there would perform better with 1 1/2" primary tube headers on them. Ever try to find primary tubes that small? I had a pair of Hooker headers for a 318 powered Dodge pickup once, nice torque and driveability improvement, but that's the only pair I have ever seen with tubes that small. Pity that.
 
The two most important aspects of header design are tubing diameter and primary tube length. This is definitely one area where the "Bigger is Better" philosophy doesn't cut it. Most very mild small blocks out there would perform better with 1 1/2" primary tube headers on them. Ever try to find primary tubes that small? I had a pair of Hooker headers for a 318 powered Dodge pickup once, nice torque and driveability improvement, but that's the only pair I have ever seen with tubes that small. Pity that.

Revision as of 15:50, 9 August 2007

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