headers or manifolds on my 69 Z28?????

[svtrich]

The new engine should be done in the next couple of weeks and Im wondering if I should put the stock exhaust manifolds back on or a set of headers?  
                             thanks Richard

[Oregonjam]

Depends on what you will enjoy the most. I use headers and love the sound, and performance improvements. However I really like stock camaros and would like to return mine back to stock at this point. (That is when I can find the correct Heat Stove).

Then of course it is not always a matter of just putting headers on. Once they are in, you may find heat issues with your solenoid and need a heat shield. If that doesn't work a mini-starter may be needed. Your carb setup may need to be shielded as well to avoid vapor lock. That happened to my setup when it was fully warmed up on a summer day. About 10 minutes after shutting down it got too hot to restart and I had to wait 30 minutes more to get it to turn over. Until I made these additional changes.

Do what you think you will enjoy the most. The performance is nice but the stock setup is aways impressive and may mean less headaches.

[svtrich]

thanks John.maybe JohnZ  or Jery will give ther opinion also.I had headers on the car when I bought it.It sure sounded cool but,Im thinking 14 years latter.maybe stock manifolds might be the the way to go.
                            Richard

[68Zproject]

I've got them on my Z for now because they were on it.  I am in the process of trying to find manifolds and eventually will put everything back to stock.  No more sparkplug hassles, leaky gaskets and alternator bracket B.S.

[aaronz28]

well, I go back and forth almost 2 times per year.... i love the stock look and knowing that my car is 100 percent stock...
but I also absolutely love to drive the car as it was intended....which means 3000-7000 rpm....  not exactly the sweet spot for a set of manifolds.

the manifolds will simply not perform like a set of headers (with good exhaust system)  but if you want it 100% stock... then you have to give up a modest amount of top end...

had I thought this through... i would have bought a 68 Z..... that way I could "claim" that the headers were ordered with the car... and have the best of both worlds..

LOL

A

[Oregonjam]

Funny, I forgot about the alternator and AC bracket issues I ran into. I have had the car for 16 years now as well and at first the headers were great but now I appreciate a stock setup more. I actually can't wait to switch back to manifolds and the correct air cleaner etc.. Just a couple of more parts and I will have the entire system to return to stock. I've definitely changed my thoughts onthis over the years. Just another reason to hold onto all the parts you take off.

[JohnZ]

thanks John.maybe JohnZ  or Jery will give ther opinion also.I had headers on the car when I bought it.It sure sounded cool but,Im thinking 14 years latter.maybe stock manifolds might be the the way to go.
                            Richard

Headers introduce a whole new set of issues I'm not willing to deal with any more - I've used all manner of headers on various project cars over the years where I WAS willing to deal with the heat, noise, leaks, broken welds, poor fits, gasket/collector issues etc., but I'm more concerned these days with originality and reliability, so it's manifolds for me.

[Sauron327]

I have not had to touch a bolt on my stock manifolds in 18K miles now and no leaks. Sure I could probably add HP with headers but I prefer to start and drive. Time is a precious thing for me now.

[jmcbeth]

I have a pair of '69 Zs, one with headers (and some other mods) and one completely stock. I show the stock one and drive the modified one. I love my headers. I haven't had a single problem with them.

If you go with headers,  you will have to develop a work arond for the clutch return spring as the headers will interfere with the standard spring.

[olympic69]

I started with the headers on the rebuilt engine, and also had JM re-curve the distributor and rework the Carb. Also did a bowl blend on the heads- car runs real well with 4.10 gears- so for now the headers stay, but the original look is nice. Main reason I did it was these are high end/ good quality Hookers, which I had- and I wanted a good taste of the cars potential with the headers.

[dkpilot]

Olympic69,

Which Hookers do you have, trying to make a decision for mine.

[L78 steve]

I have the Hooker Comps and the clutch spring wire rod sneeks between the tubes with no mods.

[Jerry@CHP]

Stahl step headers are the best for performance.  You almost need two cars, one restored and one day two car.  Headers do make a big improvement in performance and rpm.

Jerry