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HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
#1400803
03/11/13 11:05 AM
03/11/13 11:05 AM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
Plum440
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
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What's your opinion on putting headers on a 440?  I've got a '75 T-440 in my Challenger that's been bored .030 with a stock cam and has HP manifolds from a '74 B-Body. I've been told these engines need backpressure that can only be had via stock manifolds. I'm not a purist and am getting tired of chasing leaks that are more than likely casued by these old boat anchors... Thanks 
70 Challenger, 440, 4-speed, pLuM cRaZy
71 VW Super Beetle Convertible, Lemon Yellow
A couple of Jeeps…
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: Plum440]
#1400805
03/11/13 11:28 AM
03/11/13 11:28 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,128
A Banana Republic near you.
JohnRR
I Win
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I Win
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 75,128
A Banana Republic near you.
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Quote:
I've been told these engines need backpressure that can only be had via stock manifolds.
Thanks
Huh ??? who said that ?
You want headers go for it , but you're foolish to think you won't be chasing leaks with headers. Your stock manifolds are probably warped , take one off and set the flange that bolts to the head on a good flat surface , you'll more than likely see the center 2 ports are not touching the surface.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: Plum440]
#1400806
03/11/13 11:38 AM
03/11/13 11:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041
Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041
Lincoln Nebraska
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What double R said, you want zero backpressure. I'd have your machine shop mill the manifold faces & reinstall them & wouldn't hurt to use gaskets and or a thin smear of gasket cement. OE there were no gaskets used & combined with warpage over time causes the leaks you are experiencing. It'd be the simpleist/cheapest/fastest way to solve your problem.
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: Mr.Yuck]
#1400809
03/11/13 12:52 PM
03/11/13 12:52 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 511
AZ.
696pack
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 511
AZ.
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Quote:
I laugh at this "back pressure" myth. Headers will add power throughout the power band. Key is to get a good gasket. Don't use the cheap paper one they give you in the kit. Use a Fel-Pro or other decent set. Also cut the flanges, and DO NOT crank the heck out of them and you'll be fine. 
Remflex are the best hands down.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: 696pack]
#1400810
03/11/13 01:22 PM
03/11/13 01:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,949
British Columbia
chrisf
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,949
British Columbia
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Quote:
Quote:
I laugh at this "back pressure" myth. Headers will add power throughout the power band. Key is to get a good gasket. Don't use the cheap paper one they give you in the kit. Use a Fel-Pro or other decent set. Also cut the flanges, and DO NOT crank the heck out of them and you'll be fine.
Remflex are the best hands down.
i have used the remflex and they are ok but when i took my headers off after a month i tore the gasket in half. (stuck to the head) i will go back to the percy's seal-4-good, they lasted 7 years and never leaked at all.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: chrisf]
#1400811
03/11/13 02:02 PM
03/11/13 02:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,115
Western Md.
skicker
"The Champ"
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"The Champ"
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,115
Western Md.
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Headers just like an internal part subscribe to the old theory... "You get what you pay for".
Put on a good set, check the mating flanges for flatness and use good gaskets. I like my Dougs #452. They should fit your application too.
...FAFO...
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: RapidRobert]
#1400812
03/11/13 02:11 PM
03/11/13 02:11 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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RSNOMO
Moparts Torchbearer
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Moparts Torchbearer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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Quote:
I'd have your machine shop mill the manifold faces & reinstall them & wouldn't hurt to use gaskets
Another yea...
I've had good luck with Ultra-Seal's...
(With no sealer)...
Hooker's were the only one's that gave me 'proper' clearance...
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: skicker]
#1400813
03/11/13 02:13 PM
03/11/13 02:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 21,318
Manitoba, Canada
DaytonaTurbo
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 21,318
Manitoba, Canada
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The only real downsides to headers are: Getting them to seal properly. A good gasket makes all the difference. Watch your plug wire routing or you will burn wires or melt plug boots. Tube routing often needs some  for clearance, especially on the cheaper header brands.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: DaytonaTurbo]
#1400814
03/11/13 02:41 PM
03/11/13 02:41 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
Plum440
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
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I'm getting that they are a real pain in the butt. I think I'm going to go the route of keeping the manifolds but having them milled. Afterall, my main concerns are the tiny leaks. The header payoff doesn't seem logical in a car built for "cruising" with an occasional tire peel  . Thanks!
70 Challenger, 440, 4-speed, pLuM cRaZy
71 VW Super Beetle Convertible, Lemon Yellow
A couple of Jeeps…
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: DaytonaTurbo]
#1400818
03/11/13 08:16 PM
03/11/13 08:16 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,274
s.w.fl
bonefish
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,274
s.w.fl
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Quote:
The only real downsides to headers are:
Getting them to seal properly. A good gasket makes all the difference.
Watch your plug wire routing or you will burn wires or melt plug boots.
Tube routing often needs some for clearance, especially on the cheaper header brands.
dont forget changing the starter is a major PITA.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: bonefish]
#1400819
03/11/13 08:28 PM
03/11/13 08:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421
Balt. Md
383man
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421
Balt. Md
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If you want about 20 to 30 extra hp go with headers. But if you do just buy a good set like TTI's or Dougs. My TTI's have never leaked as they have thick flanges and dont warp. Most good headers today have thick flanges and seal good. But nothing wrong with manifolds if you are not worried about every bit of power from it. Ron
Last edited by 383man; 03/11/13 08:29 PM.
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: 383man]
#1400820
03/11/13 08:53 PM
03/11/13 08:53 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
Plum440
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,499
Slidell, LA
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All good points. Starting to lean towards headers to maximize the power from the engine. Why the heck not?!?  What about starter clearance and heat soak? Do I need a mini starter or will the stock type be ok? What about heat shielding the starter? I think the step-by-step install instructions I found that Mr. Yuk posted some time ago might have helped ease my fears!
70 Challenger, 440, 4-speed, pLuM cRaZy
71 VW Super Beetle Convertible, Lemon Yellow
A couple of Jeeps…
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Re: HEADERS on a 440 - Pros, Cons??
[Re: DaytonaTurbo]
#1400822
03/11/13 09:27 PM
03/11/13 09:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,319
Chicago Burbs
sthemi
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,319
Chicago Burbs
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Headers generate more underhood heat, since you now have 8 radiators passing on the exhaust heat to the engine bay... Along with some spark plug wires melting.. just a pain.. In 30+ years I only had one big block manifold leak that I couldnt fix with simply cleaning up the surface with a 12in mill file.. I wound up with a gasket on that one..no more problems.
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Headers will make more power than stock manifolds every time 
Stroke it with a 4.5" kit then add headers (Hooker supercomps), that's what me & a customer are fixin to do 
