Hello all,
I am looking for information about headers. I have a couple of questions that I thought maybe I could get some help on.

What exactly do they do? Is it more airflow with less weight?

Is there a difference in brands? Do the JC Whitneys work as well as the JBA's

What does the differenct coatings do?

Any suggestions? other insight?
thanks

 

Headers will increase horsepower. They have bigger openings than the stock exhaust manifold, this lets the exhaust gas flow faster and easier. For best results you should consider a high flow air filter and a performance exhaust. The faster you can get air into, and exhaust out of the engine the more power you will have. Headers will also louden and deepen the sound of your exhaust.

Theroreticaly the JCWhitney headers and name brand headers should work the same. However i'm sure the JBA headers will be made of thicker metal and have better quality gaskets and better installation instructions.

There are basically 3 different coatings you will see:

Chrome - looks good but is more expensive.
Black or plain steel - cheap but rusts fast.
Jet hot coating or ceramic - rust proof and keeps engine compartment cooler, very expensive.

If your truck is more than 3 or 4 years old it may be a pain to get the old manifold off, but other than that it is a very worthwhile performance mod.

-Jon

 

Just a couple more things. Stainless steel is also used and they'll last a long time. Jet coating claims to reduce heat and also adds to longevity.
Headers act like a siphon. The tubular design actually draws the exhaust gasses out of the cylinder leaving more room for a fresh charge of air and fuel. More fuel and air with less exhuast mixed in equals more power. A stock manifold is just a dumping ground for exhaust. Very bad flow.