what kid of gains am i looking at from some headers on my 97 V10? is it worth it? im looking at some gibson GP304 headers from summit. and of course im going to go with aftermarket exhaust, magnaflow cats and mufflers.

 

If you put on a nice, free flowing exhaust, you WILL notice a difference. As for exact numbers, that depends on what else you have done to the truck, and what condition everything else is in.

 

Here is a pretty informative article on the subject, it doesn't pertain to dodge rams specifically, but it still a good read.http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...der/index.html

 

There was a similar article I read awhile back (cant find it now...) but it dealt with the 5.9 LA style. With just headers and no exhaust, shorties headers put out 7hp on the dyno past 2500rpm and long tubes put out 13hp past 2500rpm.

So theres is a difference, small as it may be but a difference. You'll notice a little more pep in the upper range of your power curve.

 

Either way, without other extensive mods, you"ll lose some low end.

 

so for towing, headers would not be a good idea?

 

Not headers alone.

 

It depends upon the headers. The Thorley Tri-Y (if they make 'em for the V-10) while expensive would probably do you well. I've had Tri-Y's on a couple of vehicles I built for low- to mid-range (towing and off-roading) and was quite pleased with them. They weren't the only modifications I made so I can't swear that all by themselves they'll be better than sex, but with other sensible modifications all intended to produce power in the same range they were great.

Edited to add: Yep, Doug Thorley makes 'em for your truck.