"High Performance" engine, their table STARTS at 3000 RPM, and... it's a big block... that was 'built'. Not really a fair comparison to stock, truck motor, with 60 less cubes....... Shorty headers generate more torque than stock manifolds in the LOWER rpm range, a place that particular test doesn't even touch. Not to mention, they were going for peak horsepower, in the upper RPM range. NOT what your typical truck engine is designed for. (unless you go muddin' on a regular basis.)

Would have been nice to see some baseline numbers as well. I didn't see a test with the stock manifolds.

 

Can you give us a link with dyno results supporting that assertion? All the dyno results I see start at 3k rpm.

 

have a look here. At one time, there was a dyno chart showing the power curves of shorties vs. long tubes, on a box stock motor, which is what I base my information on, but, I simply cannot find it again.....

 

A typical HP/TQ dual y axis chart with stock manifold vs shorty from idle to 3k rpm would be relevant to the discussion. Can't find it though, every comparison I see starts at 3k rpm.... my working theory is, the story is bad for the aftermarket part, so no one is telling it - for obvious reasons. Until I see that data, its stock manifolds for me

 

Well looks like there are opinions on either side. Let me offer one more thing that may influence you- if you intend on making more upgrades to the motor, such as an intake, full dual exhaust and performance mufflers or especially if you decide on putting a cam in it later on, it will almost certainly be worth your time to have headers. They'll help you get the most out of subsequent upgrades.

As a stand alone upgrade it wouldn't be on the top of my list. I just have always had more trouble with headers than manifolds. Especially with respect to older chrysler products I really think the stock exhaust is well built and lasts a long time, so I tend to stick with the reliability of that system unless I'm getting a pretty big benefit out of the upgrade.

If you do get headers get good ones and good gaskets! Spend the money and do it right.

 

I'll make sure I get some decent gaskets and some good headers as well. I'll check with my mechanic as well and see if he wants to do it. If not then I just won't have it done I suppose. I had pipes replaced underneath to factory because when I first got the truck it had no pipes underneath, no cat, the driver side manifold was leaking, no muffler, and the pipes that were underneath weren't even mounted up.

 

The best are JBA ceramic coated but at around $500. Shorties will bolt up to your factory pipes, which is a plus.

 

I paid $2.00 (1.999) a gallon Friday. 9/10ths might as well round up... I hate that crap.

 

JBA it is 👍 I guess we'll just see if my mechanic wants to do it or not. He's not to into aftermarket parts.

 

I wish It was $2.00 a gallon everywhere. That'd be awesome, the cheapest around here is 2.65. Even if I go to Jersey I can't find gas cheaper then that. I guess that depends on what part of Jersey you go to.