[PTS]

I am considering installing headers to my 1966 GTO. Can anybody recommend a particular manufacture. I want a system that fits in with no problems , no cutting or adjusting frame ect.. Should i consider RamAir manifolds instead? Thank you for your time.

[Jerry H.]

1 vote for Ram Air manifolds. Fit is no problem, no leaks, and you get almost the same performance as headers. Cost more, but you'll never have to replace.

[carcrazy]

Unless you are looking to make serious horsepower, the ram air manifolds will fine. Over the years I've run most of the major brands and they've all been a pain in the a__ to some degree (some more than others). If you are dead set on headers, I've had the best luck with Dougs.

[MD79TA]

I think you will find this article interesting . Doug

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hppp-...-vs-manifolds/

[PTS]

Thank you !

[GT182]

Originally Posted by Jerry H.

1 vote for Ram Air manifolds. Fit is no problem, no leaks, and you get almost the same performance as headers. Cost more, but you'll never have to replace.

I agree 100% with Jerry. Most Pontiacs I've seen with headers have them hanging too low. Think speed bumps and what they'll do to low hanging tube headers. Not a good thought, and not a pretty sight to see when the two meet.

[MD79TA]

No fan of headers on a street car. If you read the article in my earlier post very little HP gain in a street driven car . My reason are
1 )with good ram air manifold and a good matching down pipe little HP lost.
2) clearance sucks with headers that alone makes headers a poor choice on street .
3) crazy amount of heat from headers making your ride uncomfortable to drive in hot weather ( at least for me)
4 ) plenty more just can't think of them.
Good luck Doug

[GT182]

Originally Posted by MD79TA

4 ) plenty more just can't think of them.

Here's one that also sums up a couple of the others....

A lot of money spent for nothing and can't substantiate the benefits of having them in the first place.... other than the noise they make, either while running or when they hit something and fall apart.

[PTS]

I did read the article that you posted
(http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hppp-...-vs-manifolds/) and was surprised that the Ram Air Madifolds was competative. I think I will go with them. Should I consider getting them ceramic coated? Also I would to thank everybody for their feed back. Thanks!

[MD79TA]

Originally Posted by PTS

I did read the article that you posted
(http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hppp-...-vs-manifolds/) and was surprised that the Ram Air Madifolds was competative. I think I will go with them. Should I consider getting them ceramic coated? Also I would to thank everybody for their feed back. Thanks!

I didn't and don't think you need to do. ( waste of money and will hold up delivery)Buy a good paint kit. I used por 15 exhaust paint many other have good kits also. Follow direction on curing. it, you will need to heat/ them after painting in a stove or grill so it harden properly ( my wife chase me out of the house when she caught me). Google it you will find information and save a ton of money, mine have been on three years and look like the day I put on. You also need to buy a good matching down pipe. Ram air restoration sell both . Pm with any questions. Doug

[Cardo]

Ceramic coating has it's benefits. I prefer it mainly for the help with controlling heat, helping to lower underhood temperatures. If you opt not to spend the money though, MD79TA posted an excellent alternative. Ram Air in my opinion, has the best down pipes available for the Ram Air manifolds. They seem to have the tightest unrestricted turn out of the header, keeping the pipe up closer to the body. I have both the Ram Air ceramic coated manifolds, and their header pipes.

[ZeGermanHam]

I'm glad to see this thread. I bought my '66 with tubular headers on it, and they have always been problematic. They hang too low, and have been banged up and bent to oblivion. Always had problems getting a good seal at the head flange, too. I'm getting ready to build a 400/461 for street use, and I've decided I'm not going to use tubular headers and will instead use the oversized cast headers from Ram Air Restorations. I've heard enough good things about them from people that it seems like an easy choice. While they do give up some HP compared to long-tube headers, they don't sacrifice very much torque. For a street car, tubular headers just don't seem worth it when you have a high-performance "stock" alternative without any headaches.

[PTS]

I am grateful that people here give excellent advice.