The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Headers vs Exhaust manifold

I have a 48 1/2ton 5 window with a 250 in it.
The exhaust manifold has to be replaced.
Looking for pro's and con's on replacing it with either another manifold or headers.

This is not a daily driver and will be parked all winter.
The current exhaust system is good except for the manifold. I have located both headers and manifold. Price is not the major issue here.

Thanks for you help.

In my view the exhaust manifold and heat riser for the 216/235/261 series engine was well engineered and ahead of its time. However the poor stock exhaust manifold and failure to provide effective exhaust heat to the intake on the 250 is a major shortcoming of that engine.

If I were you I would go with the headers as these will provide better breathing but the real question which ever way you go--headers or stock exhaust is how do you provide heat to the carb and intake. Importantly, I don't think this is just a winter issue either--warm and constant temp intakes run better. Most people with your 250 engine go to Clifford performance and water heat the intake. Also broadens your carb choices. The views of others may vary. My 2cents.