The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop header opinion

i am going to get headers for my 52 1/2 ton chevy. i have a 57 235 ready to go in it. just a frame right now. i have never used headers and will trust the advice here in the forums. i buy alot of my parts from classic truck parts. do headers really omprove performance or is it more for sound. Thanks Paul

I'm gonna say it's for "that sound" although I believe you'll get a slight increase in performance as well.

Does far more on a motor with a cam change, but it's an improvement in any case.

any time you allow the engine to breath easier, you will notice an improvement in performance (whether it is increased fuel economy, more torque, etc.)

However with the new found breathing, cam change, intake changes, etc will fully utilize the new found exhaust breathing.

Stock exhaust manifolds are designed to save the company money, not to be performance oriented.

Anytime you let an engine breath better, it will improve performance. I don't think headers alone will give you a noticable seat of the pants feel however. Sound should be better over stock no doubt. Check Jim Carters and Patricks for prices as well.

thanks i am also going with the fenton dual carb intake will that increase performance?
Thanks Paul

Absolutely the carb/intake and exhaust header together will help performance. Just don't over carburate.

Check out my setup in the photo link below.

Nice i wish i had the money for that set up
Thanks Paul

I just finished up putting Fenton headers on my 235, with no changes to the stock intake. If you do that, I'd recommend Patrick's for your parts and info. You'll require the linkage rod kit, also, as the stock linkage from the side of the block will not go straight up through the space provided with the new Fenton's. Also, you must remount the swivel for the linkage further back on the block, where there is already a threaded hole just above the rear freeze plug. The pushrod from the gas pedal also needs to be fabricated, or your old one modified. I made one from 1/4" bar stock I got at Home Depot. It was pretty simple. I also got a set of Patrick's terrific stainless steel dual exhaust pipes and stainless steel muffler-2 in and 2 out. It sounds great. If you decide to get that, be certain to have Patrick check the rear manifold exhaust pipe section. The angle on mine was wrong, and I had to cut the flange off and re-weld it. Not a big deal, and Patrick stands behind his stuff-he told me to send him the bill and he would reimburse me. After all of the work, I definitely feel and increase in performance, no more fumes in the truck, and the sound is terrific. Good luck!

Jivermo - you had to mod the throttle linkage and the gas peddle rod?

I have *not* started mine yet (hoping to tomorrow) but I put Fenton's on from Patricks without a linkage kit - or without modifying the gas peddle rod - and everything seems "ok". The throttle linkage required a little map gas, pliers & a vice but nothing major.

Wondering now if I'm in for a surprise tomorrow when it starts (?).