What is the performance difference between headers and exhaust manifolds?

To answer this question, and to pit these two options against each other, we tested an example of each of them out on a small block Chevy, specifically, a GM CT 604 engine.

There are different types of both headers and exhaust manifolds that will support your car in different ways and have different pros and cons.

Shorty headers will usually work best in limited space engine bays and lowered cars. Full-length or long tube headers will provide the most horsepower with a broad spread through low-mid rpm ranges.

As for manifolds, log manifolds are the most common design, but are limited on how much power that they can support. Ram manifolds are another popular option and provide a similar performance potential to shorty headers on your mild street engine. There are also some rarer stock manifolds designed for high performance, and even some high flow manifolds that deliver low maintenance and ridiculous durability.

For more on choosing the right headers, check out our Toolbox article [ Ссылка ]

Read our full article on Exhaust Manifolds vs. Headers [ Ссылка ]

Shop Headers and Exhaust Manifolds [ Ссылка ]

0:00 - Introduction
0:21 - Chevy 604 Circle Track Engine Test Mule
01:05 - Ram Horn Manifolds vs Headers
02:11 - Do Short Headers Increase Horsepower | Are Shorty Headers Worth It?
04:19 - How Much HP Do Long Tube Headers Add?
07:34 - Headers vs Manifold Sound
08:11 - Are Headers Worth it?

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