68 Charger, stock 318 2bbl exhaust question: headers or not?

[mowdawg]

Need advice from those of you in the know.

I have an unrestored 68 Charger with a 318 2 bbl, single exhaust.  Engine never rebuilt as far as I know (I've had the car about 3 years).

My exhaust needs replacing and I am contemplating replacing the stock exhaust manifolds with headers and a full dual exhaust.  My trusted mechanic is a guy in his 60s, so he's been around V8s, and he thinks I might have back pressure issues since I don't have a high perf engine.  He recommended me to a local Meineke where he knows the guys and one of them works on older/classic cars.  That guy in turn thinks it's no issue and pointed me to a pair of shorty headers and a full system from Summit.  He has no skin in the game and will probably install anything I ask for though....

I kind of get what my mechanic is saying, but it's not like I'm putting on a 3" exhaust to a straight 6.  I've heard of 318s with headers before, so my gut thinks it should be ok.  I'm likely never going to soup up this particular engine with anything beyond headers.  Just looking for a better sound, little better performance and no more fumes.  Havn't decided on a muffler yet, but would not be a glass pack style (not going straight through)

I can't really do this on my own.  No real experience with exhaust.  Very small garage.  No cutting torches or cutting tools and certainly no welding ability. 

Any advice or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Troy]

I have heard - but have no first hand experience - that the small block Summit dual exhaust kits fit really well (I believe these are designed for their long tube headers). I've had 318s with duals in several cars. None were super fast or anything but all sounded decent. The only ones where performance seemed iffy was when there was a 4bbl carb involved. Don't go too big or too "free" - a set of turbo style mufflers will likely be just fine. You'll need to retune the carb and maybe the ignition.

Troy

[6spd68]

My personal opinion, and it is just that:

Go with the headers/duals, and try Magnaflow: Wide-Open mufflers.  You'll get the sounds you're looking for(similar note, but not nearly as loud as glass packs), plus they'll give you that little bit of back pressure you want.  

[charger_fan_4ever]

IMO

Ive found generally  horsepower/performance  the least amount of return is had with exhaust on a stock engine. On a bone stock 318 i bet you wouldn't see more than 10-15hp at the wheels. Depending on price anymore than $500 in cost not a great return. If plans for more modifications like intake cam carb heads ect then an exhaust is a must.

Lots of times these magazine articles take engines that are modified but retain stock exhaust then they put on a bigger free flowing catback ect and claim big gains. Of course the modified engine was choked.

Ok rant over lol

Since yours is single exhaust a true dual with headers will make a difference in sound department.

[tan top]

no offence meant  , if your charger & motor are bone stock ,  think I would just get a stock type duel exhaust  H pipe set up with tips , bent up , & use the factory cast iron manifolds  

[Alaskan_TA]

Headers come with extra heat inside the car, extra bottoming out & extra grief in general.

You can go dual exhaust with your original manifolds.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Stock 318 with 2 barrel carb.? - I too would go with stock exhaust manifolds and dual exhaust.

[Brock Lee]

What I did was run a 2 1/4" dual exhaust. I bought and sent back multiple header types due to the clearance issues and what I ended up using were cheap Flowtechs! They didn't hang low. The one issue I encountered was the stock sized oil filter didn't fit anymore. I had to go with a shorter version you find on modern trucks. Mufflers are the basic Flowmaster 70 series. Is it the idea system? I don't know. It works well for me.

Edit, I just realized you are still using 2 bbl. I am 4 bbl.

[cbrestorations]

just go 3" with an x pipe, whatever muffler you preffer and out. that way the exhaust is already there when you pull that 318 the hell out of there and drop some balls in that mother

[Mytur Binsdirti]

Stock 318 with 2 barrel carb.? - I too would go with stock exhaust manifolds and dual exhaust.

Bingo.

[Frank]

I had a 69 with a stock 318.  Kept the manifolds and ran dual exhaust.  A great sound and little expense.  No issues what so ever.  Good luck!

[mowdawg]

Seems like it's about half and half for headers vs keep the original exhaust and go dual with an X pipe.  I'm open to all options but I am kinda liking the simple approach of staying close to original.  It's a base 68 and while I am not hung up on staying original, it does have its appeal.

First things first.... gotta tackle some super leaky steering situation.  Now that the temp has cooled down in NY a few degrees I can get down under again.

Thanks for all the advice and tips, guys!  Much appreciated. 

and balls in this mother sounds good to me, CBR!

[c00nhunterjoe]

Long tube headers over stock manifolds even on a bone stock 2 bbl 318 will make more low end and mid-range  torque. Will it turn your 318 behind a 2 ton car into a race car? No. But it will improve it. The real question is do you want them or not.

[GOTWING]

what they said, stock manifolds and nice duels with factory tips out the back. save the cost of the headers,extra labor, the gaskets leak & rust over time,not really gaining enough to make it worth the while imo.

[Cncguy]

If you upgrade exhaust you should upgrade intake. Try to keep a balance.

[Mopar Nut]

what they said, stock manifolds and nice duels with factory tips out the back. save the cost of the headers,extra labor, the gaskets leak & rust over time,not really gaining enough to make it worth the while imo.

X10