Dougs headers for the street

[Eldovert]

Just wondering what the appropriate header would be for a Stealth headed 440 on the street...Doug's 1 5/8" or the 2"
Am I correct in thinking the 1 5/8 will have more snap around town ?
Cheers,Pat

[funknut]

Good info and interesting comparison here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTlHEOE2Zp4

[cdr]

I do not see any Dougs 1 5/8 headers for a 440 , & that would be to small  1 3/4 would be my choice. for a mild street car.

[Eldovert]

Interesting video..thanks!

Good catch on the header size..the 1 5/8 were for a small block. I think the only choice I have with Doug's are the 2"

Cheers,Pat

[c00nhunterjoe]

Depends on the cam and compression you have. On most mild 440s the 1 7/8 is more then adequate. 2" is overkill and will hurt torque down low unless you have more cubes or alot of compression.

[Kern Dog]

One guideline is to pick a header size equal to the exhaust valve diameter. Most heads have a 1.78 valve, right? The Edelbrocks use a 1.81.

[Eldovert]

I thought Dougs would have two  tube choices...looks like I will have to give up a little on the bottom end...or build a stroker!
Cheers,Pat

[BSB67]

What power level are you at?

[Eldovert]

What power level are you at?

.030 440, proper quench, RPM and Proform carb, cleaned up Stealths and comp cam to maximize this combination...hoping for 500 HP
Cheers,Pat

[BSB67]

Actual measured compression ratio, and cam size?  Why are the Doug's your only option?

[Eldovert]

Actual measured compression ratio, and cam size?  Why are the Doug's your only option?

I think my builder is shooting for 10.4 to 1
We haven't discussed cams yet (he is just finishing the Stealths)
I like the fitment,coating and cost of Doug's D452
I see you getting a lot out of the HP manifolds...are they extrude honed?
Cheers,Pat

[c00nhunterjoe]

Actual measured compression ratio, and cam size?  Why are the Doug's your only option?

I think my builder is shooting for 10.4 to 1
We haven't discussed cams yet (he is just finishing the Stealths)
I like the fitment,coating and cost of Doug's D452
I see you getting a lot out of the HP manifolds...are they extrude honed?
Cheers,Pat

In my opinion, 2" tubes into 3.5 exhaust is way overkill for that engine. Get a set of 1 7/8's.

[Eldovert]

Actual measured compression ratio, and cam size?  Why are the Doug's your only option?

I think my builder is shooting for 10.4 to 1
We haven't discussed cams yet (he is just finishing the Stealths)
I like the fitment,coating and cost of Doug's D452
I see you getting a lot out of the HP manifolds...are they extrude honed?
Cheers,Pat

In my opinion, 2" tubes into 3.5 exhaust is way overkill for that engine. Get a set of 1 7/8's.

I appreciate your advice.
BSB67 must be making 550 Hp through HP manifolds so perhaps I don't need headers after all...could use that money on other areas of the build.
Cheers,Pat

[c00nhunterjoe]

Russ has a 500" stroker on his with a custom ground cam to utilize the manifolds. His big cubes make up for the loss the manifolds cause.

[BSB67]

Not extrude honed.  Some hand porting at the window.

I get that everyone has a budget, it just seems a bit odd to be assembling what sound like a decent motor and taking a short cut on the exhaust. 

I've been in two slightly warmer up 440s (like your's) with 2" headers.  Absolutely miserable to drive, IMO.

If you are on a tight budget, and you have the exhaust manifolds already, use them, and put the 2 1/2" TTI exhaust behind it (or similar).  Get the right cam.  When the budget allows, put on the right size header.