Help with A body headers

[41husk]

I would like to put headers on my Duster.  The 318 that was in it had headers but they were a pain.  They were weaved through the stearing linkage.  Is there a bolt on header that will fit better? it is a manual steering car.  I thought about some Headman shorty's or block huggers.  Would like to avoid giving right or left arm for some TTI's any suggestions?

[Chryco Psycho]

there are 3 that fit properly & do not involve the steering linkage
TTi , Dougs & Hooker 5115 , the first two are about the same quality, cost & fit , the Hookers are lower quality & cost

[Highbanked Hauler]

 Is that the same thing on BB headers also??

[Chryco Psycho]

no , big block headers never go around the steering , either out the wheel wheel or tucked underneath .

[41husk]

Is it easier to use shortys or block huggers, such as the headmans are would you suggest going with the TTI, Dougs or Hookers over those?  Thanks Chryco!!!!

[Chryco Psycho]

after the number of header leaks & burned ign wires my point of view is spend & bit more & skip the hassles of cheap headers

[69bronzeT5]

Don't get Hooker Competiton's.....they aren't fun to work with. Stupid steering linkage has to go through the driver's side one and the starter is almost impossible to get out. Trust me, I know...

[Cooter]

Is it easier to use shortys or block huggers, such as the headmans are would you suggest going with the TTI, Dougs or Hookers over those?  Thanks Chryco!!!!

IMO, Shortie headers are in the same class as Manifolds. Not even worth installing unless no other option. If the TTI's fit, then that is the header for you.

[41husk]

What is the best source for TTI or Dougs headers.  In a search I see both Dougs and Doug (thourogh)sp

[Chryco Psycho]

TTi has a dealer network so the price is the same anywhere . Mancini has them for one , see who is close to you .
Dougs I believe are available through Summit & Jegs . they are different from Doug Thorley

[41husk]

Chryco, what is your opunion on the block huggers?

[Chryco Psycho]

usually designed more for 1920-30 type conversions , I have not seen them fit well in later [70s] cars you could go to the magnum exhaust manifolds

[Budnicks]

Is it easier to use shortys or block huggers, such as the headmans are would you suggest going with the TTI, Dougs or Hookers over those?  Thanks Chryco!!!!

IMO, Shortie headers are in the same class as Manifolds. Not even worth installing unless no other option. If the TTI's fit, then that is the header for you.

They {shorty headers} are marginally better because of the longer exhaust tube, after the ports help with flow, before the gases merge & less to no reversion or back pressure like stock HP manifolds have, they will give a moderate HP/TQ increase over HP cast iron manifolds, but nothing like a tuned long tube header...JMHO   The biggest downfall is they are limited to 1.625" to 1.750" diameter tubes, sharp bends & 2.5" exhaust collectors/flanges, unless you custom make some of coarse... I used a set of Hedmans on my street driven 68 RR with a 383/479ci. w/727 auto & 3" custom down pipes & flanges to go to my 3" Flowmaster exhaust system, with relatively good results & mostly no clearance issues, had to ding the 3" tubes to clear the stock steering on passenger side {2.5" pipes would clear easy}... I have a rack & pinion steering set up now, the only headers that will work with the rack is TTI's 383178C, unless I custom make a set of coarse...

[41husk]

 Thanks! looks like I am split between TTI and stock HPs with the TTI what is the bennefit of Ceramic outer, and all the other options?  It looks like it is $35-$95 addition depending on coating. 

[Budnicks]

Thanks! looks like I am split between TTI and stock HPs with the TTI what is the bennefit of Ceramic outer, and all the other options?  It looks like it is $35-$95 addition depending on coating.  

Ceramic coatings "Cooling effects actually", keeps heat inside of the pipes instaed of letting it escape, it supposedly helps draws the gases out quicker as it cools in the pipes away from the ports & added benefits is it looks MUCH better & last longer than crappy header paints... That's what I was told by some pro's & header experts many years ago...

[41husk]

 :2thumbs

[Chryco Psycho]

Ceramic also keeps the engine bay cooler taking more heat out the pipes
the other option is the Magnum truck manifolds , they flow at least as well as the HP & fit very well

[41husk]

318 magnum manifolds off a 2011 Ram will work?  I think I have a set of those in the basement.

[Chryco Psycho]

The 318 / 360 magnum manifolds will fit but they didn't build the magnum in 2011

[41husk]

Sorry typo 2001.