How much of a ding would justify replacing headers?

[defiance]

I've got some hedmann ceramic coated headers.  When I put them on 6-8 months ago, I had them on the engine and dropped it in from the top (didn't realize how easy it was to go from underneath, and didn't know the trick of having them sitting in the engine bay).  So they got quite a few scratches and dings, including one about 1" long that at one point is probably 1/2" deep.  No punctures, just that big ding and a few other scratches and small dings.

Now I'm putting in an alterk so the engine is back out and mounted to the k-frame - meaning changing headers would be dead simple...  But car budget is GONE right now, so I'd have to basically stop work until the next budget infusion (about a month). 

How much does it take to really impact performance or longevity in headers?

[68X426]

My guess is that it won't have any effect, based on experience with a set of TTIs that have a couple bad dings (about the same as yours). But I hope the experts will weigh in on this.

I cannot detect any different burn or wear pattern with the spark plugs on those 2 cylinders, so I don't know how else one could tell if there is a negative effect. The TTIs are 2.25" pipes into 4" collectors into 3" exhaust, so how much restriction could there be with the ding? I can't see, hear, feel, or detect a difference.

Hope this helps.

[firefighter3931]

A 1/2in ding in the header tube won't affect performance....headers are "clearanced" all the time in Racecar applications with no adverse effects. 



Ron

[defiance]

Awesome  Work can continue then

Made a few changes.  Look ma, no spark plug wires!


Upgraded to MS3 ecu and converted everything to sequential injection and coil-near-plug ignition.  Then put in on an alterK and I'll start the process of putting it all back in (from underneath this time so I don't bang everything up!) this weekend.  Maybe I'll do some portion of it over the course of the week, but not likely.