Ricambi Header experience

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RRoller123
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by RRoller123 »

Thanks, that is quite significant, if one can get 10-15% over say 3-5K ! Does this apply when compared to the 4-2-1 header as well :?:
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
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chrisg
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by chrisg »

interesting data. 10% is a lot actually!
Chris Granju
Knoxville, TN
'71 FIAT 124BS (pretty), '72 FIAT 124BC,'76 FIAT 128 Wagon(ratbeast), '85 Bertone X 1/9, '70 124BC (project), 79 X1/9 (hot rod in rehab), '73 124BS (2L, mean), '74 124 Special TC, '73 124CS, '73 124 Familiare
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RRoller123
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by RRoller123 »

So here is where I am, and need some feedback: If I got the equivalent of about 10% with the super light flywheel (amazing performance improvement) which took me from ~103 to roughly 110.... and then get some more with a header that takes it to say ~120.... well why would I bother pulling the block and raising the CR. :?: Those two, bolt on solutions, may be all I need to get enough performance to have enough fun with this thing. It is already a blast with the large valve head, test pipe, 274FI cams, and lightened flywheel that I have put in, plus the Compu ignition.Thoughts. :?:
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
micbrody
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by micbrody »

I can't find header/downpipe combo for 1981 on AR website. Help?
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Nanonevol
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by Nanonevol »

RRoller123 wrote:So here is where I am, and need some feedback: If I got the equivalent of about 10% with the super light flywheel (amazing performance improvement) which took me from ~103 to roughly 110.... and then get some more with a header that takes it to say ~120.... well why would I bother pulling the block and raising the CR. :?: Those two, bolt on solutions, may be all I need to get enough performance to have enough fun with this thing. It is already a blast with the large valve head, test pipe, 274FI cams, and lightened flywheel that I have put in, plus the Compu ignition.Thoughts. :?:
Because it's there, as they say? An inveterate tinkerer like yourself will never stop looking for performance improvements! I think you're like me and enjoy working on the car at least as much as driving it!
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning
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RRoller123
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by RRoller123 »

Hahahaha! I think you may be correct!
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle
vandor
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by vandor »

micbrody wrote:I can't find header/downpipe combo for 1981 on AR website. Help?
We are sold out of the headers we got from International, so they are no longer on our site. They are not cost effective to produce, so we are looking at other options.
The 1800 header can be used on a 2 liter engine with some mods to the downpipe, but the downpipe will be pointed toward the back, not the side, where the converter is.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
micbrody
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by micbrody »

are there any bolt-on header/downpipe combos that are bolt-on under $400 and have been dyno tested? Have the Vick unit been dyno tested?
ebrown0104
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Re: Ricambi Header experience

Post by ebrown0104 »

micbrody wrote:are there any bolt-on header/downpipe combos that are bolt-on under $400 and have been dyno tested? Have the Vick unit been dyno tested?
Here's a link to my engine build/dyno test: http://fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=33620. It's not exactly a fair comparison since my engine's not factory original, but there it is at least.

Here's another interesting perspective from a reliable source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPKIjxmmdU. Long video short, they take a 500hp engine, smash the headers with a sledgehammer and there's no appreciable difference in power.

My opinion on the whole matter: on a 100 horsepower engine, the difference between a stock manifold, header A, header B, and header C is negligible. My engine was originally equipped with a 4-1 manifold, 1.75" downpipe, 40-year-old catalytic convertor, and a pieced together catback exhaust sans muffler. My exhaust needed replaced anyway, and the cheapest setup for my application (ran in place of the original convertor system, not converting to the old-style center routing) while still being a high quality bolt-on was the Vick's system. I could've gone with a 4-2 manifold and a 79 downpipe, but then the downpipe would need to be shortened to work with the 1800 engine, and the cost difference between that and the Vick's header would've been almost none (plus the header is stainless, has a 2.25" downpipe, and looks cool).

When it comes down to it - if you want a stock manifold, use the stock manifold. If you want a header, buy a header. Like everything else, buy the nicest one you can afford and you won't be disappointed.
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