Ricambi Header experience

[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

[chrisg]

interesting data. 10% is a lot actually!

[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.

[micbrody]

I can't find header/downpipe combo for 1981 on AR website. Help?

[Nanonevol]

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!

[RRoller123]

Hahahaha! I think you may be correct!

[vandor]

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.

[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]

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.