Modern Muscle cars give you power. They give you speed. They give you an adrenaline rush you won't get anywhere else but behind the wheel.
You can get even more from your vehicle by upgrading the exhaust system. Exhaust headers will give these powerful cars noticeably better performance. Learn more about what to consider when upgrading to exhaust headers.
Why Are Exhaust Headers Such a Great Upgrade?
Simply put, headers increase horsepower. They're a vast improvement over exhaust manifolds.
The exhaust system includes some of the most important parts of a car. It affects the engine's power and efficiency.
Most production vehicles have exhaust manifolds because they're durable and relatively cheap. A manifold helps reduce unwanted engine noise. However, manifolds have a common pipe from all the engine cylinders into the catalytic converter. This retains back pressure and decreases performance.
During the exhaust stroke in the engine, the piston pushes exhaust gases out of the cylinder. If the piston has to push against back pressure, the engine wastes power. Headers let the engine push exhaust gases out of the cylinders more easily.
An exhaust header gives each cylinder its own separate exhaust pipe. The pipes are designed to allow gases to flow more smoothly into the collector or midpipe. Some headers utilize same equal length primaries to further balance the exhaust flow.
Long-Tube Headers vs Shorty Headers
The two main types of exhaust headers are long-tube and shorty. The best header for your application depends on your vehicle and driving style.
Long-Tube Headers
Long-tube headers run from the engine to the mid-pipe. They give you a significant performance boost and will accommodate future power mods. They have an aggressive sound.
Long-tube headers are great for boosting mid-range and high-end torque and are often avaialable with larger primaries for more aggressive engine builds. You can match them to your ideal horsepower and operating ranges. Larger primaries typically are best suited to high revving or large displacement engines, while smaller primaries are a good balance for an milder build, where they will give a bump in power without sacrificing low-end torque.
Shorty Headers
As the name suggests, shorty headers have shorter tubes. They offer a decrease in backpressure, while still bolting directly in place of factory manifolds in most cases. This makes them ideal for a basic bolt-on build, especially for an inexperienced installer. They can typically be installed with basic tools without the need to hire an exhaust shop.
Shorty headers are a good choice for a boost in low to midrange torque. They work well with catalytic converters and meet most emissions standards.
Materials for Exhaust Headers
BBK headers are made from mild or stainless steel. The mild steel versions are offered in Titanium or Silver ceramic coating. A ceramic coating keeps the header clean and cooler than other coatings. It resists rust much better than paint or chrome. Ceramic is the best finish for most applications.
Stainless steel headers are available for some applications. They are highly resistant to rust, but the high can sometimes discolor them slightly.
Find the Best Exhaust Header for Your Ride
Exhaust headers will give your ride a performance boost. The best type of header depends on your vehicle and the performance results you're looking for.
You can trust BBK for your exhaust system needs. Our high-performance exhaust products are designed and built in the USA. We use premium materials and the highest-quality manufacturing techniques.
Check out the extensive BBK catalog to find the perfect components for your exhaust upgrade.
