OK. I've been searching the site and I thought that I had it figured out. I was ready to buy a header and exhaust from MSA. Then I came across LWW's dissertation on header performance. Now I'm really confused!

I was hoping that one of you could help me with the selection of a header and exhaust system. I don't need to blow any one off the road. I just want some good sound and hopefully get a little better mileage.

 

Don't be confused...it's not THAT big of a deal. If you are not trying to race then there is no need for a race header. Find yourself a header that fits your budget. If you don't have to deal with emissions then put the header on and goto a local muffler shop and have them run you a 2 1/4" pipe to the rear of the car where you can then have a muffler mounted in the factory location. Try to find some sound clips on youtube for 280zx's and make you decision on a muffler.

Muffler 1

My car - This is a 1979 N/A with factory exhaust manifold and pipe all the way to the cat and thats it. Scroll down to the black box and click it.

Click me

 

to answer your question... it doesnt make a difference in power.. it just sound alot better.. more deep...

 

its tons of work for no difference on a stock setup. just run some nice pipe and a good muffler and be done for now. then if you install a cam and deck your head and run a bigger tb, then it will warrant a header. spend the money on something else.

 

Well, I've got to replace the stock manifold anyway. I thought I'd be proactive and do it all at once. Yes/No?

 

What's wrong w/ your manifold? Have you done these things to make a header worth while?

 

My guess is he's redoing the intake/exhaust gasket.

 

Out of town for tha past few days...

Yes, I meant the gasket. I thught while I was in there...