340 header vs manifold

[tparker]

I'm getting ready to do my challenger motor and need to start looking for exhaust options. I can get some 340 exhaust manifolds for $700 range that appear to be aftermarket. From all I understand, these are a great option....except for the price. I was alternatively looking into TTI headers. Which are also about the same price. Then there are the usual Hooker, headman, etc. And a new one for me Doug headers or something.

Any thoughts about about headers over stock manifolds for the 340? I am going to stroke the motor to 416, but I'm not going crazy with the HP. So I don't need extreme performance.

Also any thoughts and header options? If I go that route I am leaning towards TTI but since they are expensive I am up for saving a few bucks on some that are just or near as good.

Thanks
Tom

[Burdar]

Headers will always out perform manifolds.  With a 416 headers would be my only choice.  TTI and Dougs will give you the most ground clearance.  They are the only ones that run the tubes on top of the steering.  TTI's are basically a copy of Dougs.  The down side to Dougs IMO is they weld a big plate to one of the upper header tubes with their logo on it.  It's kind of ugly.  TTI makes both a shorty header and a long tube header.  The long tube will give you the best performance but you'll loose maybe an 1" of ground clearance compared to the shorties.  That might not be an issue for you if you aren't lowering the car.

[7212Mopar]

1.  TTI
2.  Dougs

Both are above the steering centering link.

[HP2]

Hooker 5115 are above the steering link as well. Painted or coated are available off the shelf. If you shop around, you can usually find swap meet sets at a discount.

[RUNCHARGER]

I like manifolds and for a stock size engine they are worth considering. However when you bump up a smallblock to RB engine size I also think it is a waste of time unless you plan on using headers and corresponding freeflow exhaust.

[YellowThumper]

Same recommendations above for the TTI and Dougs.
If going through and adding $$$ and cubes. Why restrict its efficiency with manifds. No need to leave hp on the table when already built for it.

[MoparLeo]

TTI is what I have. Ceramic/thermal barrier. Cooler temp under hood as well. If you don't care about performance than why stroke the motor ?? Just wondering.

[challengermaniac]

The Stock 340 Manifolds offer very good flow and performance and they look fantastic in the process!

[tparker]

Thanks all, That is some good info. I looked at the Doug's headers. I thought the '70 340 exhaust manifolds were comparabile to headers, but maybe not. I'll compare Dougs and TTi and see what makes sense for me. TTI has a whole plan for setup that seems simple. I will have to figure out what I need for the Dougs. 

@HP2 I will look into the Hookers and see how they compare. Thanks for the tip.

@YellowThumper That was kinda what I was asking. The Manifolds for the 70 340 are supposed to be pretty good, just not sure how they compare to headers. I'm not building a monster, but I also don't want to leave HP on the table. And for similar price tag I can get what is more efficient.

@MoparLeo Good question. Well, I want more than 350 HP. But at the same time I don't need a 500-600 HP monster. Though that is tempting. LOL. If I decide to go up, I can always replace some parts and have it available. Stroking the motor really doesn't cost more. I was already planning on getting a new crank and pistons. I think the crank is bad, just hoping it didn't damage the block. So, if I am doing all that, then why not? A good solid 400+ HP would be nice.

Tom

[kawahonda]

Even as good as the 1970 340 manifolds are, they are not comparable to headers. Maybe they come close to shorties, but that's it.

I'm building a 408 and will use my manifolds. It's a 400 HP build with them, and I'm perfectly fine with 400 HP.

What's your goals? Do you want to open the hood and fool people that it's 100% stock? Manifolds are the only option. That's kinda what I'm going for.

If you already have a couple visual things that aren't right, or don't care, you should just get the TTIs.

[anlauto]

When it comes to headers...spend the money and get a quality set. I like TTI.

[bennydodge]

Long-tube headers are a pain in the ass. It's that simple. This is why "headers vs manifolds" threads pop up all the time. I have TTI's on my 416 stroker. I've had them since 2001. Best headers money can buy. STILL, a pain in the ass. Bottom line though, long-tube headers make more power across the board. In the case of stroker engines, torque generation is greatly enhanced. This is THE main benefit of building a stroked-crank engine. So putting stock exhaust manifolds on say, a 416 stroker, will shave some power but won't be that noticeable in street car. You can certainly push 450 horsepower through stock manifolds especially the early 340 pieces.

[Mrbill426]

 

[Racer57]

Unless your planning on running at a dragstrip, will you really notice what power loss their may be if your using manifolds ?

[kawahonda]

I bet a stroker small block mopar would still rip the tires off with manifolds...