so whats the difference in sound between steel tube headers, and the stock manifold being split? thinking about running straight 1.5in pipes to the back, which produces a better sound? im trying to pick which one i want for my 218 flathead 6
The split manifold will sound like MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. The header will sound like RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. You're welcome in advance.
I agree in the tinny sound, typical of headers, and the "telegraphing" of any little engine sound such as valve noise. The best of both worlds? That would be cast iron Fenton headers that are being reproduced now, and they would also be period correct. Butch/56sedandelivery.
Its really a personal preference as to which you like better. Me...... I'd go for the split manifold. Period correct and less likely to develop leaks over time where it seals to the engine's exhaust flanges. Also won't have that annoying 'tinny' sound common to tube headers. Regarding pipes and mufflers downstream...... If you keep the pipes split all the way back, a pair of the longer Smithys gl***packs sound good and are period correct for a souped up flathead six. Or you can join the dual header pipes together near the rear of the engine oilpan and run a single larger dia. pipe back and use a single turbo style muffler. I have run a 2-1/2" single exhaust like that on a little 170 cu.in. slant 6 in my '62 Dodge Lancer and it not only ran much better, but sounded great without excessive droning on highway trips. Just a nice exhaust note. Here is a 216 Chevy 6 with a split manifold and duals with 30" Smithy's to give you an idea of how that setup sounds...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBI_QYScF_k Sold my '62 Dodge with the slant 6 and 2-1/2" single exhaust and turbo muffler a few years back, so do not have any recordings of the exhaust note to post here. It was similar in loudness to the duals with Smithy's when you got down on it, but much smoother sounding and did not 'rack back' nor pop when you let off the gas with the car in gear. Regarding running straights (straight pipes, no mufflers) on the street...... I did that in the early '60s. Its loud when you get down on it and racks back a lot when you let off the gas with the car in gear. I put together a '53 Henry J running a '53 DeSoto hemi with a '54 Dodge stick shift ****** and straights turned out at a 45 degree angle just in front of the rear wheels. It was fast and loud and there is no way I would ever have got an inspection sticker for it. Had to put the car in neutral and coast past cops with the engine idling so as not to get tickets when going into town. Here is a 235 Chevy 6 running split manifolds and straights. Aside from a glove box full of traffic tickets, I imagine the noise would drive you up the wall if you aren't a car crazy teenager like I was 50 years ago...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1dOctB5qRY Happy Motoring, Harry
I ran short tube headers and cast iron split manifolds on a Chevy 235 and the sound difference was very minimal. Agree with others, the cast iron split manifolds are period correct and on a flathead 6 would sound terrific with a set of 24' gl***packs. As for exhaust diameter, running 1.5" pipes will create a more raspy sound as compared to a 2" diameter.
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