Gen 1 Headers???

[got one]

Okay, time to get the Viper to pass inspection with a set of cats and such. Now, since I am in there, might as well check into headers to help keep that Gen 1 engine a bit cooler.

I can get a set of EdBrock headers for $1200, but I know nothing about these.

Any suggestions on headers, where I can get a set? I am looking to spend around $1200 so I would appreciate if you guys can point me in the right direction for my early Christmas and B-day present...

Thanks!

 

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Why not go 2000/2002 headers they are tubular (not cast) and there must be tons of sets out there ..
I did this + the Roe side exit kit and was very happy...

 

[ViperRed]

Any performance gains with the 00/02 headers?

 

[ViperJoe]

Less weight is a start.....free hp.....

 

[99 R/T 10]

Going with the 98-02 tubular heads(usually about $50-$100) is the cheapest route, but I would also have them Jethotted (about $250). Better flow and MUCH cooler. From what I have heard, gains of 5-8 hp are what you can expect going with the 98-02 exhaust.

 

[C O D Y]

Go with the 98 to 02 headers. Better flow and 23lbs lighter.

 

[RedEnuf93]

I bought Gen 2 "headers" from a 2002. They were 75 bucks from E-bay.
I sent them to HPC to be coated inside out, that was about 320 bucks.
You have to modify them a bit (Cut the bars out between pipes) Thats it.

Good upgrade and I was very happy with them! Cheap too...

 

[got one]

Anyone know where I can get set then? As well, would this be just as good at the EBrock headers?

 

[RedEnuf93]

Edelbrock will bring you few more HP, maybe 10?
Check on E-bay. (none for sale right now, but they show up continously...) Wait a bit and you'll get them dirt cheap. I decided not to pay over 100 bucks.

 

[syldogRT/10]

I assume the headers will bolt right up to the other wise stock exhaust system? I have a Gen 1 that I'd like to get headers for as well. Thanks!

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

No, no, not a bolt-on. As RedEnuf93 said, you have to cut the bars between the pipes because they interfere with the cylinder head bolts. Also, you'll need to have a connector of some kind made to attach the outlet to your exhaust.

The Gen 1 exhaust manifold uses a donut gasket, the Gen 2 system uses a V-shaped clamp. If you purchase the Gen 2 headers, get all the hardware with it; at least the clamps and preferably the first few inches of the exhaust pipe.

The heat shield from a Gen 1 can be reused; it is simply layers of foil and can be straightened out and reformed.

While it may sound complicated, it is all easily within the capability of a shop and sometimes a DIY install. I did it and only ran to the muffler shop to have them spread a pipe to fit over the manifold outlet (the part that goes under the V-clamp.)

 

[ACELLR8]

I was gonna go that route, but heard from a local shop that put a set on a Gen I and they said the car did not pick up any horsepower at all. They have a dyno and did a before and after dyno run and supposedly that was the result.

I even went as far as buying a set off Ebay, but wound up selling them. I did a search a couple years ago and pretty much all the info I had gathered said that the Gen I steel manifolds pretty much flow the same. The only gain would be a weight loss of about 23 lbs.

If you are going through the trouble of puttin headers on and spending $ to get them Jet Hot coated, in my opinion you are better off getting some long tube headers that will net a horse power increase. I have the Edelbrocks and like them for the $ spent. Over all it seems the Belanger's are getting the best feedback from others who have gone the header route.

I bought my headers used from Scott at Elite (of course Before he was having his issues) for $700 and had them re-coated for $450 by Jet Hot.

Ed