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Any downside to running open headers?

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Old Jan 15, 2002 | 09:32 AM
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Default Any downside to running open headers?

I have FLP's with the swappable race pipe/cat setup. I was considering getting a set of dump tubes made to fit in there as well, for use at the track (and Saturday nights <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> ). The car is making a decent amount of power, putting down 486rwhp and 498rwtq on the bottle, stock motor. I should be getting heads/cam shortly, so power output should be about the 600rwhp range. Aside from being lound as hell, is there anything I should know about this? Thanks.

<img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

- Matt
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Old Jan 15, 2002 | 10:52 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Might want to have extensions, like 18" or more, otherwise the 02's might act up.

Also I think you will run leaner, might want to use a MAF T to add a wee bit more fuel.
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Old Jan 15, 2002 | 10:57 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Cool. I should have enough room for 18" pipes under there. And I would be running these 99.9% of the time for Nitrous runs only, so couldn't I just adjust the fuel jets a bit?

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Old Jan 15, 2002 | 10:57 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

My car would usually pick up 1mph and .07sec or so when I'd take the mufflers off and run the headers open (12" long 3" collector).

The only downside is the awful racket <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
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Old Jan 15, 2002 | 10:58 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

[quote]Originally posted by GeorgeC:
<strong>The only downside is the awful racket <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> </strong><hr></blockquote>

That racket is music to my ears <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 10:07 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Ok, after checking, I DON'T have 18" of room. Thought I did. I DO have enough for a 13 1/2" downtube. With FLP's, I can have one made that will swap in in place of the cats/off-road pipes that come with the headers. Do you guys think that 13 1/2" will be long enough? Thanks.

- Matt
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 10:16 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

well weight saving is nice. also the power will be there a bit with a bigger NOS shot. the sound is too owful for me. i had open headers for a little while and i could not take it. i would run bullets off the headers. i think that is enough for the O2 sensors.
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 10:20 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

I'm not planning on running this full time. The FLP's have a kind of quick swap setup with the cats and off-road pipes. I am having this quick swap ring welded onto my dumps, so changing from my off-road pipes (everyday use) to the dumps(Sat. Night/Track use) should take about 15 minutes. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> I'm simply concerned about if a 13 1/2" on the FLP's will be enough to shield the O2 sensor from outside air.....

<img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

- Matt
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 01:51 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Is there going to be enough pipe there to shelter the exhaust valves from being warped when you shut the motor off and the air from the outside goes back into the exhaust?

Just a thought, don't know if it applies or not.

Ted
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 03:15 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Matt, I run a set of 3"x10" lg. dumps off of my TTS lt's & they work fine.That's about as long as you can go on the drivers side & keep from hitting the body brace. 10" is enough to keep from getting o2 reversion. I went from 13.12 to 12.90 with this setup. BOB
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 05:40 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

[quote]Originally posted by Bob Neese:
<strong>Matt, I run a set of 3"x10" lg. dumps off of my TTS lt's & they work fine.That's about as long as you can go on the drivers side & keep from hitting the body brace. 10" is enough to keep from getting o2 reversion. I went from 13.12 to 12.90 with this setup. BOB</strong><hr></blockquote>

Cool. I think thats what I was looking to hear! <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> Thanks!

- Matt
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 05:55 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Matt, where's Plantation located at , i have a cousin in Fort Myers & parents in Bradenton.I'm 51 and the dumps still sound bad ***. Bob
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 07:04 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Plantation is on the West side of Ft. Lauderdale. Ft. Myers is about 2 1/2 hours away, and Bradenton is about 3 1/2, I think. My car club (Shameless plug: http://www.sffba.com) just merged with the F-Body club in Ft. Myers. They are now our Gulf Coast Chapter. Does the cousin have an F-Body? <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

- Matt
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 08:12 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Matt, my cuz runs an MGB in club races. I think you will find that you will pick up some mph. with the dumps. Good luck ,Bob
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 08:16 AM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

Thank you sir! And if you ever come down to visit your cousin, swing through and I'll buy you a drink. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

- Matt
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Old Jan 18, 2002 | 03:46 PM
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Default Re: Any downside to running open headers?

[quote]Originally posted by Bob Neese:
<strong>Matt, I run a set of 3"x10" lg. dumps off of my TTS lt's & they work fine.That's about as long as you can go on the drivers side & keep from hitting the body brace. 10" is enough to keep from getting o2 reversion. I went from 13.12 to 12.90 with this setup. BOB</strong><hr></blockquote>

That's good info. I'm also planning on running open headers with my car.
BTW, I know where Frankton is (believe it or not <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> ). I'm from Chesterfield <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
-Jim
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