Don, I agonized over whether or not to install a header, and what type
for quite a while before I made a decision. I've discoverd a few
things, and formed some opinions. First, my opinion is that tubular
headers are a very expensive way to get nominal performance gains.
There are a lots of neat things you can do to a TR6 motor and
suspension for the >$500.00 you'll spend on the 10 or so hp gain
you'll get with a header. Second, You get what you pay for. I bought
the Falcon header (in stock, all the time at Moss UK), and had it
jet-hot ceramic coated. I'm glad I spent the money on a good header.
It went on with almost no fuss. I've heard horror stories about
ill-fitting less expensive systems. A friend of mine has a
pace-setter header, not coated. The stupid thing has a tiny flange
and is always warping and leaking. I know he refitts that thing twice
a year. He also gets vapor lock because of the heat. As stated, I've
had no fitting probs with the falcon (5,000 miles), and the under hood
heat generated is not that much greater than the stock cast
manifold. I do not have a shield in place. There are less expensive
stainless steel systems, but most folks I've talked to like the Falcon
for the price. The drawbacks? The header is loud...not just the
exhaust note, but the character of the exhaust sound is harsher. You
can't get at the starter for R/R or fiddling with the solenoid without
taking off the header. If you get one, get a moden gear reduction
starter at the same time. My biggest complaint was the lack of
perceivable performance improvements. My engine is much like yours.
GP2, 9.4:1, falcon "sports" exhaust, stock dist. curve, mild porting.
The car revs more freely over 4500 rpm with the header, but below
that, I don't recognize any improvement. In fact, at less than 2500
rpm, I thing the stock manifold made more power (?) All said, I spent
$700.00 on the header, connecting pipes and coating. If I had it to do
over again, I would have gone with suspension upgrades first. THE
HEADER LOOKS COOL!
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