headers or not??

read some prev posts on headers, but it was an I6. thinking of going for some on my 304, I've gotten the local opinion, now I'm asking the pros. I was considering the fenderwells and turning it before the rear tire. I have that now with the stock manifolds. I don't do any rockcrawling, just mild woods and a little beach when nobodies looking.course headers don't help covert ops to well. Any advice is apreciated.

 

I forgot to mention is there any major heat issues. I would guess more than the stock. the jeep is all fiberglass if that makes a difference. thanks. dave

 

I didn't like the headers that came on my Jeep. One of the first things to hit the dumpster. Very hot in the summer. Underhood temps will rise as well. If you have to have them, buy the best ones you can afford. Cheap ones suck!

 

thanks for the reply posimoto. thats seems to be what I'm hearing.I've looked at the headman in 4wd catalog, then they have those htc for just under four beans. any other brand anyone would recomend? or stay away from!

 

IMO headers are strictly race car tech. Hot, noisy, fragile, leaky, etc. Plus, unlike some stock manifolds, the AMC V8 manifolds flow pretty well, so there's less advantage with headers than you might have on some other engines. You'd be much better off spending your money on the intake tract (carb, manifold, or better yet, fuel injection), cam and ignition. Beyond that, it will be much cheaper to go 360 or 401 8) :AMC: than to trick out the 304.

Only buy headers for bragging rights...

 

X2 I had a post in a header discussion for a 258 stating to stay away from headers. I had them on a 304. Huge PIA! I had to cut the damn things out. stay with manifolds. MHO.

 

thanks for the replies. I think I'm dancing around the major issues w/ this jeep. money can go in many dirrections and it sounds that headers are wrong for this application. I posted awhile ago on w/ carb problems, clutch linkage, etc... engine and drive train are all stock w/ hard miles on it. I'll sink the money somewhere, still kicking the four speed for the three. there is some guys in this area that may have some parts around. thanks

 

You won't like the exhaust exiting before the rear wheel. I had that with my V6, and it drove me crazy. Fenderwell headers suck too, because they are constantly getting beat by rocks, mud, etc. Not to mention their hot too.

Jon

 

I dig the sound of my 304 with headers and side dump muffler exhaust. Yes, I agree that cheap ones suck. They crack (usually around the flange at the heads) and then you can only buy a pair, leaving me with an extra sitting in the garage.
I used to have heat problems, i.e: vapor locking, and the starter having problems when really hot.
I got some header wrap tape and that seemed to solve a lot of heat problems. The only thing is that it is expensive and you need at least two rolls per header. It is also a pain in the butt to install while the headers are bolted up.
I only use my CJ for a weekend warrior and a trail ride, so the horsepower aspect is not a concern.
I had headers on my 67 CJ5 with a 225 V6, and the heat played havoc with my brakes and brake lines being mounted under the drivers floor board. The hotter the jeep and the headers got, the more it would heat the brake fluid making it expand and causing my brakes to drag.
I say do it for the sound. Nothing beats a kick *** sounding V8 torquing up a trail at low RPM's, or accelerating from a stop light.

 

I did have thoughts of wrapping the pipes to knock down the heat.what do you call that material? I saw them wrapping an exhaust on one of the biker build off shows, he was soaking it in water to make it more plyable the finish product looked great. the only reason to consider the fenderwells was for future tranny work, etc. I do have a cousin in the pipe business, he could exit the shorties through to the back. then theres that dripping gas tank?? (steel or plastic or save that for another post..)

 

Sent a PM regarding some headers I have. In case you're interested.

 

A company called Cool It Thermo-Tech.
Here is a site with some info and prices.
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/products.html?http://www.alamomotorsports.com/thermotec/originalexhaust.html
I ordered mine through a local auto parts store.
Yes, soaking them helps.