• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Does anyone make BB equal length headers?

Backpacker

Member
Local time
3:12 PM
Joined
May 17, 2019
Messages
18
Reaction score
13
Location
Arlington Heights, Illinois
I'm confused... is this old school thinking? Isn't it far better to have all the tubes equal length to get the most out of your system? Or is this a race only item that has shown no benefit on the street?

I am finally rebuilding my 70 4spd RR and it will have a 440 stroker instead of the NOM cast crank 383 that was in it. I was considering headers, but haven't decided if they are worth the trouble over HP manifolds. The RR will see street duty only.
 
Last edited:
My opinion and mine only is don't cause yourself problems. Stock HP Manifolds for street use is by far the best way to go. Header leaks are a pain. I am fighting a header leak on my 68 Hemi Dart. No friggin way to get enough clearance to replace the gasket. My racing buddy tells me it wasn't meant to be capped up.
 
I got a pair of 1&7/8" ceramic coated polished TTi headers for the 440 6bbl in my 70 Roadrunner. It already had a purple stripe cam, and I've changed the lifters springs locks and retainers, ignition system, and had the Holley carbs modded by Promax. Doug's electronic cutouts really add to the initial impression when I roll into a monthly cruise in or car show.
Not a whisper of a leak in 3 years, whereas I had to change the stock manifold gaskets about every year. There is about 30-40 horsepower to be had with a good set of headers. The exhaust ports flange on the TTi headers is mega thick and sturdy. I would not consider ANY other brand! Best headers I have ever seen, bar none!
 
I never had stock HP manifolds leak.....every set I have checked and surfaced.......
 
That my friend is the question of the ages. I agree with biomedtechguy, TTI's are sweet and it has been proven that long tube headers breathe better than stock manifolds thus making more HP. (Oh boy here it comes:popcorn2: there will be opinions galore after this thread takes hold..)
Seriously, B bodies have enough room to work on the system if the need arises. On the other hand if you were like Jerry contending with the elephant in the room it would be less of a hassle to deal with stock HP manifolds in such a tight envelope ( A body compartment). IMO
 
I never had stock HP manifolds leak.....every set I have checked and surfaced.......
When I pulled the engine in my 70 Superbird I removed the original HP manifolds and there were no gaskets from the factory. I had a stock rebuild done, but no surfacing done anywhere. When I put the exhaust manifolds back on I used no gaskets. They don't leak and as far as I know, have never leaked.
 
When I pulled the engine in my 70 Superbird I removed the original HP manifolds and there were no gaskets from the factory. I had a stock rebuild done, but no surfacing done anywhere. When I put the exhaust manifolds back on I used no gaskets. They don't leak and as far as I know, have never leaked.
They originally did not use gaskets......even stated in the service manual....

I just haven’t worked enough nerve to take that gamble......they way around it is to trim the gaskets and it looks as there is no gasket.......
 
They originally did not use gaskets......even stated in the service manual....

I just haven’t worked enough nerve to take that gamble......they way around it is to trim the gaskets and it looks as there is no gasket.......
I will vouch that it works. I wouldn't try it on anything that didn't have the original manifolds in place or that had been rebuilt previously and gaskets used. Glad you related that you found it in the service manual. One up on me, I haven't looked for that.
 
I will vouch that it works. I wouldn't try it on anything that didn't have the original manifolds in place or that had been rebuilt previously and gaskets used. Glad you related that you found it in the service manual. One up on me, I haven't looked for that.
Ohh I have heard from others but I just can’t make that jump......Especially, when some of us OE guys found another way that elicits the same look...

Thanks for the added confirmation it works...
 
I got a pair of 1&7/8" ceramic coated polished TTi headers for the 440 6bbl in my 70 Roadrunner. It already had a purple stripe cam, and I've changed the lifters springs locks and retainers, ignition system, and had the Holley carbs modded by Promax. Doug's electronic cutouts really add to the initial impression when I roll into a monthly cruise in or car show.
Not a whisper of a leak in 3 years, whereas I had to change the stock manifold gaskets about every year. There is about 30-40 horsepower to be had with a good set of headers. The exhaust ports flange on the TTi headers is mega thick and sturdy. I would not consider ANY other brand! Best headers I have ever seen, bar none!

I agree that the TTI's and Doug's are well made, but they both appear to be unequal length headers. 20+ years ago I remember a place in Minnesota (Headers by ???) that sold equal length headers. The headers fit with the stock starter and all accessories, however, I couldn't afford them at the time.

Are the current headers being sold better than the equal length headers or just easier and cheaper to mass produce?
 
After some research it appears equal length headers are better but unequal lengths makes only tiny difference. The chances of getting an equal length header for a car with inner fenders etc would be next to impossible. Short answer equal length is not really necessary.
However fitting a header is a cheap and effective way to gain more torque and horsepower.
If you get a quality header and gaskets leaks have not been an issue for me. Fitting must be done carefully and fasteners tightened evenly and rechecked a few times.
If you have iron heads and manifolds I have used high temp silicone with no problems at all.
If the heads are aluminium you need to use a gasket. I only use FelPro gaskets.
We have a local gasket making company here and I get them to make the flange to exhaust system gaskets for me. I bought some TTI gaskets and frankly they were **** - blew out in one drive.
 
Can't go wrong with Hooker Headers. Equal length = more HP, torque, and even MPGs when just cruising.
I never had one leak either from a blown gasket.

Something to be said for experience. They have been around for MANY decades!!

p.s. - no issues getting them to fit.

And no, I am not a paid commenter! lol!
 
I'm confused... is this old school thinking? Isn't it far better to have all the tubes equal length to get the most out of your system? Or is this a race only item that has shown no benefit on the street?

I am finally rebuilding my 70 4spd RR and it will have a 440 stroker instead of the NOM cast crank 383 that was in it. I was considering headers, but haven't decided if they are worth the trouble over HP manifolds. The RR will see street duty only.
====================================================================================================
If you have aftermarket wheels,Valve covers,air filter or custom anything TTI headers would most likely be your best choice.
BUT,if you are factory APPEARING then ther are ways to port the intake manifolds,exhaust manifolds and many other tricks to make lotsa power.I have many friends that race in the stock appearing races that go several seconds faster looking STOCK.

10.22.17 012.jpg 10.22.17 013.jpg 10.22.17 015.jpg 10.22.17 017.jpg 10.22.17 026.jpg 10.22.17 027.jpg 10.22.17 028.jpg 10.22.17 031.jpg 10.22.17 032.jpg
 
I agree that the TTI's and Doug's are well made, but they both appear to be unequal length headers. 20+ years ago I remember a place in Minnesota (Headers by ???) that sold equal length headers. The headers fit with the stock starter and all accessories, however, I couldn't afford them at the time.

Are the current headers being sold better than the equal length headers or just easier and cheaper to mass produce?
It was Headers by ED..he's retired now, but afaik still has a very educational web site and still sells design services, kits, and parts. No actual header sets anymore, unless they are leftovers.
 
My TTI tubes started cracking within 3 years, my old hookers still going strong after 15 years and they were used when I got them.
 
Last edited:
bolson6333 Call TTI and talk to Mike. I'm sure he will refer you to Sam the owner. I'm sure they will want to know about any problems. I've been buying from them for 20 years.I hope they will make it right for you.
 
Also try Remflex gaskets. I had a cheap set of Jegs Headers that would not seal even with the soft copper gaskets.Went with Remflex gaskets and problem solved.
 
Hooker comps never had a problem of course ran open on the street never had a problem
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top