Header's for 3.2

[PatrickB]

I'm considering header's and either a Dynomax or Magnaflow Muffler for my stock powered '85 3.2. Flowmaster's are a tad loud for my taste.

I'd love to get some opinions and experiences from those who have slid down this slippery slope before I make the plunge. Before anyone says "hit the search button" this has left me with only more question's than answer's!

I'm looking for most bang for the buck performance. Not interested in spending $$$$ for B&B type with heater box. Yes I realize I will lose heat, but I think I've only turned the heat on 4 times in the last 8 years in So. Cal! Also, I know that I will have to swap the stock system in for the biannual smog inspection.

I've considered Bursch, OBK (the Chinese knock off of Bursch), and perhaps even Georges European Racing Header's. I saw in an earlier thread that Steve sells those at Rennsport, but I know nothing of them~ price or fit for a stock 3.2. The thing I don't like about the OBK's, is that one size fits all. That being said, what would be the optimal diameter for a chipped 3.2? 1 5/8", or 1 3/4"?

I now use the car more for fun runs, and run DE's at Willow Springs almost every month. With the stock gearing & HP, and the way Willow is laid out, I usually short shift at 5500RPM. On the street, I would rarely shift above 6k. The motor is stock, with the exception of a Steve Wong Chip. I would have that reprogrammed for the exhaust change as well. I would also consider a Heet Shield to protect the lower valve covers from the extra heat generated. What about Ceramic coating? How much would that cost, and who does that, and would it be worth the extra cost?

Thanks for your comment's!

Patrick

[Steve@Rennsport]

Patrick:

If your 3.2 retains its Motronic intake and eitehr stock or 964 cams, then 1 5/8" headers are just the ticket. A full-race, 330+ HP engine would need something larger as well as a race-type muffler package.

I use, recommend and sell George's headers and I can have them coated with a ceramic-metallic coating both inside and out.

Please contact me by e-mail for further information.

[bmgmd]

My system: Early heat exchangers with the tin removed (about $150 years ago), early 2-in-1-out gutted out muffler (track - $100 years ago) or early 2-in-1-out stock muffler (street - $125 recently). Have a SW Chip for headers/sport muffler. With these "headers" I didn't even need to change oil lines!

Tried Bursch but it didn't look "stock" and had a slightly higher pitched sound. Not a bad sound, but not as good as the early muffler sound.

I'm not sure if my "headers" are the correct diameter for my car, but it seemed better in theory than a bypass pipe.

I can't comment about the heat shield. The only thing I can say is that I have turbo valve covers and never had a problem taking it to Willow.

Brian