M&K vs. B&B headers 3.2

[biagiosarich]

Thinking about pulling the trigger. I'm down to M&K's 3.2 headers with heat or Patricks/B&B header set up. Both are 1 5/8 ODs, but B&B has equal length primaries. I love quality and customer service of M&K, have the 1 in out 1 set up with chip now. I've read lots of posts on the whole 3.2 header debate, so curious if anyone has thoughts on these two systems in particular. Mid range is a plus since I drive her on the streets as well. Lastly, I see a 3.4 conversion taking place farther down the road as well!

[RarlyL8]

Our headers are tuned, with equal length primaries and merge collectors. They are designed for modified engines with extended redline, cams, big bore street engines, or supercharged engines. Flanges exit in the OEM location.

[gliding_serpent]

The b&b have 31 inch primaries i believe (plus or minus, hard to measure length from tube center). This in theory might not give max high rpm hp like shorter headers, but would be good for a street build, including a 3.4. It pushes peak torque to near or just above stock rpm, helping midrange. I did not go B&b, but 31 seems to be a magic number (ssi's also use it). Using a generic online calculator that factors in cam profile, stroke, displacement, exhaust valve diameter and a few other things including your desired max hp (i chose 6200rpm)... It told me that my 3.4 with 964 cams needed 31inch primaries and 1.5id. (I expect 275 hp at the fly... Not bad for a mild build). Not sure how useful it was but it confirmed dogma.

If your are building an engine that will rev above 7000rpm, short headers may work better.

[biagiosarich]

Thanks guys. Makes sense and is very helpful. Sounds like the RarlyL8 Headers are best for a more modified engine, vs my stock set up now. Perhaps after a 3.4 build. I was hoping for something now that would be a nice bump with stock and also work for the 3.4 upgrade. Mid range torque is important for my street use, so 31 primaries seem important, if I understand this correctly. I wonder if 1 5/8 OD would reduce mid range torque on a stock engine vs 1 1/2 like SSIs, which seem to help more in that area?

[RarlyL8]

It's a sliding scale, if midrange is emphasized then top end is reduced and vice versa. Decide where you want the power band to be and build to emphasize that band.

[Elombard]

IMHO you are splitting fine hairs, I would not even consider B&B over M&K. Brian is here to help, I have not seen Billy Boat around much. And I have B&B headers.

[Tippy]

Originally Posted by Elombard

IMHO you are splitting fine hairs, I would not even consider B&B over M&K. Brian is here to help, I have not seen Billy Boat around much. And I have B&B headers.

I agree, trying to fine tune a given area is beyond most of our pocketbooks and access to dyno sessions working out all constraints.

I'd pick the Rarly8 headers since he uses a better SS alloy and is a member of the board for any direct questions.

[biagiosarich]

Originally Posted by Tippy

I agree, trying to fine tune a given area is beyond most of our pocketbooks and access to dyno sessions working out all constraints.

I'd pick the Rarly8 headers since he uses a better SS alloy and is a member of the board for any direct questions.

Yes, Brian is great and an available resource does move the needle significantly in terms of which direction to go.

[metalracer]

M&K's overall quality is far superior to B&B. Another thing to pay attention to is the smooth flow design in M&K's collectors vs the others. M&K hands-down in my book!

[pemz0r]

i enjoy my M&K exhaust, but I don't really have a dog in this fight, a 2.7 with two in and one out....

[997Sbeebe]

i also have an M&K muffler on my 3.2. quality is extremely good and they were willing to make modifications i was interested in. very satisfied customer.