Stock exhaust manifold vs headers

[sonnycheeba3578]

Just a question. I'm thinking of putting headers on my elco. I have a 305 with the 4 speed manual transmission. I've had 2 different guys tell me 2 different things in reference to this. My main mechanic says I should go with headers. My secondary mechanic says keep it stock and run pipes from the manifold back due to not having to mess with header gaskets. I have a set of flowmaster super 44s that will go on. I also want to put a small cam...maybe an rv cam or something. I'm not trying to get any slips...just want it to sound good. Suggestions are definitely welcome

 

[williamattop]

I say keep the manifolds if your just looking for sound. You could always do the cam and headers afterwards if it wasnt enough of a change for you.
Straight pipes and super 40's is what I run on my stock 305. Sounds great to me (and as Ive been told) and dont have to mess with header bolts, burnt sparkplug boots, mini starters, etc,,,
A cam and headers wouldnt be a bad idea if you plan on building the motor, but as far as just sound, I would spend the small money first on the exhaust.

 

[sonnycheeba3578]

I say keep the manifolds if your just looking for sound. You could always do the cam and headers afterwards if it wasnt enough of a change for you.
Straight pipes and super 40's is what I run on my stock 305. Sounds great to me (and as Ive been told) and dont have to mess with header bolts, burnt sparkplug boots, mini starters, etc,,,
A cam and headers wouldnt be a bad idea if you plan on building the motor, but as far as just sound, I would spend the small money first on the exhaust.

Thanks for the insight. The more I think about it...the more I think I'll keep the manifold

 

[jlcustomz]

I do agree on exhaust first for a stock 305, but headers, particularly long tube do give more of a true musclecar sound, good to have with a stickshift car.
Header gaskets shouldn't be an issue if you have good ones, decently thick header flanges & bolts. Most of the issues people have with long tube headers is fitment. Hooker super comps were the best ones I've had back before I had an LS1 engine. Of course, headers are easy enough to swap in to an existing exhaust later on.
On cams in a 305, YEARS ago I've had a comp cams, 260 HE series, a 268 HE series & later a crane compucam series to do better with a tpi unit. Something between the 260 to 268 advertised duration or 204/ 214 actual duration would be a nice improvement. I also ported a set of the early 80's HO factory heads, which gave a good improvement, but head swapping on an old 305 is getting into may as well build up a 350 territory..

 

[truracer20]

Copper flange and collector gaskets with high temp RTV have never failed me. Honestly I've always had a harder time keeping donut gaskets from leaking.

 

[Jeff k]

Headers heat the engine compartment up... I'm in the street car or race car camp..

 

[pontiacgp]

I have the ball and socket collector on my headers. No gasket to blow and they don't leak.