Headers. REALLY worth it?

[Sleeperstroke]

Just got to wondering after I browsed some sites offering headers for our 7.3s. No one has posted numbers that I could find, but Im curious to know what may be gained by using them, aside from the obvious flow efficiency over stock manifolds. Has anyone dyno comparisons or some other "Hard" Evidence that headers are worth installation on a non competitive hopped up daily driver/ towmobile?

[ExtremeFord4x4]

For the price there is a bunch of other stuff you could do. I know through d.i. they are $1000-$1200.

[taylorking]

I hear that you won't notice a difference until you are over 400hp

[Dirk]

Yes, they are worth it, but the subject is highly debated. There are quite a few people running them. I wouldn't buy them until you are making more power. Also, they sound as awesome as they look.

Originally Posted by taylorking

I hear that you won't notice a difference until you are over 400hp

The stock manifolds will support well over 600rwhp.

[layson]

I would buy them for the sound...

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by layson

I would buy them for the sound...

That's what I was sayin... but the more I think about it, the more it will depend on the turbo(s). Headers with a stock EBPV flange will probably sound stock. Headers on my 3.25in non EBPV flange would sound pretty mean. Also, a .84, 1.0, 1.15 turbine housings sound a bit different as well.

[taylorking]

Originally Posted by Dirk

That's what I was sayin... but the more I think about it, the more it will depend on the turbo(s). Headers with a stock EBPV flange will probably sound stock. Headers on my 3.25in non EBPV flange would sound pretty mean. Also, a .84, 1.0, 1.15 turbine housings sound a bit different as well.

So it wasn't all in my mind

Was thinking my exhaust sounded different since I put the .84 housing on monday

[Sleeperstroke]

As it is, in not to long a while the engine is coming out, and internals are going in. Forged rods, pistons, 910s/beehives, pushrods, ect. SO, what I really would like are HP gain numbers from headers. Sound, eh, ok, but as stated, Im not gonna spend that much cash on just sound. The plan is to arrive at or just over 400 hp RELIABLY when its all finished. If headers only add 3 to 5 HP, Im gonna spend the cash elsewhere.

[layson]

Get a set of those nice bellowed up pipes DI sells...

[Dirk]

I have a set of one piece up pipes. Awesome possum.