Hi all....had this posted over on the H.A.M.B. as well, but wanted to get everyone's opinion here too!

Wanted to get some input on what maybe I should get in the way of new exhaust parts. Maybe even some of you are running some of the parts I need to choose between. I'm looking at buying new headers and mufflers from Red's. I'm running a pretty stock 272. I'm looking at moving from my current crossover set-up to a dual exhaust.

For headers, I have the choice between these or these. First, is the dual tube overkill given a stock engine? If so, do I go for the 1 3/4 or 2" monotube? Finally, again given the fact that it's a stock enging, is the metallic-ceramic coating really overkill? I mean we're basically talking the same price for the coating as the headers themselves, but truth be told I am keen to lower the temp a bit under the hood (not overheating now, but at stops I see the gauge rise a bit).

As for the mufflers, I'm trying to decide between the Porters and Smitty's. I've been told that the Porters have a bit of a deeper sound and are constructed with thicker steel, but they're also twice (almost 3 times) the price. Anyone running these....are they worth it?

Quite frankly I potentially like the idea of going with stock manifolds. However I don't want the hassle of getting old parts and then having to clean them up, etc.  At the same time I can't seem to find new manifolds anywhere.  My usual standbys like MAC's seem to have one, but not both left and right (what good is that?? )

Thanks for the insight on all this guys! I want to do this right, but I'm looking at about a $400 differential between the lowest priced options and the highest, and I'm not keen to throw money away that I kind of don't have!

If only looking at those two headers, I’d go with the dual tube header versus the single tube.  Without actually doing the test, I’d think the single tube would be similar in performance to a stock manifold.

    

 

Here’s the link to the chart showing dyno comparisons of various exhaust setups on the Y engine.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic55379-3-8.aspx

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I think if you wade into Ted's dyno/comparo results - you'll see that the "Reds" tubes were basically the same as the '57 cast iron stocker parts. Do some searching for the "EDB" prefix on the castings - they are slow in coming home, but not "rare".

If you dust them off with a blaster and do a little judicious sanding of the iron - then send them off to an outfit like "JetHot" - they'll come back like these.

Just as "JetHot" advertised, their surface temperature dropped over 225°F - made a big reduction in underhood heating.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I agree that the '57 and up stock manifolds will be every bit as good as those little headers in your situation. I would check with JetHot and see what they charge to prep from the usual surface rust condition also ask about warentee. I had headers done by them and they have lasted 14 years in good condition. Headers without this kind of treatment will not last as long.



The '57 type manifolds have a different outlet flange orientation from '56 you will need a new head pipe there in addition to the left side. Also check your clutch equalizer bar to be sure it has clearance for the left side head pipe, Fordo does't have this problem Be sure to get 2" all the way to the back bumper.



Finally IMHO I would not use glass packs they have too much restriction. Go with flowmaster or dynomax instead for good sound and better performance.

Doug T

The Highlands, Louisville, Ky.

For mufflers, ive got brockman mello-tones. You can get glass pack or steel pack. I have steel packs, and it sounds like it has about 300 cubes more than it does (in a good way...still sounds like a y block). Really great sounding.....

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Anyone know if the Reds dual tube will fit a 312 in a 54 Ford. Currently using the 57 manifolds that I hogged out to match the ported heads. Also bought the down tubes for a 56 from concours car parts. Had do some fitting on these. The right side went good but had to have them cut in half and flanged to squirrel them in. Same on the left but had to do some bending at the muffler shop to fit the top half. Found some Walker cheap mufflers $19.95 on Summit sight. All this is so I can get it running in the garage. Here are couple of photos before the down pipes. I will try to photo the down pipe install for reference.

Richard

Got an email from a REX high performance rep stating, "Also coming soon are a set of 4 tube headers for the Y-block engine in ’54-‘59 Ford passenger cars."  Returned his email if I get any detail I'll post, don't want to get excited, but ready to look at any option. 

Ted, Redding, CA