GI: For the 3x00 cars that don't have headers or think they cost too much

[H.O. Driver]

I am working on something that will be a cheap alternative to whom maybe interested. I know its currantly doesn't look like much but I haven't started the rear manifold yet.

When I took off my stock manifolds I noticed that the stock gaskets didn't go right up to the edge of the manifold. So this sparked my thought of maybe porting them out some. Well I started to put some thought into this and realized that stock gaskets are what will have to be used, so I am gasket matching the exhuast manifolds and smoothing out and opening up the rough spots on the insides.

This is benificial to the 3x00 crowd that do not have headers for them or don't want to void the warranty by something noticable like headers. Since these will look stock on the outside (or I can paint them a choice of a few high temp colors) since the stock heat sheilds can go back in place (depends on the look of what the person wants to do). I do not have dyno #s at this time but I do have two test cars lined up, a manly stock 3400 '99 GA and a nicely modded 3100/3400 hybrid motor in a '95 GA GT. I know the GP crowd have seen results in a .2 gain and a decrease in Knock Retard aswell. They have made it to the low 12 second 1/4 mile times with a ported manifold. I understand this is comparing apples to oranges but I figure we could see a nice gain from them aswell.

I will notify people once I have the dyno numbers back and the price I am not certain of as of yet. These are my projections of price though, $150 with a $50 core charge + shipping. If you return your stockers in 60 days I will refund your core, but if you want to keep or do not return the stock manifolds you will forfit your core and not receive the $50 core charge back.

Here are some pictures of what I have started to do. I just started working on these and still have a lot of work to do to them to get the manifolds to where I want them.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/467000-467999/467665_93_full.jpg

Stock
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/467000-467999/467665_95_full.jpg

Gasket Matched
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/467000-467999/467665_97_full.jpg

Gasket Matched, gasket not in the way
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/467000-467999/467665_94_full.jpg

Unfortanitly I don't have pictures of the work done to the inside of the manifold and all the close ups I took came out blurry, once I have a final set I will be sure to post more pictures.

I will have a set template so everyone's manifolds are the same and don't lack structurial support. I will also use a header wrap on the cross-over pipe to help keep heat away from the Throttle Body and CAI piping.

Feel free to discuss and give feedback in the thread.

[urweak]

i always find it funny how people in the community complain about parts being to much, look at anyother aftermarket header on the market for a V6 and you have a wake up call. They cost more then probably any GA header you could ever buy.

[H.O. Driver]

Originally posted by urweak
i always find it funny how people in the community complain about parts being to much, look at anyother aftermarket header on the market for a V6 and you have a wake up call. They cost more then probably any GA header you could ever buy.
Yes our headers are cheap compared to some V-6 headers, but there are a lot of us who are paying for college, car, and mods. Besides, this price keeps it cheap enough to afford and hopefully will see as much gain as a CAI when its done (depending on test results) I know quite a few sets of v-6 headers that are $800 for the Jet Hott coated and thats the cheapest they go :eek:

[HondaCivicsSuck]

/\ nice write up tim, Something else u should add to remind people. Depending on your mods you already have to the car will effect on the gains on this part

a 3400 with a full cat-back exhaust and CAI will pick up more hp then a bone stock GA with just ported mani's

I know I know... most people know this. BUT there is ALWAYS just that one person on here that says "well what if i have a CAI will it double my HP?


:lol:

[BBT]

Yep, add enough 10% here, 5% there, 2% this, 12-18% that performance parts and pretty soon people will have 230% of their original HP. :lol:

It isn't cumulative. A 10% gain on a stock engine may only gain 3% on a modded engine. And some may gain more than expected because they work better with other mods than they do in isolation. But it IS all a gain and that's good.

[H.O. Driver]

Originally posted by BBT
Yep, add enough 10% here, 5% there, 2% this, 12-18% that performance parts and pretty soon people will have 230% of their original HP. :lol:

It isn't cumulative. A 10% gain on a stock engine may only gain 3% on a modded engine. And some may gain more than expected because they work better with other mods than they do in isolation. But it IS all a gain and that's good.

Yes, and the reason why I am considering this is because the people with pre 99 GA's and other GM vehicles with a 3x00 that can't use headers because of firewall problems. They will be better than stock, but once we get teh dyno #s back we'll have a better idea on how much better and how they work on a car with stock heads and ported heads.

I still could use a 3100 test car, but it would have to be in MI so I can go to the dyno and verify results and document it all.

[99blackSE]

sounds pretty cool.. Michigan isnt too far from here either...

[voyager]

i'm holding out for a real pair of headers for my 3100, but i think it's awesome that you're working on the manifolds. almost anything would improve those dumb logs. looking forward to more updates!

[MJE95GAGT]

I had a couple spare exhaust manis a couple years ago and had a friend port them and gasket match them. I sold them on this site and apparently they "felt" an increase in power throughout the rpm range and more noticeable down low. Looks like you did a good job there!

[ChevelleSSLS6]

I have seen the 3800 manifold is a little better than out crappy lump o' iron, perhaps someone should make high-flow manifolds, or something a bit more header-like.

I like that porting manifold idea :)

[H.O. Driver]

Originally posted by ChevelleSSLS6
I have seen the 3800 manifold is a little better than out crappy lump o' iron, perhaps someone should make high-flow manifolds, or something a bit more header-like.

I like that porting manifold idea :)

I wish 3800 exhuast manifolds would fit, but I don't think there is a chance in hell to get them to fit with out having it cost more than headers ;) If you are looking for a "shorty" style header get TOGs, if you want long tubes S&S, :lol: j/k

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by H.O. Driver
Yes our headers are cheap compared to some V-6 headers, but there are a lot of us who are paying for college, car, and mods. Besides, this price keeps it cheap enough to afford and hopefully will see as much gain as a CAI when its done (depending on test results) I know quite a few sets of v-6 headers that are $800 for the Jet Hott coated and thats the cheapest they go :eek:
Are we talking just GA market?
Because I can get a set of headers for a 4.3 for $279-$299
I have seen one off custom built headers done for just over $400.
I'm sorry but $800 for headers is pricey. It's bent and welded tubing, the hardest part is making a jig and thats no different than a 4 or 8 cylinder engine.

[H.O. Driver]

Originally posted by TA^Guy
Are we talking just GA market?
Because I can get a set of headers for a 4.3 for $279-$299
I have seen one off custom built headers done for just over $400.
I'm sorry but $800 for headers is pricey. It's bent and welded tubing, the hardest part is making a jig and thats no different than a 4 or 8 cylinder engine.
Sometimes it doesn't make sense on how they price things. O'well, you have to pay to play :)

[TA^Guy]

Originally posted by H.O. Driver
Sometimes it doesn't make sense on how they price things. O'well, you have to pay to play :)
Ain't that the truth. And that is were the true enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools shine.

[H.O. Driver]

Originally posted by TA^Guy
Ain't that the truth. And that is were the true enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools shine.
Very true, but sometimes its cheaper for the shop to do it, I should ask for an CNC machine for my Birthday :D

[1992grandam]

id be down to get these for my 3100....cant wait to see the results