mufflers vs open headers?

Question

Ive heard alot of people give there oppeninon withmufflers and not open headers but my thing is why do nhra dragracers use just headers also on a point iI had an88lx50 and ran off my stock headers never had a prollem burning up gaskets or anything of that nature just neihbors bitching about loud noise but my car was no louder than alot of choppers ive heard so back to my question why mufflers not open headersalso my car did high 15s with the h pipe and flowmasters when i cut off my exuast and ran my stock headers iwould do low15s so someone with knoledge talk to me

Answer 1

Johnathan, besides pissing off the neighbors and getting the cops on your tail, it's not a simple question of "headers open or full exhaust"
There is very little comparison between a street car, "daily driver" and a dragster. In fact, lets see, they both have 4 wheels and that's about where the similarities end.

There also isn't one answer to the question you pose. Some engines depending on Horsepower, header configuration and a host of other options will actually run better with some backpressure. That's why it's not always better to go with really big pipes. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to exhaust piping.

As an example, you are on the right track going with some flowmasters and a cross pipe. That is minimal back pressure but still has some, the cross pipe will give you slightly better low end torque and the mufflers if say they are series 40's for example, don't jamb up the works. Another key is to have as few bends as possible. Tri flow headers are also a good pick for certain applications. Again, lower end torque is improved but only nominally. A big block will enjoy the above combinations more than say a 383 chevy motor that may be set up for high end speed. It's all about how you set it up. Keeping the spent gases out of your car and out of your brain would be another good reason to run mufflers out. As far as blowing gaskets, that's more to do with header quality, gasket type, and istallation technique.

I would say though, most of the systems I recommend and install on customer's cars and a few of my own toys, involve more than just concentrating on getting the gases out. Try to match everything as a whole.

Quick example. My Bronco 80' Full size. I put together a high performance 460 big block, used tri-y headers for low end, cross piped (again to help low end) and a pair of Flowmaster 40 series. I used 3" pipe through out. I went this way because it's running 38" tires with 4.11 gear sets. I wanted to punch out of a mud hole quick like. It sounds good, and spending the extra money on QUALITY parts made it low maintenance. My 69' El Camino on the other hand running a stroker small block and a single plane manifold with nitrous was a whole different deal. BECAUSE the end game was different.

Oh, last point, you will find that the older you get, the less the "noise" appeals to you. Trust me, I'm almost 40 now and I keep toning my stuff down. Have fun

Answer 2

Open headers are probably illegal in New York (check first). I've heard that open headers can cause engine problems also. Plus, it will make everyone who enjoys peace and quiet angry.

Answer 3

Yes, mufflers do add backpressure and reduce power.
Choppers are loud enough that I want to throw rocks at em so your neighbors do have a point.
If you want to do "low 15"s at the track buy a set of cutouts, and close em for the street..