'Header' Thoughts ...

[Frog2Spider]

I have a 81 Spider, and thinking that I may want to add a header to the exhaust system. Admitably, this would be more for 'looks' than for performance, as the engine is stock, and I 'm not planing any future performance mods.

Questions:
Do they add any noticeable performance to a stock engine?
Would it increase the exhaust sound. I presently have a cat, with a rear muffler, and like the sound level. ( I tried a test pipe, but DID NOT like the louder sound)
Is it necessary to replace the plastic air intake channel from the air cleaner?
Do they tend to develop leaks?
Any suggestions for brand and style?

Thanks in advance for any and all input.

[So Cal Mark]

the answers to your questions will vary depending on which header you are considering. Thin flanges, tack welds rather than a bead, wall thickness will have a huge effect on leaks and longevity. Design will have a huge effect on whether more or less power is created. Muffler choice will affect sound and performance

[vandor]

If you are mostly interested in looks you may consider simply ceramic coating the stock manifold.

[Zippy]

Mine are ceramic coated.

[Nanonevol]

There's this one on Ebay but it looks cheap and looks like it goes on left side of the motor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FIAT-124-2000-S ... 83&vxp=mtr

[bradartigue]

I would think the stock exhaust manifold would look better than a header. Headers are nasty things, welded up steel. Most of them leak and they emit valve noise. Some are so junky the bottom falls out when you are driving. No advantage whatsoever on a stock engine.

[spiderrey]

Sorry, I have to disagree here. A good header looks better then a stock manifold. A bad one even looks better but wont last and might hurt performance. A good header in my opinion can help a stock engine, dont know how much though. A stock manifold can look good if treated properly.

[So Cal Mark]

we've put lots of our headers on stock engines with great results. All of them picked up power in the midrange and top end

[Frog2Spider]

Thanks for all the 'thoughts'!

I think I'll ceramic coat the stock header. A great idea, that I had not considered.

Thanks again to all ...

[vandor]

There's this one on Ebay but it looks cheap and looks like it goes on left side of the motor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FIAT-124-2000-S ... 83&vxp=mtr

That's a Pacesetter header. Horrible POS. Completely worthless as a performance upgrade, as the primary pipes are way too short.