The Oldsmobile Connection

[nwmaximus]

I figure now,that I should have my headers for my Olds 350 coated before install because I've heard wrapping and spray painting arent all that great.And wrapping might even produce hot spots,etc. What are your opinions on this place,for one? http://www.performancecoatings.com/ http://finishlinecoatings.com/faq.html Heres another one that looks like you apply it yourself; http://www.techlinecoatings.com/Exhaust.htm

[88 Coupe]

Hi nwmaximus, Hi all
For street performance you'll be better off with manifolds, duals with an "H" pipe and low restriction mufflers. Headers are for Racing. There was a thread on the subject not too long ago.
If you choose to use the headers, coating is the only way to go. The quality manufacturers all offer headers coated or uncoated.
BTW, I suggest 2" mandrell bent or 2 1/2 standard bent.
Regards, Norm

[nwmaximus]

duals with an "H" pipe and low restriction mufflers are what I have now.The pipes are only 2" though,and I was planning on putting on an Edelbrock Performer & a different carb,so I figured more air in should also have less restriction for more air out,also.I currently have a 76 Olds 350 in my '78 Cutlass

[88 Coupe]

Hi nwmaximus, hello all
Manifolds are more efficient on the low end, and headers on top. Typical crossover point for a 350 is close to 3000 RPM
Until you raise compression, and go to a bigger cam and do some headwork you will see little gain over your present system.
I have a performer and Q-jet on the stock 283 in my '64 El Camino with 700R4, 3.31 gears and 27 inch tires. Great gas milage.

Hey Brando, all I can find on your search engine is this thread.

Can someone find the other thread where I made the Headers vs manifold statement and others explained it? TIA
Regards, Norm

Edit: If you are upgrading from 2 to 4 barrel carb, the Qjet that came on the 350 is as much carb as you'll ever need, unless you start running ten second quarter mile times.

[nwmaximus]

I wish I had a 700-r4! In both my vette & the Cutlass.They both have th-350's.I can get one in the local "junk" yard,but no idea how good it is.Not sure what my rear end gearing is,and I have for starters some 15" wheels I got a good deal on,to use for now, to remove (& save) my 14" Olds Rallys,and get some wider tires. I have 4 barrel Quadrajets on both,too.I suppose a guy might get a slight improvement with stock manifolds by removing them & smoothing out,and removing rough edges inside & around the openings?

[Brando]

88 Coupe wrote: Hey Brando, all I can find on your search engine is this thread.

Can someone find the other thread where I made the Headers vs manifold statement and others explained it? TIA
Regards, Norm
I typed in Headers and it was the fourth topic down... :?
Anyways, here is what I believe you are talking about:
http://www.oldsconnection.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5305#5305

TOC Admin
Brando

[88 Coupe]

nwmaximus wrote: I suppose a guy might get a slight improvement with stock manifolds by removing them & smoothing out,and removing rough edges inside & around the openings? Hi nwmaximus, Brando, all

nwmaximus: Not enough to feel or measure.

Check this link

First mod to consider is distributor recurve, then, rear end gear ratio change.

Brando : thanks, I was very tired yesterday as I am now. I first typed "headers manifolds" and got only this link, then "*creations" and got no results and became frustrated. I guess I've been spoiled by using "Google".

Regards, Norm

[TheDarkShadow]

nwmaximus wrote: I wish I had a 700-r4! In both my vette & the Cutlass.They both have th-350's.I can get one in the local "junk" yard,but no idea how good it is.

700-r4 will not bolt up to your cutlass without an adapter plate and then driveshaft mods. 700-r4 is a strickly-chevy bolt pattern, best way to go *and probably the only way* would be a nice fixed up 200-4r.

Also little tip on junk yard shopping, buy critcal prts from wrecked cars. 95% of the time it was working when it was wrecked *unless someone smashed a parked car* IF you come across one that body is good on, that means there is more then likely something wrong with engine or tranny

[Brando]

TheDarkShadow wrote: Also little tip on junk yard shopping, buy critcal prts from wrecked cars. 95% of the time it was working when it was wrecked *unless someone smashed a parked car* IF you come across one that body is good on, that means there is more then likely something wrong with engine or tranny

Good tip! 8)

TOC Admin
Brando

[strokercutlass]

I'd have to agree with Norm on this one. At your current performance level, the 2" should work fine....many people tend to "over exhaust" their cars, when it's not needed. Too big of an exhaust system can actually harm performance more than help it, as the exhaust can't create enough velocity to scavenge from the engine. Picture this......

Take a garden hose under pressure, which would simulate your current engine and its performance level.....

run the end of the hose through a piece of 2" pipe....good flow and speed, and some restriction, to control the flow.

NOW, run that garden hose through a 3" pipe.....notice it has flow, but not much velocity or speed, and NO restriction, so the water pretty much goes wherever it feels like, and has no specific direction to follow.

Then, take a fire hose under pressure (high horsepower engine)...try running that thru the 2" pipe....it will most likely push the pipe right away, due to the major restriction. Now, put that up to a 3" pipe...notice the speed, flow rate, and velocity....MUCH improved.

While too much restriction is a bad thing, too LITTLE restriction is bad as well. 2" will be fine for your application.....you don't want to get into large exhaust systems until your well into the 450-500 hp range, as it's not really needed or useful until that point.