Do you run headers ?

[Survivor 69/Z28]

Hello,
I am really thinking about installing some headers on my stock 70 LS5 Chevelle. The exhaust manifolds that are on the car are not the right ones and will have to come off at some point anyway. This is a #'s matching style car that is driven just about every weekend. I am not too worried about changing gaskets if needed. Call me crazy, but I love stock appearing musclecars wih a nice sounding aftermarket exhaust along with headers. But I also like the simple and correct look of the factory exhaust manifolds. (I would have to find the correct ones of course..)
So my question is this... Who all runs headers on their mostly stock/restored cars?

[XXXGoldL34M20]

my car is all Stock with only the headers being the non stock item on the car.
i bought my car this way and plan to enjoy the sound of the headers for now.
but in a few years i do plan on putting the original manifolds with the smog set up back on,which i got with the car.
i still prefer the look of the stock set up over the headers but i will miss the sound of my headers when the time comes for the change.i will have the stock manifolds hooked up to a chambered exhaust system so i can still enjoy that rumble when i do change over.

[PxTx]

I really like the sound of a BBC when you can hear the headers tubes ringing at idle. Exhaust sound, especially muffler choice is very subjective. But if you like a nice aggressive exhaust, headers are right.

I'm a big fan of the day II look. A good aluminum intake, Holley carb, old set of white colored headers is a pretty timeless look. It's your car so do what turns you on, but you've got my vote for a set of headers

[Don_Lightfoot]

My car is mostly stock with a few Day II items (headers, wheels, distributor). My machine is on the loud side which is how I like it. However, I will likely be going back to the stock manifolds and exhaust at some point in the future. Can't say right now when that might be though.

[Survivor 69/Z28]

So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

[Salvatore]

Run the headers. They are a bolt on item. I like the Day-2 look for my 69 Z. Everything I did to the car can be changed back in one weekend if need be. Headers, wheels,Accel cap and wire kit, flex fan, traction bars etc. I own a survivor 1969 SS nova with the smog and the dog dish caps. That is boring enough for me!

[Xplantdad]

You go Sam!

[XXXGoldL34M20]

[ QUOTE ]
So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

[/ QUOTE ]

for me its just preference in being stock 100% when the headers come off.
my car is all ready original with stock tires/interior/motor components etc...
so i really want to go that extra mile to have the car back in its original state.
as far as judging goes,yes it does help if your into that and it also increases value to have all your stock manifolds with smog system,especially if its a high horse motor like mine.
IMO i just think i give more respect to the guys that restore there cars back to original rather than having day 2 stuff on the car,so i plan on going back to the original set up myself. just my 2 cents

[CDNL-78]

Hey Sam
I'd be more then happy to trade you my headers for your boring ol smog system.

My plans are to find the original manifolds, but probably just put them on the shelf. I really enjoy the sound of the headers on the big block.

[Salvatore]

Nothing wrong with having the original stuff on the shelf. Remember not many of these cars stayed with the all original parts on them for more than a week or two. Don't know of ANY musclecar in my day that did not have at least a set of mags put on. Too many cars get restored today and lose their real identity. Do what makes you happy! Worry more about fun than value for now.