Hey, just wanted to know what you guys thought of headers. I am stuck between staying stock or going with headers. I am running an AMC 360 and looking at the edelbrock 65912 ceramic coated headers. They fit in the stock location and need no modifications. 2 years ago I tried to install headman rear exit and had problems with the linkage on my 904 tranny so I took them back. I have been told that the factory manifolds flow very well and that going to a header is not worth the money for the gain you will get. What do you guys think?

I like the Edelbrock headders. Sooner or later the OEM manifolds will crack and they are getting harder to fine. Also I don't run smog stuff so the headders look cleaner. I don't know how much additional horsepower you will get though.

I disagree. I think the stock manifolds flow well and IMHO the old AMC v8's aren't that prone to cracking. I'd leave it the way it is.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, then go for it. They will look nicer and your ass-o-meter will proably tell you its better, if only to justify the price. (unless you have buyer's remorse, then you'll think their crap)

If you take it to a dyno, it'd be interesting to see before & after power numbers to take a look. I couldn't find any numbers published saying what they'll do.

I feel lucky. 31 years and my stock AMC 360 exhuast manifolds have not cracked.

Well My jeep came with the 360 but no manifolds, I think I'm just gonna go headers. Prolly something cheaper but I'm not looking for a power boost. And I do LOVE the sound of a healthy V-8.

A healthy V-8 isn't going to sound much differient with headers.... Unless you are counting on the constant tick of an exhaust leak.

I threw my headers across the yard after I had enough of fighting with keeping them tight and them being in the way of tightening my motor mounts.

My manifolds are as old as I am, they work just fine. I've never heard of someone cracking one, where do you get this, beat95yj? Maybe someone overheated their junk?

maybe he's thinking of how the newer I-6 manifolds are very prone to cracking? Tj's are having problems at only 30k some of them.

maybe he's thinking of how the newer I-6 manifolds are very prone to cracking? Tj's are having problems at only 30k some of them.

That's probably where it came from.

AMC V8 manifolds do crack.....just like any other brand of motor- ford, GM, chrysler.

Dunk them in cold water enough times and they will crack.

AMC manifolds already flow very well..better than most others. Replacing them with regular headers will probably not gain anything, other than looks and a slightly different sound. If you really want some added performance, you need to invest in a set of Thorley Tri-Y headers. They are bomb proof.

The Edys are nice in that they are a direct swap for the factory cast manifolds and will add some bling under the hood.

Well I guess that really answers my question. I really don't have a hole burning in my pocket, and could really do without spending that amount of money. If going with a header will not drastically do anything major for my power, then I will stick with the stock manifolds. I anybody knows of anything different then please let me know. I have read and heard of people saying the gain is not worth the money, I guess you guys have finalized this for me. Thanks guys.

My manifolds are as old as I am, they work just fine. I've never heard of someone cracking one, where do you get this, beat95yj? Maybe someone overheated their junk?


Over the years I have found more cracked AMC v8 manifolds than not. The I6 are also prone to cracking. Quite a few of my friends run the AMC and we have on occasion had to scrounge for them in the Sac area. Never tried in LA.