Ok so is there any difference in performance on up swept vs down swept headers on dragsters or is it simply owner preference? I am working with a Small block with the Stahl pattern and need headers just looking for some info before I buy something. Also if anyone has anything laying around let me know. Price could sway my decision.

I like my upswept headers because you don’t get burned near as often.

Yea, its monkey see, monkey do.... that being said I have the downs on this car but liked the ups on the old car better and if I bought new it would be ups and chromed...

Easier plug access,No ankle damage or flash burns.
More floor space for more junk. ETC. Plus if you have an engine issue, the *** hopefully won't blow under the hides. Plus if you're running Q16, it is an excellent mosquito killer.lol

quote:

Originally posted by Freddie:
Ok so is there any difference in performance on up swept vs down swept headers on dragsters or is it simply owner preference? I am working with a Small block with the Stahl pattern and need headers just looking for some info before I buy something. Also if anyone has anything laying around let me know. Price could sway my decision.

Apples to apples IMO none that you would ever see on track!

For the folks who complain about burning legs with down swepts,, take your pick, arms for up swepts and legs for down! Looks is just personal preference.

For racers putting two dragsters in one trailer, ups may provide more space but I have never had issues doing this with either.

LOL, I have up's and if i get burned it is my knee area (when fueling etc) or my wrist area (when pulling a plug for a read).

Scott

not to hijack, but is there a real advantage of stainless vs mild steel? thinking about some new ones myself?

quote:

Originally posted by DRB Motorsports:
not to hijack, but is there a real advantage of stainless vs mild steel? thinking about some new ones myself?

Good question. I was also considering if there is any difference in the Borla Mufflers or just open?

IMO stainless is the only way to go. Steel will rust from the inside out.

Borla collector mufflers work good, usually you loose ET based on the weight they add vs just an open collector, HP is not normally effected from what I have seen.

Have had both, burns can happen with either if you're not careful...

Didn't see any notable performance difference between either ups or downs. Some will say downs have less wind resistance, for what that's worth...

The stainless up-swept Borlas with the big Borlas mufflers did weigh quite a bit more than the stainless Fab Shop down-swept with merge collectors. My guess would be twice as heavy...

Don't forget to have the collectors welded per rule book or install the clamp and cable kits that are available...


Dan

quote:

Originally posted by DRB Motorsports:
not to hijack, but is there a real advantage of stainless vs mild steel? thinking about some new ones myself?

If you plan to keep them awhile go stainless. Like Al said, all the mild steel ones eventually rust. My stainless headers are also coated so I don’t need to keep up with polishing them.

its harder to work in the trans area with ups.cant coast without rocks going in pipes.i think downs just look better

I can tell you one thing. the Dynatek ups i have are heavy. Stainless, 38 Lbs each

It comes down to personal preference on look and sound honestly... My car has Fabshop stainless steel gen 3 downswepts and those are my all time favorite header made. From what I understand though, there really isn't much of a difference between ups/downs, stainless/mild steel and muffler or no muffler really. If there is any difference, your talking like .02 at the most really.

quote:

Originally posted by TOP38:
IMO stainless is the only way to go. Steel will rust from the inside out.

Borla collector mufflers work good, usually you loose ET based on the weight they add vs just an open collector, HP is not normally effected from what I have seen.

Agree with Al on the Borlas. I just put the typical chrome Dynatech downswept on my car... they are cool looking but I'm not impressed with the quality. Go with a good set of stainless.