What are headers?

I hear them mentioned a lot when people are talking about beefing up their cars. What / where are they? And what do they do?

Header is an exhaust manifold that uses tube leads from each cylinder then merges them. Most factory exhaust manifolds (more particularly older motors) are what is called a log type manifold where they all flow from short leads into one "log". Headers flow better than the factory manifold and are tuned better.

Headers allow more air flow which lets the engine flow better......better airflow=more power

Actualy a more accurate term would be to say its the "Head" of the exahaust system.

i.e. the part that collects the exhaust gas from the cylinder head and gathers it together into the pipe or pipes that will carry it away from the enigne. Usualy out the back of the car.

Its essentialy another work for exhaust manifold. But can encompass a little more of the pipe work, depending on how you want to use the term.


In comon language the term headers has come to mean an after market exhaust manifold, but thats not a stricktly acurate use of the term.



And don't always think that fitting an aftermarket exhaust manifold will give you more power, engine tuning is never that easy.