headers

[poorfarmer]

has anyone out there installed any banks headers on their 8.1? i have a true dual exhaust with crossover pipe and 3 chamber flowmasters 50 series mufflers. i was just wondering if the headers would be worth the effort. i have a pipe bender and shop and i do all my own work. i know the race car loves the headers and i'm sure the rv would love them too just wondering if anyone out there can give me some real world experience on them. i know all the manufacturers can give you awesome dyno horsepower numbers, but i'd love to hear from someone who actually has tried them. thanks again to the best web-site going!

[oemtech]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorfarmer has anyone out there installed any banks headers on their 8.1? i have a true dual exhaust with crossover pipe and 3 chamber flowmasters 50 series mufflers. i was just wondering if the headers would be worth the effort. i have a pipe bender and shop and i do all my own work. i know the race car loves the headers and i'm sure the rv would love them too just wondering if anyone out there can give me some real world experience on them. i know all the manufacturers can give you awesome dyno horsepower numbers, but i'd love to hear from someone who actually has tried them. thanks again to the best web-site going!

Yes... headers will wake up the 8.1. But be sure that the O2 sensor are equal distance to each other from a given point. In other words one can't further downstream than the other. You may also need to recalibrate the MAF with a set of headers. It happens with Banks installs.

OBTW - Bend me a set of 180 degree ones. As an old race guy you will know what I am talking. Oooh what sweet sound that would be.

[Mr JP]

I have the banks set up on my 8.1 I can not talk about a comparision because the banks was on it when i purchased this coach about a year ago. The banks does not run true dual exhaust after the cats it goes back into a single muffler then 3 or 4" exhaust. I just put a new set of Taylor Extremes wires on it so we will try them next weekend on a trip. I would go for it if I did not have it on here. Good Luck

[DriVer]

Gale Banks designed Headers came as standard equipment on the Super Sport Chassis (SSC) optioned chassis. I have seen these at shows so I know they are out there. They were on Coachmen W22s and possibly W24s.

[R Shomo]

I have a 07 Allegro Bay with the 8.1 lt. after 2 years of ownership, I installed the Banks Power Pak System and it make a big difference. Only a small (.5 mpg increase), but a very nice gain in power. I would do it again on another one.
R Shomo

[poorfarmer]

thanks for all the responses. you'all talked me into it. looks like headers are in my future! hey oemtech, wouldn't it be greast to pull into a campground with a set of 180 degree headers and the old timey "thrush" mufflerrs with no cats! talk about the people complaining about diesels cranking up early in the morning!

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorfarmer thanks for all the responses. you'all talked me into it. looks like headers are in my future! hey oemtech, wouldn't it be great to pull into a campground with a set of 180 degree headers and the old timey "thrush" mufflers with no cats! talk about the people complaining about diesels cranking up early in the morning!

Poorfarmer, Careful removing those manifold bolts, my dealer replaced my gasket and broke 2 studs. We needed a welder to come in and back out the broken studs.

The dealer had a V10 in for a set of headers and broke about 6 all together. That's one task I would not look forward to.

[oemtech]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poorfarmer thanks for all the responses. You'all talked me into it. Looks like headers are in my future! Hey oemtech, wouldn't it be greast to pull into a campground with a set of 180 degree headers and the old timey "thrush" mufflerrs with no cats! Talk about the people complaining about diesels cranking up early in the morning!

I don't think many on this forum have ever heard a set of 180's on a BBC...

[oemtech]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Poorfarmer, Careful removing those manifold bolts, my dealer replaced my gasket and broke 2 studs. We needed a welder to come in and back out the broken studs. The dealer had a V10 in for a set of headers and broke about 6 all together. That's one task I would not look forward to.

I have to agree with Mike.. I would be using some Kroil Oil on those bolts before I tried to remove them.

[ron55]

Hooker headers and free flowing mufflers on a 460 ford, I could tell no difference except for the noise and they rusted out in one year, replaced and the headers rusted out again.

[oemtech]

Ceramic coated versions or SS will last...

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron55 Hooker headers and free flowing mufflers on a 460 ford, I could tell no difference except for the noise and they rusted out in one year, replaced and the headers rusted out again.

Good News is ... you wouldn't be breaking too many manifold bolts if you need to keep replacing the headers!

[poorfarmer]

will definitely spray the bolts ahead of time. have got lots of experience with broken manifold bolts, don't want to have to do it but can handle the job if one does break. i remember back when i would install headers on the old F.E ford motors not to many of them came out without at least one or two broken bolts. i got use to removing the heads on lots of them to get the bolts out properly. thanks again everyone for your responses

[Alleyman]

Just installed the Banks Power Pack on our 2004 Dolphin 8.1. Works great! definetly feel the added totque on the hills and 45 to 65 acceleration.