Like KEPP posted, if you plan on leaving the engine stock, there is no reason to buy a header system. You won't see any hp gain. If manifolds are cheaper, stay with them.

Unless you want some bling.. :-)

Jeff....I do plan on upgrades for the 500's. We are going with a bigger cam and better valves for now. Next year we will probably do more upgrades to them. If I can get headers for the price of manifolds I'm in. Besides who doesn't like more bling???


Chuck

Give Brownie and call at Stainless Marine. I think you'll be surprised at what you can put thru their stuff.

Actual headers will also make changing spark plugs easier.

You will be fine with the headers, even if you add blower!!

The 500 Whipple is set up for stock exhaust. Stock exhaust on the later 500 is an Etop!!

I hear you on the bling. Some advice, the first thing I would do to that engine is either new heads, or work the current heads. They are a big limiting factor. I think you will be disapointed with just caming it up, and no head work. I have a buddy who has just gone through all this. Rebuild hos carb 500, new rotating assembly, little better than stock, higher compresion, bigger cam, bigger carb, he only gained 2 mph. when up 1/2 a pitch prop. The heads are his limiting factor. No sence buying headers when the heads don't flow good enough.

My 2 cents.

Call David Wade Marine in Baton Rouge. I dont know if he still has it or not, but he had the cig that went in the woods a couple years ago on the tf200. The motors were fried but I believe they were hp500`s. you may get a good deal on used parts

CJ I am thinking of putting some Dart heads on the engines. Do you think that would be a good choice? I have a set already so I would only need to buy 1 more set.
I have a 540c.i. Bowtie engine that I may start to cannibalize. The 540 is down to the short block so the parts are readily available. To many options in to little time with not enough money = a big effin headache!!!

Chuck

Thanks bro! I will give them a call first thing Monday morning.
Take care!
Chuck

I am still draggin azz on this manifold issue. Can anyone give me some input on Imco Powerflow manifolds? Are they any good? Thanks guys.

Chuck