Has anybody seen a great increase in performance by installing Downey headers on a 3.0 auto. I have been debating buying a set, but I do not know if it is worth it yet. I have also contemplated JBA headers so if there is anyone with some advice on those I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

im guessing you didint search

 

Oh, I have read several posts regarding various headers. I cannot seem to derive a definitive answer to my question of the worth of a header. Some seem to advocate them heavily whereas others do not seem as pleased. I do appreciate your looking at my post, but please do not tell me that I need to search. If it places anyone out of his/her way to read my post then it only seems that it would be futher out of his/her way to post in my thread. I would enjoy some personal opinion on my question. Once again, thanks for taking the time to read my thread.

 

I've been running downey headers for quite a few years now. I'm happy with them. Don't expect them to turn your rig into a racecar. But the performance gain is definitely noticable. I would estimate the increase at about 10 rwhp. They are worth it, in my opinion. I'd do it again.

Things to consider:
-You will need to go with a new cross-over. I'm using downey's, but you can certainly go custom.
-Heat. Definitely get the ceramic coated headers, and make damned sure that nothing is touching them (wires, hoses, etc)
- You have an auto tranny. You will need to relocate or purchase a new t-case cooler. It sits on your passenger side frame rail, right in the path of that header's drop out point. I found this out while ordering my headers, so I opted to add downey's t-case cooler. I'm sure you could find a cheaper one at a local auto parts store.

 

Thanks.

 

There are plenty of topics... 307 pages worth to be exact. You just have to read.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ht=3.0+headers

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ht=3.0+headers

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ht=3.0+headers

Whether or not it's an auto is irrelevant. The gains are relative... autos are a little underpowered compared to manuals, but that's only because of the tranny, not the engine. The headers will have the same effect on crank HP regardless of which tranny you have.

In all reality, if I could have done mine again, I would have just replaced the exhaust pipes from the crossover pipe connector and back with something like a 2.25" to 2.5" pipe, and left the manifolds as they were. I'd be willing to bet gain differences would have been possibly too small to notice, even on a dyno.