are tubular header worth it and is exhaust insulating wrap a good idea?

[Stuart gregg]

Hi,
I have owned my 74 stag for a couple of months and use it everyday. It has taken those months to iron out lots of little issues as the car was only ever used once a month for past 20 years.
I am now looking to put tubular headers on it and have been told to use exhaust wrap to avoid cooking my engine bay.
1st is fitting the headers worth it?
2nd should I wrap them... shame to cover nice stainless system but ...?

[DJT]

My experience over the past 12 months and 4000 miles since I fitted Phoenix tubular manifolds after 80,000 miles of Stag driving with standard manifolds:

1. I have no comparison performance figures, but the engine seems to be more free-revving and has better torque.
2. Not necessary

Is it worth it? That depends on how you value cash spent on the Stag and how you intend to use the car.

[milothedog]

I have tubular manifolds and agree about being more free revving. They are noisier than cast ones though so wrapping will combat that a I suppose, re the heat, mine are not wrapped and my ignition module with a plastic cover is fixed to the inner wing adjacent the R/H manifold, has been since 2003 as far as I know and is fine.

Ian.

[wilf]

I found that the exhaust wrap rotted out my headers, would not use it again unless I really HAD to stop heat emissions form an exhaust run. And then I would probably go the ceramic coating route.

[Robmsharp]

There's a recent thread started by the Flying Farmer on tuning the Stag engine which includes information on tubular headers. Its fascinating reading and on-going, but can I suggest you read it and see what conclusions you draw?