What are your opinions regarding headers vs. Dutra Duals? I see it as follows: DD's give you manifold heat, and won't yield those pesky header leaks. Is the performance difference yielded by tube headers (like those from Clifford) worth the headache on the street? I guess with the little I know, I'd say no, but what are everybody's thoughts?

dbuser@northernenvironmental.com

I would say the power is the same up to 4000-4500 and then the tube headers give you another 5-8% increase above that RPM.

The DDuals also keep the choke provisions (choke stove mounting pocket) and allow you to use your current exhaust system for the rear manifold section. (although most users up-grade their exhaust system to dual 2 inch pipe set-up)

DDuals are going to fit without any bending, denting, welding work and as you said, the iron manifolds last a lifetime. I have had a set on my 66 Dart wagon for the last 12 years with zero problems, not even an exhaust gasket leak.

How does the set-up work for other users out there? (I've done these manifolds since 1989 so there are a few out there)
DD

I'll also ask: What about tight-clearance situations, like a '62 Lancer with a 225 and A/C? How do you snake a headpipe up to the front manifold outlet?

redbear@vrx.net

I clears just fine in my 66 Dart with AC, PS, AT, etc.
It kinda looks like this except with a big AC compressor in the way! (there is a decent amount of room between the compressor to engine mount support strut and the other manifold, you can route a 2" - 2 1/4" pipe)
DD


<img src="http://www.dutra.org/doug/doug-sl6-exhaust/2bbl-dual.jpg" width=450>

. . . I have had a

I feel that a benefit not mentioned much for DD's is the elimination of intake manifold vacuum leaks. With the full 6 exhausts ( read a great deal of thermal expansion/contraction), one must be careful with the torque. Too much and the exhaust cracks between 3 & 4. Too little and they both leak. Add slight surface imperfections or marginal gaskets to the mix and the problem becomes more likely.
The split exhaust allows one to increase the torque to over come these marginal conditions without risking a cracked exhaust manifold.

ahtoews@shaw.ca