Kerry hunter or stock SS exchangers for my '74? Options

[JonH]

Help me decide what to do with my '74 2.0l. I plan on removing the aftermarket dual tip muffler I have now to go to a stock set up and rear valence. I've got both a brand new NOS Kerry Hunter header and some nice used SS heat exchangers and exhaust along with a stock valence.

Question is this, will the headers make any difference on a stock FI 2.0l to warrant the expense in making a custom muffler work or should I sell the headers and stick with heat and the SS pipes? Other than maybe a digital ignition I don't plan on doing any mods to this engine which makes me think I won't see much gain with the headers. Anybody know if headers will even get me 5+hp out of a stock 2.0?
Thanks

[drgchapman]

Several years ago I had a KH header/supertrap set up on a stock 2.0 d-jet. From the stock set up it added more top end. Engine would rev higher and pull longer. I was running ax and it helped to extend 2nd gear in a run. It did not exit the stock valence correctly. The supertrap was prety loud for street use. You will have no heat with it as well. Depending on your usage, I would eval on the heat issue alone.

[MrKona]

Grassroots Motorsports magazine tested a Kerry Hunter/Supertrapp setup in February 2002. Their baseline peak HP was 106.9 at 5100 rpm produced from a modified 2.0 (9.2:1 CR, Web-Cam #73 cam, and Euro P/Cs), SS heat exchangers, and stock muffler.

The Kerry Hunter/Supertrapp produced 111.3 peak HP at 5100 rpm.

They commented that the Kerry Hunter system was "louder, but certainly not objectionable." Also noted that it's 16 pounds lighter than SS exchangers + Bursch exhaust.

These data aren't from a stock setup, but may be a good reference point for you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

[JonH]

Excellent info guys, thanks. Looks like it might be worth a couple of HP on a stock D-jet car but it might not be worth the $ without more mods or giving up the heat. I think I'm leaning towards the exchangers and a stock muffler and selling the headers for now.

[johnnie5]

Last year when I installed my 2056 from McMark, I was faced with the same decision. I am running dual 40 Webers, a Mallory optical, and an MSD. I was also considering buying headers from Chris (Tangerine) when I bought the dizzy and wires, but chose to save the bucks and keep the heat. Even though I live in San Diego, it still gets cold at night in the winter, and I drive my car at night in the winter - with the top off. I'm sure his headers would give me a noticeable gain, but then again they are 4 times the price I paid for nearly new 2.0 SS's.

My $.02 cents

[VaccaRabite]

I don't know that the KH headers are still being made. There are similar ones being produced these days now, though.

Zach

[JonH]

I don't know that the KH headers are still being made. There are similar ones being produced these days now, though.

Zach

I was lucky to buy a set new in box that came with race car project years back. My car is ready for a valve job so I thought why not pull the exhaust while I'm in there. I think AA is making the same thing now for like $550?

[GeorgeRud]

If you're driving the car on the street in the midwest, you'll want heat. I had headers on my 914-6 conversion for a while, and was very happy when I was able to find some heat exchangers to get defrosting back and extend the driving season.