Headers

[gtwhimself]

I'm looking for help in evaluating the different headers available for my '88 Spider. The IAP (and similar) headers are the least expensive, but discolor easily, can be a source of additional heat in the engine compartment (I would probably get Jet-Hot coating), and, from what I can see in photos, the pipes aren't equal-length.

Headers from Sprull or Sperry (if Sperry still makes them) are more than twice the price of IAP, but look like equal-length pipes. Also, because Sprull and Sperry are Alfa performance shops, I suspect they've put more R&D into pipe length, material, etc.

Any thoughts/experience with these different headers - performance gains, installation problems, durability?

[desert spider]

I put Centerline Products headers on a few weeks ago. The plating does deteriorate almost immediatly and I have been told by several others that it will happen to any plated headers you buy. So you're probably better off buying unplated from the beginning. Headers do generate more heat in the engine compartment, and I have been advised to wrap the them with exhaust tape to provide some insulation. I hestitate to do it, however because it looks like a nasty job and the headers look good. Instead, I am going to wrap the brake fluid reservoir, put a turn of insulation on the rubber injection system cross- over pipe and any thing else that looks suspect. As far as equal length of the runs, mine look pretty good, but not perfect. Nevertheless, I do notice an improvement in acceleration at the mid to upper range, and since I have a street machine, I doubt if an inch or so more or less on any given pipe run will make that much difference. If you are determined to get more expensive headers, buy them or have them fabricated in stainless. They'll cost a lot more than I paid, but they won't discolor nearly as much, but heat output in the engine compartment will still be a problem.
Jmi Evidon
Desert Spider (Spider Veloce '84)