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Headers and Exhaust: Give Your Ride a Swift Kick in the Tailpipe    by David S. Brooks

One of the easiest ways to really get your motor cranking is to let it exhale. A free-flowing exhaust kit coupled with set of tuned headers is a sure fire recipe for intense performance. It’ll take some hard work, but the resulting growl and in-your-seat power will leave the competition eating your dust.

The internal combustion engine is a wonder of ingenuity and engineering. Over the last century the design has been tweaked and tuned for more power, efficiency and lower emissions. Complex gadgetry–electronic, mechanical or otherwise–is par for the course and the modern engine seems a far cry from those humble old mills that Henry Ford was tinkering with.

The one thing that remains constant through the years is that the internal combustion engine is simply a large air pump. Make no mistake, whether it’s the 5hp Briggs & Stratton on your lawnmower or the 400hp supercharged powerhouse on your Mustang Cobra, it’s still just a pump. Air from the atmosphere sucks in, does its thing, then pumps out as exhaust gas–simple.

If you think that pumping more air equals more power, you are absolutely correct. The most popular products in the automotive aftermarket are air intakes and exhaust–products that get the air pumping. Let’s take a closer look at the latter: performance exhaust and headers.

Performance exhaust works by simply getting more air out, as we covered earlier. Aftermarket exhaust usually means larger diameter tubing and higher-flowing mufflers. The bends are done with a mandrel, which means the diameter stays true through the length of the pipe. Normal bending squeezes the tubes at the bends which causes restrictions in flow.

Higher-end kits are actually tuned to create some backpressure which results in a phenomenon known as exhaust scavenging. As the exhaust flows through the tube a vacuum effect begins that essentially sucks the gasses out of the chamber, rather than them being pushed by combustion. Scavenging is the magic behind performance exhaust.

Another benefit of performance exhaust is the sound. When you hear that throaty roar, it can only mean one thing–power. Whether it’s the low, deep rumble heard while idling at the light or the screaming wail let off while the needle tickles the redline, there is no mistaking the classic sound of a quality exhaust system.

The front end of any true performance system is a set of headers. Most engines come from the factory equipped with a heavy, cast-iron exhaust manifold. Not only do these things weigh a ton, they are constrictive by nature. A nice set of headers is made of lightweight tubing, the best being T-304 stainless steel. They not only increase exhaust flow, they shave excess weight which can be the difference between the checkered flag and sucking dust.

Performance headers also offer a lot in terms of tunability. Depending on how they’re shaped, a tuned header can increase low-end torque, top-end speed or mid-range drivability. The one drawback of headers is that installation can get pretty difficult. Engine bays are traditionally filled to the gills and trying to thread 3 feet of odd shaped tubing through this menagerie can get maddening.

There you have it, for any serious performance project, a set of headers and a nice exhaust system is a must. Street rods, cruisers, trucks, sport compacts–even family sedan come alive when allowed to breathe freely. Toss in a cold air intake and a performance chip and you’ll be chewing up the competition all over town.

The bottom line is that a JBA exhaust system and a set of JBA headers could deliver the single biggest power gains for your money. There are many companies out there specializing in exhaust and finding a kit for most modern vehicles is easy. – David S. Brooks

About the Author

David Brooks is the SEO Manager for AutoAnytyhing, an auto accessories and performance parts e-tailer based in San Diego, CA.
1962 Briggs & Stratton vintage NOS 6hp engine cushman OMC closet find

NOS Briggs & Stratton 26855 / 692522 Governor Spring $3.98

NOS Briggs & Stratton 27660 Air Cleaner Mounting Gasket $2.65

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON MUFFLER DEFLECTOR 393757 $5.00

NOS Briggs & Stratton Recoil Starter Assembly Not Aftermarket 495766 9415 $29.95

NOS BRIGGS & STRATTON PARTS LOT – GREAT DEAL $50.00

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON GASKET – CYLINDER HEAD PART 27670 & 272167 NOS $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREEN – CARBURETOR PART 691213 NOS $3.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW .355 DIA. SHOULDER 5/16″ LG. 3/16 LG THD 691696 NOS $2.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON TAPPET – VALVE PART 63788 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW 2 7/8″ LG SHOULDER & 1/2″ LG THD 691114 UNOPENED NOS $1.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW HEX HD 1/16LG .215DIA SHOULDER 1/4LG THD 691002 NOS $1.24

BRIGGS & STRATTON CRANK GOVERNOR PART 692012 NOS $5.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW HEX HD 2 3/8″ UNDER HD 1 3/8″ THD 92674 & 691441 NOS $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PULLER NUT PART 19140 NEW OLD STOCK $12.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SPACER – INTAKE ELBOW 210596 NEW OLD STOCK $9.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW – SLOTTED PART 691671 NEW OLD STOCK $2.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON CLAMP – CASING PART 22372 NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

One Genuine Briggs & Stratton Gasket Intake Part 270972 New Old Stock $1.24

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PISTON RING .010 PART 21376 NOS $9.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW HEX HD W/FLANGE 3/8″ LG THD 691003 NOS $1.24

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON PIPE – FUEL PART 296476 NOS $3.75

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON WASHER PART 691261 NOS $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LOCK – PISTON PIN PART 26026 NEW OLD STOCK $1.12

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW HEX HEAD 1 3/4″ LG SHOULDER 1/2″ LG THD 691413 NOS $2.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON STRAP – STARTER PART 221443 NEW OLD STOCK $9.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON VENTURI – CARBURETOR PART 21216 NOS $9.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PIN – FLOAT HINGE PART 23114 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SEAL – OIL PART 393812 NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE SET OF 2 BRIGGS STRATTON PAWL RATCHET PART 808166 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $5.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON NUT – GOVERNOR ADJUSTING PART 21772 & 691584 NOS $2.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON DIAPHRAGM – CARBURETOR PART 691871 NEW OLD STOCK $3.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LOCK – MUFFLER SCREW PART 230016 & 691178 NOS $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREEN – ROTATING PART 223006 NEW OLD STOCK $7.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON BUSHING – OIL SEAL CLAMP PART 21802 NOS $9.95

BRIGGS & STRATTON SPRING – LINK 261108 NOS $5.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PLUNGER HOLE GAGE PART 19067 NEW OLD STOCK $6.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON VALVE – EXHAUST PART 261503 NEW OLD STOCK $12.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SPRING FRICTION PART 691855 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON ANCHOR – REWIND SPRING PART 221014 NEW OLD STOCK $1.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SPRING – VALVE PART 26826 NEW OLD STOCK $3.95

BRIGGS & STRATTON LOCK – PISTON PIN 691866 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW SLOTTED – SELF TAP 1/4″ LG. THD. 92265 NEW OLD STOCK $1.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PAWL – RATCHET PART 281505S UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

BRIGGS & STRATTON SPRING – DIODE PART 261269 NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON TUBE – BREATHER PART 230346 NEW OLD STOCK $3.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LEVER – CONTROL PART 22814 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW PART 691351 4″ lg 3 1/2″ shoulder UNOPENED NOS $2.12

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON EXHAUST VALVE 262246S $25.00

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON INTAKE VALVE 260961 $7.00

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON LOCKNUT – MUFFLER 1″ PIPE THD PART 691808 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON INTAKE VALVE 296677 $7.00

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON ROD – CONTROL PART 230680 NEW OLD STOCK $6.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LINK – GOVERNOR PART 260872 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON ROD GUIDE 396084 $15.00

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PIN – ROPE PULLEY PART 231048 NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON ROD – GOVERNOR CONTROL PART 230039 NEW OLD STOCK $6.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON STOP – CONTROL ROD PART 230253 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PLUG GAGE PART 19178 NEW OLD STOCK UNOPENED $44.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LOCK CONECTING ROD SCREW PART 22856 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON SHIELD – HEAT PART 222981 & 690477 NEW OLD STOCK $9.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON WASHER – SEALING PART 691766 UNOPENED NOS $1.24

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON VALVE – NEEDLE PART 231533 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PIN – VALVE SPRING RETAINER PART 23187 NOS $4.95

BRIGGS & STRATTON LINK – CHOKE PART 261274 NOS $4.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON BRACKET CHOKE LEVER 223887 & 691756 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON DEFLECTOR – MUFFLER (DIRECT OUTLET) 221527 NOS $6.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON RING – RETAINING 691124 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

BRIGGS & STRATTON VALVE – INTAKE PART 261233 NOS $4.00

BRIGGS & STRATTON NUT – LOCK PART 91242 NOS $1.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON LINK – GOVERNOR PART 260661 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON GASKET – INTAKE PART 270070 NEW OLD STOCK $2.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON RETAINER – NEEDLE VALVE PART 23117 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON WASHER PART 220680 & 690390 NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

Briggs & Stratton Throttle Valve Part 211203 NOS $2.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON WASHER 5/8″ID X 1 1/16″OD X .086TK PART 691736 NOS $1.12

BRIGGS & STRATTON TUBE – BREATHER PART 230717 NOS $2.12

BRIGGS & STRATTON VALVE – IDLE ADJUST PART 491538 NOS $3.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON ANCHOR – REWIND SPRING PART 691734 NOS $1.95

BRIGGS & STRATTON SCREW PART 691664 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.24

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON PULLER NUT PART 19141 NEW OLD STOCK $12.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON GASKET – PUMP PART 271025 NEW OLD STOCK $1.12

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON WASHER PART 22235 AND 690257 NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON DEFLECTOR – MUFFLER PART 221861 NEW OLD STOCK $4.95

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON GOVERNOR GEAR 393720 $20.00

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON THROTTLE SHAFT 692018 $5.50

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON GASKET – FLOAT BOWL 692190 UNOPENED NEW OLD STOCK $1.95

ONE BRIGGS & STRATTON STUD HEX STOCK WITH 3/8″ LG THD AND INTERALTHD 691094 NOS $5.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON RETAINER – SPRING PART 224321 NEW OLD STOCK $3.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON BUSHING – VALVE GUIDE PART 230655 NEW OLD STOCK $9.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON BRACKET – CARBURETOR PART 221611 NLA NEW OLD STOCK $3.95

ONE GENUINE BRIGGS & STRATTON VALVE – EXHAUST PART 212004 NEW OLD STOCK $7.95

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON LINKAGE LEVER 494112 $5.50

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON TUBE 280504 $5.00

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON GOVERNOR VANE BLADE 498770 $7.00

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON AIR FILTER 494511S $7.00

NOS OEM BRIGGS STRATTON FUEL TANK BRACKET 692535 $18.00

NOS BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE AIR CLEANER SCREW PN 93622 $1.99

NOS BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE OIL SEAL PN 3913812 $1.99

NOS BRIGGS & STRATTON BREAKER POINTS ASSEMBLY PN 29667 $4.00

NOS BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINE OIL SEAL PN 391483 $1.99