I have a stock 235 in 60 Apache and want the sound of the "split" exhaust. My question, will I see any performance difference between a split original manifold and a set of tube headers? Other than the cool look I don't know which is best. Future plans call for a Webber 2 barrel and that's about it.

Has anyone ever seen dyno (or road) tests between a split manifold and a set of "headers", like Fentons? I would be surprised if there would be much difference. Either would help. One advantage (at least to some people) with the split stock (or a Corvette Six) manifold would be the ease of providing heat to the lower surface of the intake manifold. Tom Langdon recommends using engine coolant for intake manifold heat when using Fenton headers.

If you aren't upgrading the head I doubt tube headers will give you anything in performance. Even a lot of straight six BMW engines use split manifolds instead of long tube headers.

My 2cents
Yes you will feel a diffference in split exhaust/
Headers Over a stock exhaust. Not Like a 100% difference But a difference. I know i did with my 250.

I would recommend the Fenton Headers over long tubes. Your stock exhaust pipe will tie in without modification to the rear section of the Fentons so you'll save a few bucks on the system. Stick with the stock 1-7/8" exhaust pipes so you don't flatten out your low end torque. Although Tom L. recommends water heat, I used exhaust heat and it works like a charm. Be sure to heat the intake...it does make a big difference. I've used both his single holley/weber and am now running a dual carter/weber setup...both were flawless right out of the box. I have pics in my webshots albums of the Fentons and the carb setups.

Dave

Headers are much better always.

The "split manifold" modification was a "cheap charlie" way to get duals in the 50s.

Headers are so cheap nowdays "no contest", there even on e-bay etc.

Good luck.

Tubular headers or cast two piece manifolds. Kansas Kustoms used to split manifolds but with the choices we have now it's hardly worth it.

I'm running a vette split exhaust with 2" all the way back with a pair of steel pacs in the stock location on my '46 chev. I love the sound.