Stock exhaust manifolds vs. Headers V-6

I currently have fender well dump headers which are falling apart and considering which exhaust system to replace them with. If I go with stock manifolds will I notice any significant difference in torque/horsepower? I definitely want to install a system that dumps out the back to quiet this thing.

 

I personally always prefer stock when it can be used. I know that will be the odd one out opinion but I find after market headers are seldom made anywhere near as well as factory manifolds, no matter how they flow

I also find that headers can decrease an engines torque. I know people will not agree but I have seen the numbers from hundreds of hours of testing to back that opinion up

 

I run my rigs very stock in the exhaust department, save the ford.
That being said, I prefer to just leave the stock manifolds.
Easier.

 

Sounds like I won't notice much difference between the headers and stock manifolds. I won't worry about losing top-end since I only cruise slowly on the road and most of time drive off-road. Looking forward to having a nice quiet ride in the future.

 

On a JEEP, you should take into consideration more than just airflow. JEEPs bouncing up a trail or a drivetrain torquing in low range puts a lot of stress on relatively thin wall headers. I'm maybe slightly more abusive to my HEEP than the average owner, but it got to the point where I was re-welding the headers after every trail run. Manifolds are much more durable just by nature of the cast iron, been running a set hard for a year now and no cracks.

 

Even a stock 225 comes alive with open headers.
Problem is, not too many places left where you can legally run open headers, sand dunes ?
In the dunes, open headers make a big difference.

 

The AA V6 conversion headers on my 2A are 30 years old this year.
Welded one crack in the collector 2 years ago.
Can't do much better than that.
I might replace them this year, I might not.

 

You could "open" the stock exhaust manifold and it would do the same thing, probably better

 

Ok, thanks for the replies......looking like I won't notice the difference much between stock maniflolds and headers. I have seen a pair of Sanderson headers installed and will check out a stock setup next week. Having both a steering and pto shaft under the driver's side to deal with I'll need to compare different setups and find what will work best. Looks like the new headers are 16 gauge, I like AA's guarantee that lets you send them back if they don't fit as you would like. Mine have become brittle after years of use, patched them up and hope to make in thru spring when I will replace them with the new system.

 

Thanks Chuck, I'll give Novak a call and ask. My jeep spends it's winter near Yuma, going out this weekend and will take measurements and pics, figure out which way to go. I'm leaning toward stock but I do like the look of headers.