I Built a Set of 180 Degree Headers for the Perfect Sound

Today we build a set of 180 degree headers for my Gen 5 LT engine in my 1963 Studebaker Lark and show the science behind the mess of tubes. Also we give an update on Dad's 1948 Studebaker Champion Gasser.
Stainless Header Mfg: www.stainlessheaders.com/
T-Shirts: www.paccracing.com/store

[@ReignitedAuto]

"Because it sounds cool. " literally the only reason I need to build something as well 😄. Great work on this headers they look beautiful 👏

[@pimpnick4920]

F yes mate. I have a slow ass 99 q45 that needs to sound awesome. I have plenty of time to hear it wind up bc it's slow

[@freedblowfish3705]

I REALLY want to crossplane crank swap my inline 4 PURELY because sound, any other benefits are bonus

[@gregpadberg1402]

The glorious sound of a flat plane crank, but with a stock crank! Good to hear from Dad again since the accident, and that he is seeing continuous gradual progress on his healing journey while looking forward to more racing days ahead. I really appreciate the unconventional approaches and the mix of theory, fabrication, and outstanding workmanship. Here's to the two dudes with two Stude's!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

Wait what happens if you put 180deg headers on a flat plane...does it turn into a normal sounding V8?

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@Skinflaps_Meatslapper I would have to think about that, but I'm pretty sure it would

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@Calvin-Nelson Haha, off to go design some 180 headers for my buddy's Ferrari in secret, he's gonna love it

[@davidmattingly2272]

Rtrd v

[@permafrost2064]

this is awesome! I have never heard of 180 headers and had no idea the engine sound could change so much with a differently designed exhaust. Very interesting stuff!

[@ahow8017]

I had no idea how much this would charge the sound of the V8. I have experience with Subaru equal length vs in-equal length headers and the drastic changes in the sound so it makes sense. You definitely have my attention and have me thinking of my project. Very cool stuff, thank you.

[@lifeofmike5126]

That's why the old 2000s Nascars sounded so different

[@matthewsmith6963]

Totally tubaler

[@Alkatross]

Now it makes sense why some 180 crank cars sound terrible. It's all about the header

[@ArneChristianRosenfeldt]

@@Alkatrossmechanics and engineers used their ears to diagnose an engine. Sounds well or bad was based on experience of that engine in the race. Amateurs judge sound of engines like it is the new TicTok song. Why even comment and spend money on pop music?

[@paulwaite8019]

What's that old saying: "Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." Very happy to see the two of you in the shop. Best of luck! Cheers, Paul

[@erickbernard8208]

This goes hand in hand with greed is a route of evil so well

[@mikedebear]

Gotta respect a man who realizes he's got a weak resistance to impulse decisions when it comes to boost. As a fellow throttle drunk fool, I look forward to hearing this beast scream.

[@xozindustries7451]

Great to see your dad back on his feet and in the garage, it’s probably the best therapy, hope to see you at the track this summer

[@hotflashfoto]

I've never heard of 180 headers before, but this makes perfect sense. Thank you for taking the time to explain it so completely. I believe that I understand headers better now than I ever have.

[@toddaulner5393]

Seen them but had idea

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

One of the reasons I subbed to this channel was you all seem to understand and seek out limitations, of all kind. I like the path you've chosen to follow with 'Da Hawk and wish everyone on the team all the best for the future.

[@bc8683]

the amount of work required to get the desired sound deserves much respect. Those 180s look beautiful also ✊🏾

[@angus3963]

Great TED talk on exhaust manifold design theory and practice. :D

[@lordhumungous7908]

You and I have very different tastes in engine sounds. Excellent video and awesome work on those headers.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

To each their own!

[@andypdq]

@@Calvin-Nelson I also prefer the sound of the traditional system on a crossplane crank V8, however, the performance advantages of the 180 degree headers absolutely cannot be denied, well done sir, you get the cigar!

[@fluffpantss]

I love the theory of "keeping it quick" but not extreme, whilst staying unique. That's what hotroding is, build it to your flavor. Pluss it's a good opportunity to dile in the chassis/suspension. Less power= less breakage= more track time. Trimming the fat off of a 11 or 10 second pass is still fun! I'm excited to see this story unfold.

[@mraycgz]

Absolutely! I don’t have the guts to run a 7 second pass, which wouldn’t even be impressive today. But an 11 second pass that started as a 12 or even low 13 is nothing but fun. It’s cheaper too. With drag racing there’s only a very few people that get to be on the cutting edge of how fast you can possibly go. For the rest of us there’s always more to shave off so you’ll eventually hit a line you can’t cross anyway, why not draw it a little slower and enjoy that.

[@mikehotchkiss8975]

We all bloody win. Thanks for playing

[@topgunne12]

This gives me hope for KZbin. There are still channels that release amazing content specifically geared towards learning and fun. Subbed.

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

I've learned more in the last 10 minutes than I have in a year. Damn fine explanation sir!

[@g.o.b.2558]

Cool projects 👍Good to see your dad getting back at it 👍

[@dilsher12]

Fun fact bmw m5 uses 180 manifold/headers with the 'hot V' setup .

[@Chris-bn1bn]

Save yourself $$$ & have a flat plane crank made. Nobody will want to put that much time and $ to make it sound like a lawnmower. Sorry, but most people love the sound of a radical V8

[@souldoubtcustoms]

You guys give us ham and eggers hope. Thank you for your dedication to the culture. Calvin might have his hands full with Andrews build. Keep up the good work fellas.

[@cmattdabrat]

Don't blame ya one bit for going the NA route. Still can compete and have fun at safer speeds. When I saw the bug, knew exactly who's that was. Was a really cool budget challenge build. Forgot the name of the challenge. At the time I was building my V8 bug. Main reason I got rid of it was, light car a lot of power. Thing felt like it wanted to kill me every time I got in it, so it had to go.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Grassroots Motorsports Challenge. Thanks for the continued support

[@Whatdyoumean]

I wish even 10% of car enthusiasts had half your understanding of exhaust and savaging. Feel like I'm talking a foreign language to even serious racers. Really enjoyed the vid.

[@DuckyHunter812]

Good to see your dad up, around and back to work. I'm glad y'all put such a good cage in the Volvo.

[@facksmasheen]

Great explanation on the 180 headers, I had heard of them before but never really knew how it worked, or what the purpose was. The sound difference is pretty amazing.

[@yucannthahvitt251]

This is good content. Very glad to see you do this. It’s a difficult task with a tough cost benefit analysis, so it’s very rare. On many cars it would be almost impossible to fab a set of these due to space constraints.

[@fredericrike5974]

Glad to see your dad back and with a lot of his "snackle frackle fritzle" up and running- the low tens need to look out! The 180's look great- can't wait to hear them roar! The winner will be the crowd watching, I'm sure!

[@jimmelvin5556]

Awesome to see dad moving around and chipper. Keep doing you

[@thegalli]

So glad to see Dad upright and in the shop!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Me too

[@JimBosGarage49]

It’s good to see your dad doing well and moving around. I’m glad he is ok. So I’m going to be on his side on this one 😂. Good luck pop and give him a but whooping 😂

[@jclaybaugh2]

So happy your Dad is doing good and back in his happy place!

[@NautilusGuitars]

Very good explanation! I've been aware of the 180 degree headers from when I was into the old WRX STI builds in the early 2000s. I understood the premise, but your description really nailed it home for me and made it much more clear how it works.

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

Calvin, you got skills!!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks.

[@Zero-Fox-Garage]

Very cool to see pop feeling better after that wreck! I'll be seeing you guys at Drag week, just registered yesterday morning and bringing a 'Canadian '57 Pontiac to run in B/gas with a small block and TKX 5 speed as well. Cheers!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Sick!! Don't be a afraid to come say Hi.

[@Zero-Fox-Garage]

@@Calvin-Nelson I'll come find you guys for sure!

[@davidreed6070]

I know your dad is still hurting. My prayers are with him. I'm interested in the heads on the small block. Thanks guys

[@Calvin-Nelson]

They're just old used dirt track heads. Lol.

[@BoyGeorgestrait]

It's really good to see your dad on video brother

[@theislandsc]

I’ve been wanting to do a set of 180* headers on my caprice ppv to go along with reducing the crank throw for a higher redline. Not a lot of room to work with on these modern vehicles. The only way I can think of making it work is around the front of the engine and out the hood or front fenders.

[@dr1ver267]

Gosh Calvin why do you have to like everything I like, I can’t stop watching! This is a great alternative to boost, making a 180deg header setup will definitely keep it interesting without all the extra horsepower!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!! We just have good taste, I guess.

[@TurboLSRanger]

So glad to see pops is doing better.

[@EddyLancerHands]

Hell yeah, stick shift drag cars! Slow progress it fine by me, I'll still stick around to watch.

[@zrxdoug]

Welcome back! So glad to see Andrew looking so darn good and still fulla piss & vinegar...the 180 degree header thing was awesomely well presented even if it isn't something that's likely to show up in my garage...the fact that you guys are going balls out with the manual trans cars is VERY much in my wheelhouse, cannot wait for more on your driveline choices & solutions...and dad's turret-top is just EPIC. So glad to see my favorite racing family back in action.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!!

[@1960s_TV]

A man has got to know his (car's) limitations. Ditch the turbo....smart man ❤

[@scotttimpany2845]

Glad to see you on camera Mr. Nelson. You took a hell of a ride! I hope you continue to recover and to feel better.

[@deanpaidas8089]

Love the Studes can’t wait to see them done. Glad to see your dad is doing better

[@about17cheezits96]

would an xpipe not be desirable with the 180 headers, or was the xpipe invented as a bandaid for standard headers to try and scavenge those out of sync pulses?

[@trev0rbr]

An xpipe can have a similar effect

[@trev0rbr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/anbXhHRnidSWkMk

[@Calvin-Nelson]

X pipes definitely help the sound, but they don't sound like 180s with a Y pipe

[@hackjobhotrodshop5075]

Great explanation and example of standard, 180 and 180 with Y. Never seen that clear of description!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@punksrfr]

Lookin good Pops!!! I’ll be stoked to see y’all banging gears!

[@jakelords24]

I like your direction but most of all it's great to hear from your dad!

[@thousandpounddoggarage]

Good to see pops back at it. Can’t wait to hear those 180’s.

[@patpayson]

This is awesome to see. Can't wait to see you "two Dudes in two studes" running at Sick Week! I'm kind of nostalgic so I might lean towards Pop!

[@sanger440]

Love your Dads Stude! That back window glass is something I think is a 10/10 on the cool-O-Meter!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Nice!! Thanks.

[@jaredh9541]

Heck yeah. Love the direction on the studes dudes!! That exhaust is rad Calvin.

[@jonathangehman4005]

While I found the lecture at the beginning informative and well presented, I appreciated the addition of some pleasant music in the background, familiar but can't remember the composer, Erik Satie? 3 pedals FOR THE WIN!!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Which musical piece? Can you give me a time stamp. Thanks

[@jonathangehman4005]

It's the one that starts at 4:00 or soon after. I like that you put stuff like this in with the "Kid's Stuff"(which I don't hate)

[@shtboxyj8406]

Totally a reason to build it! Because it sounds cool. Good to see dad up moving around and playing in the garage.

[@TurboTaco2JZ]

This was single handedly the best explanation of the 180 header. Happy healing

[@junkyard4999]

Your Dad is tuff. I envy the bond and shared interest in cars. Wish my Dad was cool like that. All I learned from him is how to be a mean drunk and roll out on your family at 10 yrs old. Love the content buddy!!

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Sorry to hear that. Thanks.

[@cwbintn8949]

Heck yeah i'm glad your dad is recovering nicely from that awful wreck he had.

[@slaidler63]

This is a FANTASTIC video. It is rare that I learn something new about cars, especially being in the BMW section of KZbin, with everyone doing a "downpipe and a tune." LOL... Thank you for this!!

[@davidanderson2393]

I'm an old guy with many fond memories of a high revving short stroke small block with an aluminum flywheel and M22 4 speed and 4.56 gears. So I am eagerly awaiting to see what your dad comes up with for a small block stick combo, I do want to hear those 180 degree headers at full song.

[@mikeduwe]

Like engineer explained, but with someone I can actually stand to listen to!

[@BCToby]

Wow huge respect for this project! "Sound alone is reason enough for me" *bows* Well done!

[@sergiowerneckdefigueiredo6456]

Nice exhaust job. I did the same crossover (1x4-3x2) on the exhaust of my old Beetle. I felt like the engine ran freely, even though the work to build it was insane. As you did with your eight pistons, I also joined the tubes on both sides in one exit, but before I added two dampers and, finally, I kept the two original outlets, making a 4.2.1.2 system. It was great, with no internal vibrations and silent, due to the length of the tubes, the addition of dampers and the outlet box. Ah, my Beetle isn't for drag racing, but it accelerates well...

[@TheRainzy]

"StudeDudes" loving the content here is Oz. Glad to see the recovery from your horror crash. Hearing 180 headers makes me want that gorgeous sound on my Aussie made chev powered Holden. Keep making these great vids gents. Keep safe.

[@BuddWolf]

It’s so simple and makes perfect sense. Having even length primary tubes is the name of the game. ❤Great job, thanks for sharing the video post and best of luck🍀🍀🍀🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏻

[@drewmurray2583]

Your dad looks like he is doing well! Still so relieved he is ok after the volvo crash

[@cameronjenkins6748]

Good freaking gosh, I haven't even watched the video yet and I'm already amazed just by the thumbnail. They look amazing.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@bobroberts2371]

180 headers seemed to be a thing on short track ovals for a time.( in the 1980's ? )

[@fredbadgett7962]

I hitched a ride thru the Mooresville pits with Ted and the Chicken Hawk at the Charlotte Int. Stude meet back n the day. Prince of a man! My wife won the valve cover race at that meet.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

That's awesome!!! Bet that was fun.

[@fredbadgett7962]

@@Calvin-Nelson 99% of Studebaker people are fun! That other 1 percent though.. lol

[@gafrers]

Great work and Great to see your Dad back on video

[@bluecollarfox913]

Love this! This is some of coolest tech when it comes to exhaust systems

[@jar895]

Although I'm 66 I vote for junior. Would like to see his shopping list as I will be copying it. Digging the manual trans.

[@halecj1]

Damn this video was awesome! I was just curious what 180 headers were so I clicked, but I had no idea I wanted to attend exhaust college lol! Great info!

[@trackdayclassics]

Sounds amazing. I have an 8 into 1 and love the sound it makes, but now I’m committed to building a 180 for my next road racer. Great info in your video!

[@vexed_con]

You can get the same high pitched sound from an 8-1 collector, you just have to order the primaries so they’re sequenced by firing order.

[@trackdayclassics]

@@vexed_con check out my KZbin channel Track Day Classics for more about sequential 8 into 1’s. Cheers!

[@baddriversoflittlerock8359]

thanks for the diagrams to help understand the principles behind this.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

You are welcome!

[@cafn8ed74]

Awesome sounds. Thanks for the video.

[@lunkydog]

Love the 2dudes 2studes concept. The manual transmissions are just the cherry on top. Other than very brief foray with a V8 Vega, All I've ever owned are standards for 50yrs.

[@DoctorMotorcycle]

Excellent Video! I accidentally made my Suzuki GS400 Parallel Twin sound like a Subaru when I built the turbo setup for it. The two pipes merge into one, but the right cylinder crossed over to the left into the y-pipe, so it was 12" longer than the left cylinder. It gave it the uneven, misfire "thump thump" sound, and specifically at idle and low RPM, you'd think it was a Subaru. It's crazy how much of an impact the primary tubes have on sound!

[@loganpe427]

Just found this, ok ok I'm old enough that "tubular dude" got me right in the feels! 😂😂👍

[@RogeriusRex]

The Y pipe setup sounds very F1. Very cool!

[@supercuda1950]

Good to see your Dad in a video. On the headers, you could always put the headers out the hood (lol) and maybe shortening the primarries. If nothing else, point them at the windshield and it will double as a defroster.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

I'm sorry. I just can't stand the exhaust stuff out of the hood thing. Lol. To each their own.

[@supercuda1950]

@@Calvin-Nelson You know I was just kidding, or was I? (lol)

[@Calvin-Nelson]

@@supercuda1950 I know. It's just a pet peeve of mine. Lol

[@young11984]

Maaaan, 180s and a stick should be a bad ass sounding machine.

[@CS_247]

We have been running this style of header on Ford 289s in GT40s since the 60's. The same engine in the Cobra sounds totally awesome, like a proper V8, the GT40 sounds like a proper race car.

[@Jon_98]

Felt like i was in school again but this time i liked being at school Great explanation at the beginning

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks! 😃

[@PapiDoesIt]

That's a real work of art!

[@anomalouswoof2554]

Two Dudes with two Studes, I like the sound of that! 😊

[@arturozarate1752]

Hell yeah! I can't wait to hear and see it run!

[@laynelommen9460]

YES!!! 2 dudes and 2 studes. Pops ftw.😊

[@Calvin-Nelson]

We'll see. Lol.

[@isidrosevier1125]

I've had this idea for years and have always wondered what it would sound like. I'm glad someone finally did it.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

It's been around since the 60s. Maybe even before then. Ford beat Ferrari with it.

[@isidrosevier1125]

@@Calvin-Nelson I never heard anyone talk about it. I learned something new today

[@ImEasyAs]

This is such an awesome video. Really well put together and educational :)

[@mp5778]

Great job on the 180* headers. Maybe next a tri-y 180* with 15-18" primaries to a Y and cross over with just 2 pipes and then Y collector to a Y pipe. Instead of a tri Y it will be a 7 Y.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. They don't have the same sound. Not sure why.

[@rctwist]

Excited to hear it! Going to be building a set of 180’s for my Ls3 I’m putting in a 911!!

[@andycrips]

I really enjoy your videos. Please keep content like this up!!

[@CapablePimento]

Always loved the “ball of snakes” sounds. Or 8 into 1. One of the best aspects of rear engine buggies

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Yeah. The 8 into 1s don't seem to have the same sound.

[@CapablePimento]

@@Calvin-Nelson not exactly, no. Not not a burble either though. More than anything, I like cars that aren’t stamped in the mold ‘the done thing’ cars. Thats why I like your channel.

[@LooseNut099]

Excellent content. New subscriber here, I hadn’t heard of 180 degree headers before.

[@bigbelconut]

Years ago I did a v8 swap on a 911 Porsche I built a set of 180 headers for it just for the sound. It was a total sleeper. Great explanation on the theory. A lot of the old Ascot dirt racers used 180 headers.

[@andrewnewman1248]

Thanks for the very understandable explanation

[@georgedreisch2662]

Both are very kewl builds. Whatever happens, doesn’t matter. Both are winners.

[@rockenracing1996]

i am itching to do some 180 headers on a mid mounted ls corvair. great video, very informative

[@johnpye7177]

Hope dad's doing good, was there in GA . See ya sooner than later.

[@lukelikens2057]

The Chicken Hawk was a cool car i grew up riding my dirt bike right down the road from him he had quite a few studebakers that were all original it's cool to see you doing this stuff with the studebakers

[@Peter-V_00]

Fun is a personal equation, your family has it figured out.

[@zebdeming]

Absolutely the best description of how they work! I have always wanted to make a set, one of these days... lol

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Thanks!

[@TA_Plus_Hemi]

The note without the Y is cool as hell. With the Y is also great just different. Great setups. I've loved those Bullet-Nosed Studies since I was a little kid in the early 80s

[@shadetreemetalworks]

Neat. I have serious collector envy right now. Glad to see you guys are back in the shop. Stick shift all-motor cars are gonna be the next big thing, you'll see.

[@Calvin-Nelson]

Heck yeah!