1 3/4 Vs 1 7/8 Headers Dyno

Big Tubes vs. Slightly Bigger Tubes: A Totally Serious Investigation
Let's talk headers. Specifically, the age-old debate: 1 3/4 inch versus 1 7/8 inch. It's a question that keeps gearheads up at night. Or at least, it gives them something to argue about on internet forums.
We're diving in. No complicated formulas. Just some good ol' fashioned speculation and a healthy dose of what I like to call "educated guessing."
The 1 3/4 Inch Champions
These are the classics. The workhorses. The headers that probably came stock on your grandma's muscle car (okay, maybe not).
They're like the dependable friend who always shows up on time. Reliable power? Check. Decent torque? You bet. Will they win you a dyno competition against a fire-breathing, nitrous-injected monster? Probably not.
But here's the thing: Do you really need to win a dyno competition? I mean, unless you're being paid to do so, maybe, just maybe, the 1 3/4 inch headers are all you need. They're like the perfectly sized wrench in your toolbox.
Enter the 1 7/8 Inch Contenders
These are the rebels. The ones who skipped math class to hang out in the auto shop. They're bigger. They're bolder. And they promise more power.
Think of them as the energy drink of the exhaust world. A bigger diameter, they claim, means better flow. Better flow means more horsepower. More horsepower means…bragging rights?
But hold on a second. More isn't always better, right? Remember that time you ate three entire pizzas? Yeah, I rest my case. Sometimes, you just want the right amount of pepperoni, not a pizza overload.
The Dyno Showdown (Maybe)
Okay, let's pretend we're actually on a dyno. Imagine the roaring engine. The spinning rollers. The nervous glances.
The 1 7/8 inch headers are probably going to win. At least, on paper. They're built for top-end power, for screaming down the track, for making all the right noises.
But what about everyday driving? What about low-end torque? What about that sweet spot where you actually spend 99% of your time? This is where the 1 3/4 might win.
My Unpopular Opinion
Here it is. Brace yourselves. I think, for most people, the 1 3/4 inch headers are the better choice. Gasp!
I know, I know. Heresy! But hear me out. Unless you're building a dedicated race car, those extra few horsepower from the bigger tubes might not be worth the trade-offs.
The 1 3/4 headers offer a great balance. They deliver plenty of power where you need it, without sacrificing drivability. It's the Goldilocks of exhaust systems. Not too big, not too small, just right.
Remember: This is just my opinion. Your mileage may vary. Consult your engine builder. Consult your wallet. Consult your inner gearhead.
The Real Winner?
Honestly? The real winner is you. Because you're even considering upgrading your headers in the first place. That means you care about your car. You care about performance.
And that's something to celebrate. Whether you go with the classic 1 3/4 inch headers or the slightly more aggressive 1 7/8 inch version, you're one step closer to automotive bliss.
So, go forth and wrench. Just remember to have fun. And maybe don't eat three pizzas before you start.

















