Kieth Eckert Manifolds make more power than CMI Headers
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Here is a cutaway pic of when I made the headers. They are all 31 to 32 inches in length with a 4 into 2 into 1 collector.
Typically it performed like any good 2 X 32 header with frequently a little extra torque around 3600 to 4400 rpm because the 4-2-1 collectors which typically broaden the torque band. The runners actually have an oval profile with an area equal to a 2" round header. Currently we are using them on 1250 HP motors.
Dennis
Typically it performed like any good 2 X 32 header with frequently a little extra torque around 3600 to 4400 rpm because the 4-2-1 collectors which typically broaden the torque band. The runners actually have an oval profile with an area equal to a 2" round header. Currently we are using them on 1250 HP motors.
Dennis
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As a manufacturer of many stainless parts including a lot of 316L tube products (not headers) I can tell you with confidence you are way off base on your cost estimate. You can't even purchase the material for a set of headers for that amount of $ much less the labor to bend, weld, polish, R&D, equip cost, etc etc etc... Not saying Merc isn't high priced, they are. But no where near that level of markup exists in any of this stuff.
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I had occasion to talk to a race program individual that stated some years back they tested every header package that they could get their hands on and found that the CMI's produced the best hp. They also tried the KE cast manifold which worked well producing hp but experienced "cracking" of the internal cast runners and hydrauliced a motor as a result. Since reliability was a top priority they dropped future consideration of the KE manifold.
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I had occasion to talk to a race program individual that stated some years back they tested every header package that they could get their hands on and found that the CMI's produced the best hp. They also tried the KE cast manifold which worked well producing hp but experienced "cracking" of the internal cast runners and hydrauliced a motor as a result. Since reliability was a top priority they dropped future consideration of the KE manifold.
Interesting, I heard some other reasons ??
Guess what they use it over Sea's in there racing circuit.
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Cougarman
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The cast aluminum manifolds are no more likely to melt than aluminum heads or aluminum pistons, assuming they have proper cooling. Stopping water flow to either the SS or cast manifolds under high load conditions can result in failure.
For the people who swear by the stainless exhaust and say they never leak probably have never had them off and pressure tested them with 30 psi to prove weather they leak or not. And for those who have hydroed and engine - well those guys already know they leak.
I know from experience that a quality SS manifold is relatively low risk item, however my personal experience is that aluminum is less likely to fail all things being equal.
For the people who swear by the stainless exhaust and say they never leak probably have never had them off and pressure tested them with 30 psi to prove weather they leak or not. And for those who have hydroed and engine - well those guys already know they leak.
I know from experience that a quality SS manifold is relatively low risk item, however my personal experience is that aluminum is less likely to fail all things being equal.
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Rage, interesting comment as I had good inside info that Merc had made offers to KE to purchase his pipes. KE opted not to go there. I have over 400 hours on a pair and I have run at least 750 hp into them and for the last 200 hours over 900. Not a single issue. However, I do keep them supplied with water to keep them properly cooled.
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Rage, interesting comment as I had good inside info that Merc had made offers to KE to purchase his pipes. KE opted not to go there. I have over 400 hours on a pair and I have run at least 750 hp into them and for the last 200 hours over 900. Not a single issue. However, I do keep them supplied with water to keep them properly cooled.
An addenum, I asked KE if they still Extrude Hone the tubes. They do not.
Annother comment on why Mercury is using CMI's is maybe they make the most hp.
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525-550 horsepower is not rocket science. They are buying what makes the boat look faster/better and what they can get the best deal on. With the outrageous prices Mercury Racing charges for their product, it has to look like it is different or better than regular Mercury product. I don't think a guy that is willing to pay 300-500k for a boat w/ 525's and goes as far as to have airbrushed battery hold downs, wants a big old clunky set of KE's under the hatch. It doesn't matter how much horsepower, how good or how reliable they are. I do know that if I had a set of 525's in a 3 year old boat and needed to buy $10,000 worth of new headers because they were leaking, I would be the most pissed off guy on the internet.