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View Full Version : Dana vs lightning headers



rshrp2003
10-24-2008, 09:05 AM
any thoughts ?
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4613/124ex2000mn4.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124ex2000mn4.jpg)
these come in powder coat finish / variable colors
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/7599/dscn2368lv5.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn2368lv5.jpg)
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/6041/dscn2370danaqt5.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn2370danaqt5.jpg)
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/5039/31040301xv1.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=31040301xv1.jpg)
http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/9066/headershy5.jpg (http://img399.imageshack.us/my.php?image=headershy5.jpg)

Todd969
10-24-2008, 10:04 AM
My thought, why waste the money for 2-3mph? Again, just my thought.
:)

westair
10-26-2008, 07:21 PM
The Dana exhaust system is supposed to be a very easy installation with no modification necessary and an increase of 40 to 50 hp .... pretty cheap hp for 2,500.00. Some headers can be a real nightmare to install on the 496.

stoker22405
10-26-2008, 08:21 PM
I had the Dana's on my boat...A little better midrange and thats about it....

Beer-30
10-27-2008, 07:35 AM
Looking at the physics of the two, the tubular Lightning (my choice) would HAVE to have a little more scavenging. If you look at each tube as a rifle barrel, that gas is going to be hauling ass at the end of a long tube. When it gets to the collector, each tube is creating a vacuum through the rest of the header (other ports). I have seen this demonstrated by holding a piece of paper about an inch in front of the inlet flange of any of three tubes. Then, compressed air was blown though the fourth hole and it pulled the paper up to the flange on it's own. So, once again, each tube creates suction throughout the rest of the header.
I know the Dana works very well, as the HP / MPH gains are similar.
When I last checked, the Lightning also comes with an oil filter relocation kit, so either one should be a similar install. I know the earlier versions of the Lightning 8.1 kit were a nightmare. Not anymore, from what I understand.
Cost is similar, so it really comes down to looks, I guess. Personally, I like the look of a tubular header style.
Here's Raylar'd 496 with Lightnings on it:
http://media.putfile.com/Bents-Nordic-Engine

rshrp2003
10-27-2008, 01:09 PM
beer30 , thanks for the info and video I really wanted to see a picture of the lightnings on a 496 and they look great.

Beer-30
10-27-2008, 06:37 PM
Glad to be of service.
I just got my new pushrods and valve stem locks. All I have left to get for my valvetrain upgrade is the beehive springs and related retainers. I already have studs, valve cover spacers and 1.75 roller rockers. Gonna see what kind of HP all of that free's up. I would like to do the exhaust at the same time, but I kinda want to see what one upgrade does before the other.

rshrp2003
10-27-2008, 07:57 PM
beer30 , what hp did the raylared 496 get..... it also sounds real good on the video ;) ;) ;)

Beer-30
10-27-2008, 08:20 PM
I believe they come in around 550. Pretty equal to an HP525 blue motor.

Dana Marine Products
10-28-2008, 01:52 PM
Bob Lloyd of Full Throttle Marine did some independent dyno testing on this subject about 18 -20
months ago, here's the link from his site.
http://www.fullthrottlemarine.com/496%20Mag%20Dyno%20Article.htm

jammin
10-29-2008, 07:26 AM
A well respected engine builder in Havasu told me five years ago that Lightning headers were prone to cracking around the welds and that water could or would run back into the engine. I don't know if this problem has been addressed but I was told to use another brand.

Outlaw
10-29-2008, 05:20 PM
Dana's would be more durable, IMO

BadKachina
10-29-2008, 05:29 PM
I've installed the Dana's before, nice product and great looking. I've also had the Lightnings on a blower motor, both are good stuff. For a 496 the Dana will be an easier install kit. For aftermarket, it's all about your taste. ;)

2forcefull
10-29-2008, 05:51 PM
I had the Dana's on my boat...A little better midrange and thats about it....
I think they came to life when I took the plugs out of the mufflers,

justfloatn
10-30-2008, 11:34 AM
DANA. :D
The cost should be alot less and easier to install. The tube style are for big HP blower motors IMO. Why waste $$ and time with no additional benifits. I did not get a big MPH gain with up-graded exhaust either, but the 20MPH to 50MPH midrage acceleration is alot better.

rshrp2003
10-30-2008, 04:51 PM
the dana's were around 2300, lightning's were 4k and the cmi's 5k .... The dana's are looking better

Beer-30
10-30-2008, 05:49 PM
the dana's were around 2300, lightning's were 4k and the cmi's 5k .... The dana's are looking better
Lightnings are $2400. The STAINLESS ones are $4K.

rshrp2003
10-30-2008, 09:12 PM
how about powder coated ... like the ones in the video . any prices on those

Beer-30
10-31-2008, 04:10 AM
I believe CP has an additional $125 charge for custom colors - or around there.
Eddie Marine is a little high on the headers at $2600 for 8.1 kit. Custom FusionCoat color is $160 extra.

justfloatn
10-31-2008, 05:43 AM
how about powder coated ... like the ones in the video . any prices on those
I believe CP has an additional $125 charge for custom colors - or around there.
Eddie Marine is a little high on the headers at $2600 for 8.1 kit. Custom FusionCoat color is $160 extra.
$125.00 to $160.00 is worth it. How much of your time do you want to spend polishing your exhaust. If you made $40.00 an hr at work you would be saving money after the 3rd or 4th time:D :D

grads2112
10-31-2008, 06:07 AM
If you made $40.00 an hr at work you would be saving money after the 3rd or 4th time:D :D
ahh....the good old days.;)

Beer-30
10-31-2008, 06:45 AM
$125.00 to $160.00 is worth it. How much of your time do you want to spend polishing your exhaust. If you made $40.00 an hr at work you would be saving money after the 3rd or 4th time:D :D
Well, they would come either grey or black powdercoat - as standard. So, there would be no polishing unless you opted for the $4000 stainless (salt water version).

undertaker
10-31-2008, 07:19 AM
Post #1 is a pic of my Dana's on my Donzi 22 classic....I picked up 2mph, went up a pitch on my prop, and more midrange, they also sound good too.....IMO the Dana's are the best bang for the buck they give you nice bling and some performance with lower costs compared to CMI's or lightenings.
Undertaker:D

justfloatn
10-31-2008, 07:27 AM
ahh....the good old days.;)
Good thing for you Mrs. D makes twice that;) :D

rshrp2003
10-31-2008, 06:14 PM
Post #1 is a pic of my Dana's on my Donzi 22 classic....I picked up 2mph, went up a pitch on my prop, and more midrange, they also sound good too.....IMO the Dana's are the best bang for the buck they give you nice bling and some performance with lower costs compared to CMI's or lightenings.
Undertaker:D
Nice pics , I hope you don't mind me borrowing them for this thread

rshrp2003
10-31-2008, 06:17 PM
I believe CP has an additional $125 charge for custom colors - or around there.
Eddie Marine is a little high on the headers at $2600 for 8.1 kit. Custom FusionCoat color is $160 extra.
$125 , seems reasonable

undertaker
11-01-2008, 05:44 AM
Nice pics , I hope you don't mind me borrowing them for this thread
NO problem......:D :D :D