Zoomies or not ?

[14DRT]

My set-up is a 1240 # FED, 358 Chv 14.2:1 comp -8 Alum Hds Inj Alcohol.
Would like to run Zoomies but I know there is more to it than just bolting a set on.
Have done some research but really cannot find the whole story.
The big question .....
When are Zoomies better or equal to collector headers ?
What should be done to the engine set-up to properly run Zoomies ?
Is there a better cam profile for Zoomies ?

Obviously the cool factor is High ! But if it's a performance reduction for my set-up then I'm staying with collector headers (for now)

[dreracecar]

Some classes specify "No collector headers"
Some tracks require mufflers, hard to do with zoomies
Balence the weight difference between the two and power advange evens out
Whose to say that an off the shelf set of C-H is right for your combination
Zoomies work better for blown application
The only set-up is to make a set of covers to keep rocks from gitting into the exhaust ports
Cams dont care if you run zoomies or not. If they did, every cam maker would have cams listed for zoomies

[Nightmare AA/FA]

Zoomies just look bitchin too.....

[George]

In our little organization mechanical fuel injection and zoomies are encouraged. Most of our cars run both. In my opinion,collector headers and/or carb/scoop combinations don't fit a "Nostalgia" build. There are advantages to the zoomies . Give them a try.

[masracingtd1167]

I have run them both and would have to say that in an injected small block like yours that the collector header is going to be quicker .I have never done an A to B to A test so I cant say for sure witch one is better but I have always run quicker with the collector!Running collector headers is really nothing new. we ran them back in the 70's on my dragster . If you decide to build or buy a set of zoomies there is a member on here Teds Fabrication who can bend you some nice tubes . Don't go crazy on your tube size 1 7/8 to 2 inch should be good . Bill 

[BK]

When I made the change on mine from zoomie to collector style. Performance was basically identical. It was late in the year so the reduction in et might have been the weather. Just a 100th or 2 quicker. The big difference was in the noise level. It was a lot quieter driving with the collector style. Also people didn't plug their ears during the burnout with the outlet down low.

[dreracecar]

or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads

[ricardo1967]

or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads

Nice looking zoomies Bruce. Price isn't bad either.

[George]

Noise level is part of the show with our program. Our Nostalgia program is drawing spectators to the track. Our group ran 5 races at Central Illinois Dragway in 2014 and at every race the paid spectator count rose by the hundreds. The September Nostalgia race had 2000+ .

As for upswept headers ,IMO they ruin the looks of a FED. The down pointing collectors make a mess of everything around the car , especially at our track where sand can be a problem. George

This link should get you a FB pix of some of our racers: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaquickseries/photos/a.233855250140375.1073741828.233850123474221/285586724967227/?type=1&theater

[GlennLever]

Noise level is part of the show with our program. Our Nostalgia program is drawing spectators to the track. Our group ran 5 races at Central Illinois Dragway in 2014 and at every race the paid spectator count rose by the hundreds. The September Nostalgia race had 2000+ .

As for upswept headers ,IMO they ruin the looks of a FED. The down pointing collectors make a mess of everything around the car , especially at our track where sand can be a problem. George

This link should get you a FB pix of some of our racers: https://www.facebook.com/nostalgiaquickseries/photos/a.233855250140375.1073741828.233850123474221/285586724967227/?type=1&theater

How about a nice set of weed burners?

[George]

The design could help keep the track clean. 

[14DRT]

or you can buy these right now  $325 and are only 1 hr away (6hr with traffic)
Takes 7 bolt heads

Dreracecar ...... Would be very interested in the headers . Please give me a call 619-251-8766 or 909-393-4222 thank you.

Thanks everyone for your input, it's very much appreciated ......... I'm going the full nostalgia look !
Yes, hand brake too !
Keith

[30dodgeboy]

I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

[wideopen231]

Is it not against the law to run anything other than zoomies on a FED? If not it should be.

As for the nosie level thats a bonus. If you want piece and quite go to a library. If you want smoke and ground pounding noise head to dragstrip.

[GlennLever]

I really like my weedburners...  the early cars had weedburners.

In order for them to be weed burners, don't they have to point to the ground?