Ramchargers Super Stock exhaust system ?

[Jon Haigwood]

What exhaust system did the Ramchargers run in their  64 Super Stock cars ? I know in their FX cars they ran the one in the picture but I am not sure if they ran the same thing in the earlier SS class. The ones in the Lindberg kit are just headers that go straight back with no exhaust system at all.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I've been fascinated by the exhaust system design in your photo for years. It tends to defy what was known about the theory of header design at the time, and must certainly be the result of dyno-testing that showed significant improvements over the "scientifically" designed theoretical version.

I can only surmise that the unusual collector configuration resulted in a broader torque band than a more conventional design would have made.

To address your specific question: this photo of the '64 S/SA Plymouth of the Golden Commandos, which was a factory "Hemi lightweight" package like the Ramchargers' Dodge in the same class (I believe) seems to show what looks at first glance (to me) a header somewhat similar to the A/FX system shown in your photo above. 

But careful study of the photo below indicates the header design has reverted to the more conventional 4 equal-length (but very long) primary tubes merging into a single larger-diameter collector. The two primary tubes visible from this angle appear to end at the same place relative to the collector, rather than being staggered along it as in the A/FX system in your photo.

                                       

Edited December 17, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[Jon Haigwood]

The setup in my photo was from the Ramchargers AFX car.

The photo you posted does look more like the header setup that cam with the kit.

I did some photo research it looks like the Ramchargers used a few different setups but most pics showed the same as your pic.

This means I won't have to try and scratch build a complicated setup.

Thanks for the response (again)

Edited December 17, 2016 by Jon Haigwood

[Metaldrumm]

The answer to your question is this set up, hope it helps ,might be a little tricky but should be no prob.

[6bblbird]

"What exhaust system did the Ramchargers run in their  64 Super Stock cars ?"

It depends! It depends on whether you are talking about the 426 Max Wedge car, the A/FX car, or the 426 Hemi SS/A car. They ran all 3 combinations in 1964.

 

The exhaust headers that are shown in the top photo are what came factory installed on the 1965 A990 (Hemi) cars. They are very similar to ( maybe the same as) the headers used on the NASCAR Grand National cars. They were quite heavy and not perfect for serious drag racing competition. Must have been a nightmare to remove the transmission pan. Unknown how many drag racers would have used them and for how long before replacing them with lighter units made by aftermarket companies.

If you are building a Ramchargers Hemi car don't use these. Use the race headers from the Lindberg kit. If you are building a wedge car (They ran these from February '64 through April '64) use the Johan fender well headers.

 

As far as building copies of the factory A990 headers, I tried for a year to make them for a "day one" A990 car. It was a huge frustration! You can now find them in the Moebius Melrose Missile kit. (much easier!)

Edited December 17, 2016 by 6bblbird
spelling

[6bblbird]

1964 Max Wedge car. Feb. '64 thru Apr. '64. Note twin hood scoop and fender well headers.

 

1964 A/FX car: Note the location of the front wheel. Rear wheels were also moved forward 4"

1964 Hemi Super Stock Automatic car: Same car that started the season with a wedge had Hemi power at the US Nationals. Note wide hood scoop.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2016 by 6bblbird