the difference between headers and extractors

[1990-VQ-STATESM]

G`day
just wondering what the difference between headers and extractors are.
cheers for any help.

[motionSS]

they are the same thing arent they? your making me doubt myself goddamnit !!! :eek:

[traumadog]

For what it's worth, we don't use "extractors" for headers in the States, though I think they're the same thing.

[camerooch]

Same thing.
Just different names.

[OPPYLOCK]

Don't quote me on this as I am far from being an expert but I was told that extractors are tuned length and mandrel bent for maximum performance and efficiency where headers can be used to discribe any system where each cylinder has an individual pipe, ie they are usually designed with some sort of compromise.
I would be interested in a definitive answer as you always hear about factory headers but never factory extractors.

[Funky_Munky]

In the context people use them, I am quiete sure that they mean the same thing. But I could be wrong. :dancenana:

[Devil]

Headers are a type of extractor. You also get tri y's and 4 into 1's.

Cheers,
Dan

[Desertraptor]

It only matters when you tell your insurance company :)

Try getting extractors past some twit at a keyboard without adding $$ to your premium.

REmember when renewing insurance and they ask what mods you have say headers NOT extractors.

[seldo]

* croaky, quavery, old voice* ...When I was a young bloke there was a distinct difference. Headers were generally cast and 2 piece, (Jack Myers used to make some very effective iron headers for the old grey-motor Holden) whilst extractors were bent tube and fabricated. These days they seem to have morphed into the same thing, different words...

[Wonky]

It only matters when you tell your insurance company :)

Try getting extractors past some twit at a keyboard without adding $$ to your premium.

REmember when renewing insurance and they ask what mods you have say headers NOT extractors.
My (AAMI) policy has extractors listed - didn't cost me a cent extra! On the original question, as another (not so?) grumpy old fart I agree with Seldo (and others who said similar).

[planetdavo]

The manufactures of said product usually call them "headers".
Guys who want to impress their mates usually call them "extractors".....

[heavychevy]

I thought an extractor was constructed in a manner that it helped scavenge exhaust gas from the next cylinder. Looks more 'knotted' than a Header

[C4B]

Here's how it was described to me:

There are two main configurations. Those being, Interference Extractors (commonly referred to as "Headers" or Tri-Y's) and Tuned Length Extractors (what most people call "Extractors" or 4 into 1's)

With Headers (BELOW), the 4 pipes split down to 2 then to 1. This configuration gives better bottom end torque but will not normally help top end, so is better for street applications.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI2NTkzNTZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Tuned Length Extractors have the 4 pipes join into 1 in a single collector. This configuration will give better top end, but depending on the engine combo, may actually reduce low down torque. This configuration is ideal for high revving applications.

https://www.rpmoutlet.com/images/bbk330228.jpg

[1990-VQ-STATESM]

So waht are these headers hay. They guy wants to charge me $650 for these is that worth it, there stain less steel. There going on a VQ statesman with usualy drives on low revs would these be the way to go
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82000081/Images/1/HM83SS.jpg

[Satansfist]

Where's "Thunder" when you want a definitive answer?!:toetap:

[MISS WK]

Yes, I too will wait with baited breath, as I too have asked this question many a time, never recieving a definitive answer, especially when I started modding the WK. I thought they were looking at me in disgust due to the fact I was a female, sporting blonde hair colour to boot. However me thinks, they didn't know the answer themselves, LOL.
Just for the record, I went for the Tri-Y's .:)

[dyno junkie]

Headers and extractors are one and the same. I have worked in the exhaust industry and it is just a difference in names. Has nothing to do with 4>1's, 4>2>1's, tuned or interference, just refer's to all tubular replacement exhaust manifolds.

[chops]

From http://www.pacemaker.com.au/faq.html

What is the difference between headers and extractors?
None! In Australia, headers were known as extractors through the 60's and 70's by the pioneering companies that developed them. In America at the same time they were coined headers (also spelt hedders). This was in part due to the fact that they (headers) are an extension of the cylinder head. In the 80's new Australian companies, along with the established industry, began to market extractors as headers. The main reason being that these companies intended to change the image of the humble extractor to more of a common vehicle replacement component. Some 'old school' enthusiasts still call them extractors today.

[camerooch]

Mate,

That's a great price on those headers.
They retail for $847.40 - (Off the HM website)

[1990-VQ-STATESM]

could any one supply a pic of pacemaker extractors that would fit a VN-VS V8 5.0L. Im guessing they would look like this https://www.rpmoutlet.com/images/bbk330228.jpg

[Mr Muffler]

Headers and extractors are one and the same. I have worked in the exhaust industry and it is just a difference in names. Has nothing to do with 4>1's, 4>2>1's, tuned or interference, just refer's to all tubular replacement exhaust manifolds.
Back in the early days ie pre eighties,headers were quite popular and different to extractors.Headers used to be a cast manifold which accomodated dual engine pipes in most cases.If you remember the blue motor 6cyl commodore they ran a good example of a traditional header.Where as you are aware extractors are tubular and in most cases quite long.I do agree that today extractors are called headers due to our yank friends.Reluctant to say I have fitted quite a few headers over the years.(bloody hell Im getting old)