Seeing two members post exhaust systems for a BBF prompts me to ask a question or two that I have long wondered about.

(In my best English teacher voice)   Please compare and contrast the three types of exhaust systems.  Logs, water cooled TT headers, and the type that look like a big plenum with a snail on top.  Sorry that description is the best I can do.
Is one really better for HP than the others?  I know there are 2 style of logs and one leaks less than the other, are there any maintenance issues with one type vs. another?   Brands to look out for?

In my best lil Johnny voice..."Pick me! Pick me!"  LMAO..

The plenum looking dealio you describe so eloquently is a center riser manifold.

You didn't mention money, so for now it is no object....

Logs, while stupid common and the neatest as far as real estate and also the safest and the most quiet, also rob the most HP.

TT headers as long as they're double walled will totally outperform the logs and should be a little louder than the logs, they are pretty "in your face" as far as real estate and can be maintenance hungry....Look bitchen though. 

Center riser manifolds IMHO are the best of both worlds, quiet, flow well, nice and cool and pretty maintenance free. These can be the most difficult to adapt to a jet. Check out the Kodiak exhaust manifolds, while stupid expensive, they are pretty nice pieces...But you will need a BBC to go with...

"But you'll need a BBC to go with . . . 

Well now that ain't gonna happen now is it?   

Thanks for the reply though, it was quite helpful.  Water cooled headers not recommended for closed engine compartment, yes?   Why is center riser OK, or is it?

Jacketed headers and center risers are both great for closed engines, the headers may create a little heat though...

"But you'll need a BBC to go with . . . 

Well now that ain't gonna happen now is it?   

Thanks for the reply though, it was quite helpful.  Water cooled headers not recommended for closed engine compartment, yes?   Why is center riser OK, or is it?

water injected TT headers are still gonna be hotter than hell, just like OT water injected headers.  *I* wouldnt run them in an enclosed/hatch boat.

if you can find a center rise its the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.  i got lucky and only have a few hundred bucks in mine.

for example: (i know they already sold... but there ARE deals out there...)
http://www.performanceboats.com/parts-sale/81390-460-ford-center-rise-manifolds.html

or you can always buy new... *EEK*

http://www.cpperformance.com/c-428-460-ford-manifolds.aspx


*EDIT*


http://www.socaljetboats.com/engines/ford-460-exhaust-manifolds/?topicseen

just posted.  jump on these quick.  i have some 4" stainless tube still.  you can just buy some transom rings with seals for the rear, a small section of exhaust tubing with some hose clamps and have 4" polished stainless exhaust out the transom.