My headers step from 1 5/8 to 1 3/4 to 1 3/4 ODs, all in equal length sections to the collector. Sam is correct, in that a smaller diameter will have higher velocity flow... scavenging the chamber faster and more efficiently. My header specs were specified by
BURNS STAINLESS... where Sam developed his Predator system. They know a wee bit about building racing exhaust systems.