I’d like to hear about a set of headers for the 455 in my ‘70 GS. I’m seriously considering changing my commitment from manifolds to headers for my next build which will be a 500 HP motor and it’ll be a whole lot easier (and cheaper’) than the cost and hassle of finding a pair of decent stock manifolds and having them ported than to just bolt on a pair of decent headers. So, which headers are most likely to bolt on with no clearance issues and not likely to leak later on. (If there is such a thing)
I have the MT Scavengers on my car. They do get pretty close to the steering shaft, and the transmission cross member. I have never had a problem with gasket leaks. I use the plain black TA gaskets. I found I had to tighten them for the first 3-4 heat cycles, but after that, they stay tight and leak free.
I bought them from a member here and looks like they've been massaged some what....Hoping not to do any more if possible.
Mickey Thompson Super Scavengers with Remflex gaskets that I checked (after 500 miles) for loose bolts and there weren't any.
Auto or 4-speed? The 4 speed is a shorter trans and uses the forward cross member mounting holes. This puts the x member much closer to the collectors, placement is more critical.
Hey Ray Is that 2.5 or 3.0 tubing? Where the down pipe from the manifold extra or part of the system? Thanks
I have a set of M/T Super Scavenger headers (Cermachrome coated purchased from the GSCA) on my 70 GS Stage 1 which I originally installed in March 1997. They fit well with no issues and I have encountered zero leaks in the past 24 years. The headers still look great with no pitting no tarnishing and no rust. I also have the same headers on my 72 GS which were installed in March 2008 and they look brand new still after 13 years..no leaks, no fitment issues. Great looking, great performing and great sounding headers for the Buick 455 if you can find them.
That may be partly true but I'm pretty sure the GSCA made two runs of the repro MT's due to their popularity with the 455 Buick folks. I've been a member since 1988 and don't recall them reproducing any other brands.
They made way more than two runs! And that is the only headers that they reproduced. I have a NOS repro set sitting in my basement. I love the sound! The only person who I heard say he didn't like the sound was Jim Bell. He said it sounded like you had two big trashcans under your car, or something like that. Of course, he was also trying to sell his own headers!
Love my M/T SS headers with Dynomax mufflers. Very tolerable and almost docile at cruising speed but when you nail it all hell breaks loose and it's like an AC/DC concert. Probably 3/8" clearance from steering shaft. No mods needed. Only consideration is the flanges hang low but would only be a problem if your car rides a little low in front like mine. My front springs were designed for handling so they are a little lower than stock springs would be. I've considered going ported manifolds but even ported would be a significant HP loss for me (significant meaning 10-30HP) and I am not willing to give that up. Plus it's a small fortune to port manifolds "well".