I Have a 1970 Buick skylark stock 350 I am fairly new to all of this and have a couple questions. I have the stock manifolds on it and I want to install some headers, does the Buick V8 share the same pattern as the Chevy small block, meaning can headers designated for a chevy 350 fit on my Buick? I also Have the original Rochester Quadrajet in it, and some vacuum lines are not connected at all, and I am very new to carbs so any pointers or diagrams on the carb would greatly be appreciated
No , chevy headers do not fit a buick 350. Not even close. Plenty of other things you can do before headers. Find out the 2 digit engine code stamped on block between cylinders 1 and 3 . That would define which engine setup you have. ( hi compression -4 barrel, low compression 4 barrel, low compression 2 barrel) Plenty of tuning to be done . And other parts that would improve performance.
As Andy said, leave the manifolds on for now. Get a dual exhaust first. The vacuum diagram "should" be on the radiator top support plate. Larry on the board here probably has a diagram.
Headers on a sbb imo arent worth it at all unles you basically get them given to you. $500 is way too much for a 30hp gain on an already modded motor. SBB manifolds flow well enough for what they are... Just get some good dual exhaust. 2.25" is fine but 2.5" would be best. Look for that code on the block. It's behind the drivers manifold between 1&3 cylinders. Its flat and smooth. It will say SO, SB, or SP.
Sorry, but couldn't disagree more. I'd pay $500 dollars for 30hp all day long. Headers only become more important on an engine that's modded. If leaving it bone stock, okay, probably not worth it. However, I would agree with checking for the engine code and to make sure it's running properly before wasting any money on performance upgrades
If the headers were SBC price I'd probably have 3 sets by now, but I guess that can be said for everything Buick. For me, $500 for 30hp isn't worth it. For some, it might be. Also, my SP engine is in an '85 Regal, so header fitment is kind of a bitch. Just the manifolds only have a few inches of clearance. I imagine in an A body there is more room as they're wider. I would sooner chop up some SBC mid length headers and put a buick flange on them than spend $500 on something i'd have to beat with a hammer to get to fit just right.
