We have a '64 skylark convertible witth power steering, power brakes and a standard transmission. What headers fit the best with minimal or no denting. I think we would like to have something attractive as well, possibly chrome or powder coated, so we can open the hood. Thanks for your comments
Poston's or TA Performance headers fit the best. The TA's might have more ground clearance but the Postons fit better in my experience of using one set of each. Both will probably require some massaging for steering shaft clearance. HTH
Thank you Adam, Nothin like good advice from someone that has done it! TA's catalogue makes it look like only the Super Comp Headers will fit (raw finish). I suspect I interpretation is wrong and they will all fit. We are probably best off to get the chrome Competition headers
I put a 455 in my '65, I had to dent the headers in by the upper a-arm and to clear the steering shaft, Ohh I also ground a bit of the upper a-arm too, just some extra metal that would not affect anything, To minimize the ding for the steering I placed a couple of washers in my steering box to kind of "offset" the angle of the steering shaft, I did not want to but I have had no ill effects by doing this, I remember I had to do that because my steering coupler was also hitting on a tube, I ground that down as far as I could but I can only go so far without just hacking it all up. I made some compromises, I also had to install the headers and the engine at the same time, took 4 people to do it LOL. Honestly it does not look or sound as bad as I made it out to be. I would do it all over again if I had to it is totally worth it. I have a 2door hard top power steering and manual brakes, and a t-400 too!!! I keep remembering all of this as I Wright it LOL ohh well I am at work now so it is all-good.:Comp: :TU:
I should have also mentioned that TA's frame mounts move the engine a little higher and to the rear (compared to the repro 67 GS400 mounts) for better header clearance.
Yes, they will work fine, but I seem to remember an issue with the new motor mounts having different holes than the 67 ones did. You should get new motor mounts and compare before trying to get your engine in. I have the old style copies in my car, but would have went to the TA ones if they were available that the time. Yes, I had contact on the passenger side frame at the top, steering shaft, and also the camber adjusting studs on the driver's side. They are a tight fit, I had the best luck setting the engine in after placing the headers in the frame. i also notched my frame. I'll try to take pictures on my next trip back home where the car is in a week or two.
Rob I have a 64 w/ 455 and TH400 with 67 GS 400 frame mounts and 67 GM motor mounts. I had an old set of KB 1 7/8 headers that I had to seriously ding to make fit. I recently installed a set of the MT super scavenger repros from the GSCA and they fit much better since they were originally designed for the 67's narrow chassis. I still had to ding a little but much less than before. I had them coated AFTER dinging so I had to install twice! Motor must be lifted and starter removed. This set gave me fits against the frame rails and in the starter area. I was able to trweak them quite a lot and make them fit by bolting to the engine and using a come-a-long sideways on the collectors to move them. Good luck. It's worth at least 50HP. Patrick
