Header Question

70 GS 455, w/ air, 2.5" exhaust, mild cam. Looking for recommendations on what kind of headers to get. I've looked at Hooker and T/A, just curious what most are running, how they're liking it, or if there's another company that might be making some better or comparable for a cheaper price.

Thanks in advance

- Rob

 

TA for fit, thick flanges , the collector flanges are really nice too. If you find KB headers in good shape those are a step down for fit, flanges are nice but the collector flange is 3 bolt and gets in the way

 

Frankly, any header will be a step up from manifolds but TA makes decent ones that support the community of Buicks with products that wouldn't otherwise be available.

Personally, I'm still running the M/T repro headers I've had on my car for 25+ years. They fit well but can be a bear when transmission work needs to be done. The collector is very long, all the way back to the crossmember on a Turbo 400 car.

 

I have the TA's. Nice pieces. Had em ceramic coated, best money I ever spent

 

The M/T headers I had interfered with the placement of the 4-speed crossmember (it is further forward compared to automatics)

 

I am running Hooker 1203 Headers by default. I got to good of a deal on them to pass them up. They still are a good bit away from my cross member running a turbo 400. A bear to put in but that seems to be all long tube headers. They Sound great uncorked. I don't have exhaust on yet though. I would say wait around long enough on the forum and some pairs will show up for less money new used. That would just be what I would do.

 

I'm running the ta's and the collector couldn't be located in a worse spot in relation to the cross member. Maybe cause I run a TH350 don't know. Other than that their ok

 

TH350 and 4 speed use the same location for the crossmember

 

My T/A headers are now 23 years old; and the chrome still looks great too.

 

I assume your collectors sit smack in the middle of the crossmember making the bolts a real PITA to get to??

 

Bingo, you got it

 

Yep, ask me how I knew that....

 

Only way around it is to install a custom cross member. What one, from where, I have no idea. No big deal anyway I've never run my car open exhaust anyway. Not sure there would be any gains

 

Dougs Headers. 1 7/8,tubes. 3" collectors.
Had to clearance cylinder 1 tube and 3 at curve at crossmember. Just off center of trans crossmember but exhaust guy fit pipes great. 3" to x. Otherwise ok on for 4 years now.
Use remflex gaskets

 

A flattened Chevelle cross member would probably work as well, they bolt to the frame without isolators

 

Did you fab that up yourself Ethan, or is that a purchased piece?