I am doing pretty good with my Al head fund, should be there soon. Are the stage 2 headers good at keeping a seal? They are cheaper than the stage ones right now. I currently do not have headers. But, as you all know, if I go stage 2, I am committed to headers for life. The car is a 73 GS 350 with a low mile 72 455, TA212 & stock heads. I have new valves, the the stock springs I am using now work great with the ta212, so I'll buy them bare. I know people will usually do some other performance steps before going to the Al head swap, but the car is not near as fast as my other 455's I have had, and they both had ported & polished, big valve heads. I am hoping this will change everything. I need to decide on a head. I want headers, and if I can get a leak free set up that would be great. But, if all headers take weekly maintenance, I want to stick with the manifolds, getting around the A/C stuff on the right side is a pain. The car will be a driver. Thanx for the help.
I have Stage 2 heads and TA headers on my car.The headers seal better than any other headers in the past.You should re-torque the header bolts at least 6 times in my experience just to be on the safe side.Absolutely no leaks.I have also found the Stage 2 headers to be almost as quiet as cast manifolds-a pleasant surprise.They are very well made and of good guage steel.Only downside if you want to call it that is they are heavy-guessing about 15 pounds per set more than the old set on Stage 1 heads.well worth it though-highly recommended!.Rod
Thanx Rod. They also look like the header bolts are easier to get to than the ones on stage 1 heads. The difference in price (if the sale is still going on) is almost the price of a set of new TA headers. Thanx again.
Hey Rodster, how do you like those Stage 2 head?? Was wondering because I am thinking about getting a set of them!
gaskets and stuff Iv'e been running T/A stage 2 heads and headers since 1998 and have changed gaskets only twice, the first ones where the old white gaskets that get hard and crack, then when T/A came out with their high temp gaskets like the "grape" gaskets I have had Zero leaks, no weekly maintenence. I think you will be very happy with stage two heads and headers, I have had a maintenence free eng. built by T/a Performance for over six years know and have had absolutely no troubles whatsoever, Mike and his crew have two thumbs up from me and I'm quite sure many others. Go Fast With T/A parts! Bruce
Wondering which one would be better-Alum. stage 1's or 2's? Or does it make a difference? Have not bought anything yet. Thanks
So far so good with the Stage 2 heads.Work and other problems have conspired to not allow for any definitive testing of the changes in 1/4 mile.Motor picked up over 70 hp on the dyno compared to a good set of ported Stage 1 heads.But the motor had a 950 Holley in place of a much modified 800 Q-jet.No other changes except the new heads have been ported and have some chamber work.On the road the low end torque and response is just as good as before.The Holley double-pumper has response limitations at low revs with more than half throttle without downshifting as can be expected.Gas mileage is terrible compared to the Q-jet.I only have 275's out back and traction is at a premium.Took my son out for a ride the other night and nailed her from a 10mph start.I was too busy correcting steering to even notice that I had left the switch pitch in high stall! The car pulls like mad but a bit too twitchy for me with the small tires.My kid probably thinks the old man is a maniac.Impossible to drive this thing with any kind of reserve.Certainly not a car for the young or uninitiated.Would I change things-NEVER! Only wishing there was something around I could run against.Rod
