I went ahead and ordered some TA headers(1 5/8" to 3") for my 72 Skylark. And I was wondering if anyone has installed these headers on their 350. Were there many installation problems that I should know about? Did they clear the ground well? Are there many problems with leaking? Thanks
I got these headers on by jacking up the front of the car as high as I could and wiggling them up from beneath. The first time I put them on I was never able to tighten the middle lower bolt on the passangers side, but surprisingly it didn't leak much. When I put them back on after pulling my engine I followed the advice of an article on www.buickperformance.com and notched the center bolt holes on each side then turned in the bolts a few turns before sliding the header flange over them. That made installation a bit easier. My car has weak springs in the front so I bang up the headers pretty regularly, but if you have fresh springs you should be fine. For the most part they don't leak. Before I tightened that one bolt there was a little bit of carbon on the gasket between the two upper bolts on the passengers side but I never heard it. When I put them back on I used the pink gaskets from TA and about a month or two ago it started to tick pretty loudly and it was coming from that same spot, but thats probably just a freak occurance since those gaskets are supposed to be pretty good. I already got another pair and will probably use some copper RTV just for piece of mind.
I have them on my 71 GS 350 with 4 speed as well as my 70 Skylark(auto) with no hassles.The 71 has no a/c but the 70 has a/c. Went on rather easily by jacking up the car as suggested.No interferrence at all.There may be some dipstick interferrance but nothing to badf.Getting the center bolt under the headers.....Pain in the butt but doable..I got the pink gaskets and have no leaks on the 71 but haven't yet started the 70 car as of yet. Pat
I've had them on my '69 350 for over 5 years with no leaks or tightening of bolts. I used the red hi-temp RTV on both sides of the cheap TA gaskets when I installed them. The dipstick had to be modified slightly, I ended up making a small 90 degree bracket to bolt the tube to one of the heat riser bolt holes. Use the header bolts (10 point or whatever they area) and take your time tightening them. Yes, a couple bolts can be tough, but they're all accessible. Jack the front end up high and fon't be afraid to loosen a motor mount. They actually went in fairly well.
Thanks guys What exactly comes with the headers? I'm new to this, so I don't know what extra I need to buy. Also, can I get that RTV stuff at local parts stores? Sorry for the dumb questions and thanks again
My TA headers came with the grey gaskets, and the bolts. They also came with collector gaskets, reducers and the collector/reducer bolts but I also got their exhaust system with it so I'm not sure if the reducers came with that or the headers. Yep, any typical auto store should have it.
Thanks If they don't come with reducers, will I need to get them if I'm having somebody else do my exhaust? Does TA sell them separtly?
