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1967Tempest · 03-09-2011, 03:42 PM

After chasing what I thought was lifter tap, found that the header on d-side was leaking. My engine makes an honest 325HP, so going to manifolds, prob wont loose much and might be QUIETER!!!
BUT!!! To remove the header I have to remove the Z-Bar. I totally forgot about that. I think I am going to get the downpipes and just add manifolds....

Here are my big 3. Feel free to add as I am venting.

1. Need Special header "wrench". (I will post a pic of mine later)
2. #5 Exhaust bolt. (need I say more)
3. Have to remove Z-bar to remove header

WTF! Should have just done it when I did the 4 speed swap......

4dblnkldude · 03-09-2011, 04:12 PM

Yeah, they suck. But I don't need any special wrenches, 10 out of 12 bolts on mine I get to from the top with a 3/8 box wrench. Hey our spark plugs are nice and easy though.

Sirrotica · 05:04 PM

Dave, if the leak is at the header gasket why not save yourself a bunch of grief and leave them on. I have suggested this many many times here on PY that as long as the flange is flat all you need is high temp RTV to seal them. I did the same thing your doing now before I started using RTV on both sides of the gaskets before I tightened them down. I cant tell you how many sets of header gaskets I put on that lasted a few weeks, a few days. Since using RTV I have a set that has been on a street driven T/A for over 20 years without any leaks at all. It's your car and you can do whatever you feel is the correct thing to do, but I solved my problem using RTV and I'm no longer afraid to put headers on a Pontiac. I now have the utmost confidence that I won't be doing it over again in a couple weeks, It does work. Don't forget to re-torque them after a few heat up cool down cycles.

Since I have installed about any header ever produced for a Pontiac I have probably 4 special header wrenches, so I do know what your referring to, It depends on who made the header what wrenches are needed to tighten the tough bolts. One thing I learned along time ago is many of the bolts can be tightened from below with a long extension and a swivel socket. You need a swivel socket that is not thick walled (Snap on or something like theirs) and not a swivel attached to a regular socket, that makes the whole assembly too long. Also removing the motor mount bolt and raising the engine up on the side your working on sure gives you a bunch more room to work. Your car your decision, good luck.....

Engine-Ear · 03-09-2011, 05:08 PM

Feel your pain, brother...in addition to leaks (noise, lean-out) I have never liked how the driver's side header tubes have to be routed on '62s (esp those with a clutch!)...as a result, I continue to beat the drum for second-gen Long Branch HOs for any '62 that's built for the street.

1967Tempest · 03-09-2011, 06:51 PM

Which RTV?

Sirrotica · 03-09-2011, 06:53 PM

I use Permatex hi temp RTV, it comes in different colors. I usually have red around and is usually the color I use.

1967Tempest · 03-09-2011, 07:39 PM

Well, I will flip a coin. I think that the header has a leak from pounding on it to get the 4 speed swap done. They said that manual transmissions worked with these, but every car is different.... I kinda llike the idea of no more headers.. But that would mean spending another 120$ on downpipes.... We shall see..

Dave

65lemans · 03-09-2011, 08:09 PM

+1 That's what I run.....!
I tried them too...They're sitting in my shed now.....

ERIC AULL · 03-09-2011, 09:01 PM

I feel your pain man.......I gotta get some custom headers made.....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1967Tempest · 03-10-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65lemans

+1 That's what I run.....!
I tried them too...They're sitting in my shed now.....

Manifolds are in the shed?

These are the down pipes I would use right?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PYE-DGA10S/

Leaning more and more towards manifolds....

GTOLou · 03-10-2011, 06:58 PM

What make header?

1967Tempest · 03-10-2011, 08:49 PM

Hedman. Nothing really wrong with them other than they have a leak I think.

1967Tempest · 03-11-2011, 06:52 PM

true. I have either 66 or 67 manifolds and I ordered the downpipes. Too late for the headers, as I cut the driverside out with a sawzall. Felt good!!!!

1967Tempest · 03-17-2011, 01:13 PM

Man... Had to drop the starter to get the log in! Then had to take it out again to put the center bolts in!! I just hate exhaust!!!

What should I expect as far as sound. Meaning, how much quieter will it be now that the manifolds, WITH RTV, are in instead of headers.

Thanks,
Dave

geeteeohguy · 03-17-2011, 09:08 PM

How much quieter? It won't sound like a roach anymore. I have three friends with the HO manifolds on their GTO's, and they sound great: tight and grisp. That said, the 30 year old Hedman's on my '65 sound nice and raspy, like any good tubing header!! My car sounds like a roach, but a MEAN roach!!!

1967Tempest · 03-17-2011, 09:09 PM

I will post a video. AS I have a bunch of videos with the headers.

Dave

JOE DEYTON · 03-17-2011, 11:17 PM

Manifolds are for little girls....

1967Tempest · 03-17-2011, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE DEYTON

Manifolds are for little girls....

I see. Don't hate. GM only made so many perfect Pontiac's. The rest have headers....

JOE DEYTON · 03-17-2011, 11:28 PM

LOL, I was just messin. keep those old Pontiacs alive!

1967Tempest · 03-17-2011, 11:35 PM

Just kidding too. I was just sick and tired of the headers. I actually had a leak for a long time. I found exhaust on the block!!! Gonna try the manifolds.. Will post video...

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