[Brian Baker]

OK, who makes the best fitting headers out there for a Can Am? I'm not concerned about price, I'm concerned about fit. The engine going in it will be a mild d-port 455 so I won't be needing anything larger than a 1-3/4" primary with 3" collectors. My biggest concern for fit is tranny linkage...the car has a column shift with console delete and it has to stay that way.

[Fake Goat]

I don't remember which headers I used Brian, but I ditched them for RAI reproduction manifolds from RARE and the mandrel bent exhaust pipes. I truly did not feel any difference in performance, and got the ones with the 2.45" outlets.

I know you are asking about headers, but just thought I would give you my two cents. I heard that the RAI are comparable to headers up to about 500 HP, not sure if that is true or not.

Is this going in your dad's old car??

[Brian Baker]

Yup, going in Dad's car. My first choice is probably going to be the manifolds from RARE, but I want to keep my options open as this combo will have ported heads with a mild hydraulic roller.

[bastard]

Last time I asked about this, I was told 2nd gen F body headers would fit.
If they do, let me know.

[sdx455]

I used Hooker on the 73 .. they were the 1 5/8" they came with directions how to modify the shift linkage to the steering colunm to fit .. the competition ones will fit also and there either 1 3/4" or 1 7/8" But there were more $ than I wanted to spend

[73LeMans]

Rumor has it Dougs headers are the best for anything you might want. I dont have first hand experience yet, but will when I get them for a 400 I'm building for a friends 65 LeMans. The other headers may clear the linkage and stuff, but its been my experience that the BlackJacks/Hookers/etal all require special/modified wrenches to get to the bolts that secure it to the head, whereas the Dougs are supposed to be more forgiving for the same diameter tube.

I know my 68 400 sits a little further back in my 73 frame, but I also run a mini starter, a floor shifted auto, and no fenderwells, and bolting these things up is still no picnic. The 1 5/8th headers were easier, but the 1 3/4 Hooker Super Comps are very time consuming to undo and re-attach.

~Mark