headers for 78 bird with 455
 

I need to find out if anyone makes a set of headers that would fit a 455 going into my 78 bird? I called Doug's headers they don't. Any suggestions?

Ask them for a 78 with a 400.
They SHOULD have that application for sure.
As long as your 455 has D port heads, they will fit.
Hooker should ALSO have a 78 400 aplication.

Hedmann #28150.
I have recommended this header to lots of folks with the same question and they all agree that they fit the best over the others on the market. They also offer very good ground clearance. My '79 has cut springs and no problems on the road.
Less than $200

What size tubes Larry?

1-3/4" x 3"
#28150 for a Pontiac 455....not Olds.

Larry, with your 4-speed, did you have to remove the backdrive linkage for the Heddman's to fit, or can you leave it on?

1978 TA martinique blue/ black int. (int. converted) 4-speed 455/96 heads
3.42 posi. Hedman headers 4-tube. All linkage in tact (backup lights work normally). Not much fun to install. Thinking about going to Hipo Manifolds when headers rust out. They've been on the car about 10 years. LOL

Yup - We have a set of H-O Racing Tri-Y's on our 79 4-spd that we are waiting considering doing the same replacement.

I figure I'll loose a few horses, but if it feels like too many there's a nitrous plate hangin on the wall.

I have Doug's Header's on my 1976 Trans Am w/455. These headers were not recomended for T/A's later than 1974. I called Doug's and they would not guarantee that these headers would work on a 1976 model. Mine are the round port variety as I have E-Heads. It is a 4-speed car which meant that the steering column lockout linkage had to be removed. I'm not sure but maybe the 1974 and earlier don't have a lockout linkage. Anyway this seems to have been the issue as these headers fit perfectly with no other modifications and are of very high quality. Hope this helps.

David

No problems with the backdrive linkage, everything intact.

Thanks for the info.

I called Doug's and they only said that the headers are'nt listed to fit later TA's because of emissions in some states.

I've used both the Hooker Super Comps in 1-3/4" and the Hedman Hustlers in 1-7/8" in my old 79 T/A. The Hedman's came with an adapter to fit between the header flange and the heads, which made isntallation a breeze. With the help of one other person, I had them on the car finger tight in 20 minutes. In your application, I'd go with the Hedman 1-3/4"

I had the Hedman headers in a '78 and they fit great. I will likely use another set of Hedmans in my '81. I have Hooker Super Comps in the Ventura and they are OK but dont seem to fit as well as Hedman.

Headers on 455/78 bird
 

OK thanks everyone for the input, I'm going to SEMA so I'll talk to some of the manufactures. Hedman seems to get the most positive ratings though.