which way to go with 79 Formula 400 Pontiac?
 

RA III manifolds, Headers, or stock log manifolds? True duals or factory cross flow set up? Car will be sold when finished. Would like to know which you guys think would be best for resale value.

Headers drops the market and depends on how original the rest of the car is as far as the stock logs or RA/HOs.

Who’s your intended sales audience? That would dictate the mods you install. RA manifolds cannot be disputed by any buyer and adds eye candy but only a slight performance gain.
Headers would be tied to performance upgrades to take advantage, cam, intake, etc

The most money at least at the auctions are factory original appearance.

My 81 fairly stock 400 in it has RA/HO manifolds on it true duals. The W72 had true duals (other than a single convertor first) so they are "correct" and the only way a 79 would have a 400 from the factory.

How is the rest of the car being finished? If it's mostly stock looking, I'd just put on logs and then duals. Since you're just going to sell it, why spend money that won't bring a return?

Thanks Guys........Probably go with logs or RA manifolds. It's going to be a stock appearing Formula. Not original motor or trans but will look factory under the hood.

As far as exhaust goes on these cars, I prefer the transverse muffler setups. I just really don't like seeing these cars with a pair of mufflers hanging down. When it comes to buying Fbodies or Xbodies, if it doesn't have a tranverse system on it, then that's one of the first things on the list to change and figured into the price.

Some buyers won't care. Probably a 50/50 shot either way but in your case I'd just do what works for your pocket book since you're selling anyway.

I don't like the exhaust hanging down either......the cars are low enough already. I want the car to appeal to the largest crowd possible! Originally a 403 auto car, Atlantis blue with white interior. I like the looks of dark blue as the color around the bottom of the car. So might tinker with that idea.

Color combo sounds sweet. Love white interiors. I'll bet that stands out in a crowd.

I'm a fan of the transverse set up, as well. It's what I have on my '79. A car that is low by it's nature combined with my aggressive driving and bumpy, twisty roads make a need for as much ground clearance as possible. But... if I were just putting it up for sale, regular duals are cheaper. ;)

The transverse system is the way to go, but if you select the Pypes system, it is not a simple bolt on install!

X3 on not liking an exhaust system dragging on the pavement. With as many drag-on-the ground systems around, lots of people must think it looks cool.

But remember the W72s -which if a 400 in 79- all had duals not a transverse.

That one looks better than most I see. If a small enough muffler is used and someone takes the time to tuck it up tightly, it can be done and still be aesthetically appealing. Just not a lot of floor pan room in that area on an F-body to give you much wiggle room. Rarely will I see one tucked up that well, and they usually don't last long on the roads and lots around here.

2nd Gen factory duals were not installed level to the ground. Instead the long side of mufflers that were closest to driveshaft were angled up tighter to the floor, it looks great when viewing from the rear and provides slightly more ground clearance.