Doug’s vs ….
 

So I can’t find the repop Ram air manifolds anywhere now headers are last resort.
So are Doug’s worth the added cost or not.

Existing exhaust is set up for headers, that I threw away. Didn’t want to run them again. Bought the down tubes for the ram airs now un available.

Ughhhh…

Dougs are very nice. I would get the Cermic coated ones.

I dont have dougs on my cars but have seen them on some 2nd gen firebirds, didnt see anything that justified the added price compared to other better priced headers like hedman or hookers etc.

I use hedmans on a 2nd gen that fit great & are leak free after 15+ years using the cheap supplied paper gaskets, use hooker super comp O-ports on another car that are very nice , using mr gasket graphite steel core type gaskets & are also leak free.

The key to leak free headers that most people dont do, is to retorque all bolts after a few heat cycles and check periodically once or twice a year, they arent manifolds so you cant just install & forget them or they will eventually leak and people blame the headers or gaskets, never used or needed expensive remflex gaskets on my headers. also use a locking type bolt with a small head, i use summit stainless header bolts with serrations under the head to help stop from moving, very cheap price and work great.

Nothing wrong with dougs, but there are other very good headers for less money. Also if you have a local powder coater they can probably coat the headers, will be much better quality than buying them coated from what Ive seen... probably cheaper priced too.

Options for headers that fit well will vary somewhat by what year A-body you're working with. I could be mistaken, but I think the '68-72 cars have a few more header options that fit better than do the earlier cars. I know that for my '66, Doug's is just about the only option worth using. All the other options either require dinging a primary tube (not a big deal) and/or they hang down lower than needed and can cause ground clearance issues. I was in the same boat as you, where I wanted to use RARE oversized manifolds for my car, but after waiting over a year and a half for them to show up (and repeatedly being told they would ship "next week"), I cancelled my order and bought Doug's ceramic coated headers. They fit beautifully everywhere, and don't hang down too low. Installation was pretty easy from underneath the car.

Would I have been happy with RARE manifolds had I been able to get them? Yeah, very likely. But I'm also extremely pleased with the Doug's headers, so ultimately I'm happy with how things turned out.

Dougs
 

Will probably result in more ponies also

It does: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/hp...-vs-manifolds/

In my opinion, Doug's are the superior choice in headers. They fit better, are easier to install and don't leak at the flanges.
I have a set of Hookers on my drag GTO.....they are usually a 4 hour install that requires lots of swearing, 4 hands and skinned knuckles. The Doug's by comparison, I can do my self in half the time without injury and having to wash my mouth out with soap.

Both do require some massaging with a BFH to get around the frame on the drivers side.

Ram Air Restorations is listing their manifolds as "in stock" - is that incorrect? https://www.ramairrestoration.com/po...o-v8-2151.html

I recently put a set of Doug's on a '68 Firebird. I've installed dozens of sets of headers in my life, and these were about the best I have seen. Using 5/16" head bolts, I am able to put a geared wrench on every bolt, and did not have to modify any of the tubes for clearance. From headers on the ground, to installed with gaskets and all 12 bolts tight, it took me less than 45 minutes.

Lee, Any chance you could post the size and part number please. Thanks

Doug's D569, 1.75" primaries.
Header bolts I use in video: ARP 400-1109
Header gaskets I use: FelPro 1424

Link to video: https://youtu.be/EXBkWpQJJJU?si=xye5kcMwkmjbvrSo