[Johnny406]

Does anyone know of a header that will fit and work with the column shift like on a 72 LeMans? I was thinking those 3 tube headers would work but they won't according to Hedman. I know I could use the Ram Air manifolds but this is a low$$ and low power 350 project. Thanks, John

[post toastie]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...c/model/lemans
These fit my column shift car well

[czar97]

Johnny406, any update? I have a 72 lemans 350 column shift 3 speed as well. Cruiser to weekday events. Not a show car. Needs all new exhaust and I’m thinking headers as well.

[big matt]

Buy any header that suits your needs. Buy the $50 dollar kit from shiftworks and its a plug and play deal. I used this on my 72 455ho column shift, car. No issues. Took all of 20 minutes to put on once the headers were installed. The gear selector lines up, reverse lights work, and no issues to speak of.

[czar97]

Thanks for the response and great information on that linkage that takes guess work out of CHOOSING a set of headers.
Any advice on headers that fit well? Doubt I’ll see or feel much gain on a basically stock 350 4bbl build with the ram air style cam that summit sells for $100. But I’m just kicking around the idea for budget headers for bolt-up reasons to what will be a larger-than-stock full exhaust system that needs to go on this spring. I think I’m at 1-7/8” exhaust up to (2) blown-out-the-bottom Walker mufflers to 2-1/2” tailpipes currently.
Thanks again for any suggestions.

[F ROCK]

Originally Posted by czar97

Any advice on headers that fit well? Doubt I’ll see or feel much gain on a basically stock 350 4bbl build...

Just my opinion;
i will never install tube headers on another street pontiac.
The RA manifolds are awesome.
I used Hooker comps (or super comps i dont remember.)
Car needs to be at least 36" off the ground for install.
Oil filter needs to be moved/modified a little bit. Future oil changes will be messy.
Brake proportioning valve needed to be moved a bit.
Passenger side header sits VERY low, and sometimes hit the ground.
Header bolts were difficult to tighten. Had to bend several small wrenches just for the install; and to maintain.
Header bolts needed to be checked often for tension.
Gaskets blew a few times.

...And with my stock 400 and 3.08 gears there was no benefit at all. i actually lost low RPM power.
You've got 3.55 gears; so you may get some small gain; but for me, it still wouldnt be worth the trouble.
I bought the RA manifolds and never looked back.
They never come loose, never hit the ground, never leak, fit perfectly, and i got some of the low RPM torque back, that I'd lost with my tube headers and my rear gear.
Worth the extra money.
Just my opinion and my own experience. 71 GTO.

[F ROCK]

... I eventually removed my headers with a sawzall.
that part was torture too.

[AG]

Headers are not needed for a stock type motor, they do however have their place with higher Hp motors. I have RA manifolds on my '72 LeMans with a 415 Hp 455, but I will be using headers in my '68 FB after I put the 650 Hp motor in.