[chaosrob]

Is there a consensus on best headers to run on a 650 HP round port engine for a second gen f body? I like the old cast manifolds but not sure if they are up to the task on this engine. It is making a swap from a gto into the bird so the current headers have to go. TIA

[Half-Inch Stud]

My opinion: 1 7/8" Primaries are good. 2.0" Primaries if you push past 7000 RPM.

I would like to see Manifolds evaluated with a Header Collector extension for a fair compare.

[PAUL K]

This might be helpful

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...errerid=134156

[chaosrob]

Very much so, ty and impressive (especially the numbers you showed on the "milder" 469 later in the post).

What brands still make a quality header at this point? I haven't purchased a new set of headers for a poncho in years and don't know if some brands have become in name only while being chinesium in build. TIA

Originally Posted by PAUL K

This might be helpful

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...errerid=134156

[PAUL K]

Doug's without a doubt!

[chaosrob]

Last questions Paul, thank you for your patience. How is ground clearance with the dougs long tubes? Is there a mild exhaust for the birds that still flows well without being obnoxious that you would suggest?

Originally Posted by PAUL K

Doug's without a doubt!

[PAUL K]

Originally Posted by chaosrob

Last questions Paul, thank you for your patience. How is ground clearance with the dougs long tubes? Is there a mild exhaust for the birds that still flows well without being obnoxious that you would suggest?

Ask away! ..... They tuck up pretty good but they are still headers. Pypes offers some nice systems. 3 1/2 off the header and reduce it to three after the X would be a good way to go. But if you are worried about ground clearance there are probably better choices. Both the 1 7/8 and 2" Doug's seem to have a little more clearance than my 2" Hooker Super Comp's.

[chuckies76ta]

Doug's here too. Very nice fit.

[Gary H]

X3 on the Doug's headers. The header flange, and the headers themselves are very thick. They're quite for headers, and because of the thick flange you'll have fewer issues with blown header gaskets. The fit is great too.

[ErikW]

Doug's without question

[chaosrob]

Is there a preferred gasket and bolts for these headers that you guys run to minimize leaks or are the ones they come with pretty good quality?

[Scott Stoneburg]

I like to buy the smaller head header bolts. Not the regular 7/16" head bolts. It makes it much easier to get the wrench on for maintenance.
ARP Kit #: 652-1000
Works well

[Skip Fix]

I've had good look with Hookers 4202s. On my 78 TA and the Camaro/IA project

[Dave Polichena]

Header bolts that have a 3/8 12 point hex works great.

I like the Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal gasket.

[Hooter]

I've had good luck with Remflex gaskets.

[Dragncar]

My headers have standard grade 8, heads 9/16 on some. And stainless 5/16 6 point on others. You need 6 point on some so you can get a opened end wrench on some. And the 9/16 head is much less likely to round off so use where you can.
The bolts that do not hang out on a "ear" with open holes on the back are not the problem. I just use standard gr 8 six point on them if a wrench fits.
The ones that hang in the air are the ones that get corroded in. Thats where stainless helps.
Never, ever use the grade 5, 7/16 head on the ones with "ears in the air". You might find yourself with Vise Grips heating that ear up cherry red with a oxy/acl torch on your very expensive HO heads. Not fun.
Always use good grade Never Seize.