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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2019 20:27:37 GMT -5
Is there a header that will fit a 455 big block conversion, other than custom fabrication? My current set rubs on the a-arms and steering shaft. I have a local builder that can build a set, but pricey at $3,500.00
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Post by joepadavano on Feb 14, 2019 10:36:00 GMT -5
The 455 is externally identical to the 400 that was factory installed in the 442. The problem is that the market for Olds headers for the 64-67 cars is too small and nearly all the header manufacturers have stopped making them. Kooks and ARH still sell them, though not cheap by commercial header standards, they are substantially less than $3500.
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Post by bubbasz1 on Feb 15, 2019 7:25:00 GMT -5
Is there a header that will fit a 455 big block conversion, other than custom fabrication? My current set rubs on the a-arms and steering shaft. I have a local builder that can build a set, but pricey at $3,500.00 I would call either Dick Miller Racing or Rocket Racing, feel them out and go from there, both offer a multitude of sizes and designs.
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Post by island65cruiser on Feb 15, 2019 22:03:28 GMT -5
It may be more cost effective to use what you have, and just modify the offending tubes for clearance. You can heat and flatten tubes for clearance. Exhaust gas doesn't know if it it traveling through a round, or "D" shaped tube as long as you don't crush it. Pre-bent tube sections are available from Jeg's at reasonable cost to re-route a tube if need be. Also, if your motor mounts are old, the engine might just be sitting too low in the frame causing interference. If low cost fixes don't work, you'll feel better when you have to bite the bullet! Good luck.
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Post by joepadavano on Feb 16, 2019 9:16:46 GMT -5
First, every single deviation from a straight, round tube effects flow. No, you probably can't measure the loss from a single dent or smooth bend, but this is "death by a thousand cuts".
Second, properly designed headers have a specific tube diameter and length, and the individual primary tube lengths should match (hence the term "equal length headers"). Changing the length of one tube by cutting and welding will change how the headers work. Yeah, there are a LOT of lower-cost headers that are not equal length. You get what you pay for.
Third, taking a hammer to a set of headers looks like crap. Your call on this.
Finally, to all who will claim that they didn't feel any difference from dents, unequal lengths, etc, I only ask, when was the last time you had your "butt dyno" calibrated?
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Post by island65cruiser on Feb 17, 2019 11:57:32 GMT -5
Hey Joe, you are absolutely right, but if a guy doesn't want to spend the big bucks, or demand perfection, those cheap fixes will get the headers into the car. I assumed from the comments that if $3500.00 for custom headers was not doable, that we weren't talking about a high dollar project. Sometimes, people are perfectly willing to trade a few less horsepower for a few less bucks. The suggested cheap fixes get the car on the road, not in the record books.
For the original poster, modifications, done right, don't have to be hacked. A re-routed pipe doesn't have to change the length, maybe just the angle of a bend, or put a slight bend in a straight section, and a dent can be done by heating the tube with a torch, and flattening a spot with a big "C" clamp. Either mod can look factory built if patiently done. I assure you, your adrenaline level and the smile on your face won't be any different when you hear that big block roar through four tube headers, no matter which route you take. In the end, for me, it's all about having fun with my cars.
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Post by joepadavano on Feb 19, 2019 9:09:00 GMT -5
Hey Joe, you are absolutely right, but if a guy doesn't want to spend the big bucks, or demand perfection, those cheap fixes will get the headers into the car. I assumed from the comments that if $3500.00 for custom headers was not doable, that we weren't talking about a high dollar project. Sometimes, people are perfectly willing to trade a few less horsepower for a few less bucks. The suggested cheap fixes get the car on the road, not in the record books. For the original poster, modifications, done right, don't have to be hacked. A re-routed pipe doesn't have to change the length, maybe just the angle of a bend, or put a slight bend in a straight section, and a dent can be done by heating the tube with a torch, and flattening a spot with a big "C" clamp. Either mod can look factory built if patiently done. I assure you, your adrenaline level and the smile on your face won't be any different when you hear that big block roar through four tube headers, no matter which route you take. In the end, for me, it's all about having fun with my cars.
I don't disagree with any of this, but keep in mind that if a car owner is paying a shop $75 or $100 an hour, it doesn't take many hours of cutting, fitting, modifying, and installing a custom header to reach a labor price that exceeds the cost of Dick Miller's Kooks.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2019 20:34:56 GMT -5
Thank you all, I appreciate the input. I was just looking to see what others had done and don't mind paying to do it right the first time. I will have Stan's Headers do the custom build.
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Post by island65cruiser on Feb 19, 2019 22:39:50 GMT -5
Post a picture when they are done, love to see the finished product!
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Post by joepadavano on Feb 20, 2019 10:31:45 GMT -5
Thank you all, I appreciate the input. I was just looking to see what others had done and don't mind paying to do it right the first time. I will have Stan's Headers do the custom build.
Have you looked at the ARHs? They are about half your expected cost for custom.
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Post by island65cruiser on Feb 20, 2019 14:40:45 GMT -5
This thread has made me curious. I called Hooker this afternoon, they still offer a four tube header for the 1965 442, 400 or 455 motor that fits 4 speed cars. It does not fit column shift, or automatic with floor shift. They are available plain, or with three different heatproof ceramic coatings priced up to about $700.00, available direct or through Jegs, Summit, and other dealers. I have no idea how they fit or the level of quality, but I would take a chance on them for my car. I know there are probably better quality products out there, and you get what you pay for, just more options.
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Post by jcf85post on Feb 20, 2019 17:26:40 GMT -5
i have the hooker headers(3902) on my 65 with 455,4 spd that fit quite good.driver's side needed no persuasion but the passenger side hit in the same place as the op's at the upper control arm although it didn't require as much modification as his just a very slight dimple.jc
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Post by joepadavano on Feb 20, 2019 18:49:48 GMT -5
I called Hooker this afternoon, they still offer a four tube header for the 1965 442, 400 or 455 motor that fits 4 speed cars. It does not fit column shift, or automatic with floor shift.
I'm sure they'd tell you it does not fit Supremes, either... There is no part of the factory AT floor shift linkage that interferes with headers. That's just BS. I'll believe the column shift is a problem, but there are ways around that. Just out of curiosity, what's the Hooker P/N?
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Post by island65cruiser on Feb 21, 2019 10:18:49 GMT -5
Yup, they did say no Supremes (Better let Diana Ross know they are discriminating!), I can understand the auto trans issue, it might be too wide, but I don't get the floor shift bit, either. The only part number I have is the one they use if you buy through Summit: HOK3902, for 1965 to 1975 Cutlass. They offer black painted, and three different heatproof coatings. Collector extensions not included. The Summit prices are cheaper than direct purchase from Hooker, and no freight, and I'm guessing Jeg's will beat Summit by a few bucks if you call them. No specs on primary size, collector is 3".
These prices are really cheap compared to other brands I've seen, don't know if they are junk, or decent quality. I've had both from Hooker on other cars in the past.
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