Starting thinking about putting headers on a 69 442 only because when I was a kid I had to have them on my Z-28. When I was 17 I had to have 'em just cuz, now I am wondering what do headers do for me? Do they add horsepower, the cool sound, both or something else? My goal now is not to have the fastest car but I do love the sound from a good set of pipes. Does a car with headers sound different than one without?

Thanks for any info
Mike

 

The net effect of exhaust headers on your engine will have to do with other mods you have made or are considering making. On a bone stock 400, the addition of the headers will not produce a huge gain in power, but will lower the back preassure enough that you will need to make some fine tuning adjustments to your air/fuel ratio. Just my opinion, but you would see just as much power gain by adding a pair of W-30 style exhaust manifolds and some mandrell bent head and tail pipes. Turbo style mufflers for a better sound , or a more flow through style for even more radical noise if you want. Some of the major muffler manufs. have web sites that let you hear a sample of what their products sound like.

Good luck with your project.

 

Thanks Dan,

I did check out some exhaust websites and found the W manifolds/headers. That looks like a good option. I have a 425 motor in the 442 and I'm looking for the right sound more than the performance. I just bought the car and I'm learning a little more everyday. Thanks again for your help. I found one website that has "pypes" in the name that lets you listen to the sound do you know of any more?

Mike

 

From what you have said, forget the headers. Most everybody will tell you they are a pain on an Oldsmobile. Put on a set of Walker Super Turbos with and H pipe and you will love it. Even after you get the headers on, they will have to tightened often and will probably drag when you go over a speed bump. I have a set of Sanderson shorty headers I am going to put on my 72 Cutlass. I have heard mixed reviews on them. You can check their website. They are the only company making a shorty header for the Cutlass.

Just my opinion for what you are looking for.

 

After I thought about this, I don't think the Sanderson headers will fit your 425. They have street rod headers for the BBO but the don't exit at the rear. The exit in the middle would hit your cross-member.

 

The headers will give you the sound, but the correct 442 manifolds with the W and Z castings will help the engine breath much better than the open plenium crossover manifolds. They will also fit your 425 just fine. I've had a couple sets of headers in the past. One set was pretty expensive and they still needed some minor "adusting" with a ball peen hammer!

 

W/Z manifolds, being cast and having a greater wall thickness will last longer than headers ever would. You should also consider keeping your pipe diameter to about 2.25 inch or 2.50 inch at the very most.