Hi All;
My engine rebuild project continues! I have a 1969 442 with a 455. Completely rebuilt the engine and now about to install. My question is on exhaust headers. I'd like to get new headers because the ones on the car now, do not fit properly [actually rub on the steering column]. Does anyone have suggestions on where I can buy headers that will fit?

 

Depends on how much you want to spend. ARH stainless headers are the absolute best on the market for an Olds. They are also however the most expensive. For a cheaper header that fits pretty good the Hookers are hard to beat.

 

I am WAY over budget...so I'd like to save some bucks if I could. I see Summit has Hooker headers [part number 3902HKR] for $245. This a good deal? Any other suggestions? anyone have experience with this particular Hooker model?

 

I've heard alot of negative reports on headers for A bodies. I would either keep the headers you have now, or spend the money to get a set that fits right. I've heard Doug's headers are top notch, they aren't cheap though:

http://dougsheaders.com/

 

If money is tight, and your old headers are in good condition, just mark where they are rubbing and put a small ding there to clear the steering shaft. Common place with headers. Re finish them and you are good to go without spending a lot of money. A lot of headers, being new, cheap, or expensive will need a little massaging to fit right.

 

I would go this route until you have enough money to get a good coated set.

 

That is a bummer that there are so few options that fit well for A bodies. The Heddman headers I got for my 71 98 fit perfectly.

 

i still have blackjack headers on my car 25 years+ no leaks.... i'm not sure if they still make them

 

The best-fitting Olds headers I've ever used were made by Kenne-Bell back in the 1980s. Unfortunately Kenne-Bell stopped making Olds parts decades ago.

 

Thanks much for the input guys...much appreciated

 

BTW, people have had good luck with Hookers, I had to lightly massage my Hedmans here and there.

 

I have a 69 442 power steering,power brakes,had ac but was removed,still has the box on the firewall though,an 8 qt pan ,and my headers are hedman and they fit fine,no leaks either..oh yeah car has a 455 also and a 400 turbo trans.

 

I know this is an old thread but keep in mind there is a HUGE issue with the Hooker 7902 series and maybe with others not even being close to a proper fit regarding head port to header port!