344870M

I recently learned through another thread that headers were actually recommended for the '70 W-30 (I have 4 spd w/4:33's) to optimize performance. I did a quick search and was stunned to see headers in the $600-700 range! I did find them for about $200 but now I'm curious as to just what I can expect from the lower priced headers.

I am not looking for all out competition. I am interested in getting the the intended performance Olds had in mind when the car was built. Does anyone have any suggestions for headers for this combo/app?

For some reason Hooker headers #3101 stick out in my mind. I think I read an article a zillion years ago where a guy claimed that the dealer installed these on his W. Anyone?

442Harv

I have a 70 W30 with Doug Thorleys. THey are great and not that mich money, like I paid $325 5,6 years ago. They are not cearmic coated, but like a nickel coated, and the are good for the money. They were on a 442 I bought years ago, and they lasted, so I bought them for the W30. This is a 4SP car, my other was auto with AC.

344870M

Thanks.

My442

The big question is:

Do the headers fit with the back drive linkage for the reverse lights and locking column????

MN71W30

IMHO,
Save your money, unless you've had head work done, plan on cranking some high rpm's and plan on uncorking them, you'll never notice a difference. It's my belief that Olds motors are designed for low and mid range power where headers aren't yet a big factor. I have proven it to myself twice over the years with Oldsmobiles and headers. The first time I had a 68 W30 years ago with headers and wanted to race in a pure stock class so I installed my factory manifolds back on and the car ran a tenth faster with the manifolds. Secondly I installed cutouts on my 71 W30 that has factory manifolds and it ran the same MPH at the track uncorked. I have proven it to myself that headers on a 400+ hp 454 Chevy will give a couple mph's at the track. I'm not pretending to be an expert, only passing on what I believe.
Good luck,
Dave

stevengerard

I have no first hand experience like Dave has but I have an article somewhere from about 5 years ago. A shop in NY who regularly raced a W-30 tested the car with stock exhaust, headers and a few other configurations (X-pipe, open exhuast etc.) Turns out the second fasted times were stock exhaust (maybe with X-pipe), I think the only times faster was open headers and barely any faster - headers with mufflers were slower for them. I'll see if I can find the magazine

My442

Here is what I did:

All of the information on Olds headers lead me to believe that modifications are required, as well as mini starters, etc.

I had my W and Z manifolds HPC coated, and added a true mandrel bent 2.5" exhaust system from Torque Tech.

My car is a weekend toy only driven on the street, and this set up fits like a glove and works great.

344870M

MN71W30 & stevengerard -

Thanks for the input. I respect your first hand (or second hand) knowledge with this question but its confounding to hear that Olds actually recommended headers for optimum performance and your experience actually suggest otherwise.

I too do not wish to spend unnecessary money and I am a purist (all factory or nothing). But I am also interested in getting this thing to run like it is supposed too. Now don't get me wrong. On the few occasions I've been all the way in, it is a terrifyingly quick car. This is not an exaggeration or boastful ownership. The car is effin scary quick. Do I take the chance and buy headers and gain nothing? Or do I go for it and get little to no noticeable gains?

Just so we're clear. The car is a 4 speed (w/correct cam) and has 4:33's. A rather potent combo. Do you guys know what gears were being run in the cars you referenced? All my power is made right now.

MN71W30

This is another opinion,
My 68 W30 had factory 4.33 gears and a 4 speed. It seems to me factory Olds 400 long stroke and 455 engines rely heavily on torque and you reach a point where steeper 1st gears actually don't improve your 60 foot time. I have seen this more than once. Years ago we were racing a 67 442 with a 70 455 engine and the best time was achieved when we installed a 3.55 gear ratio. My 68 W30 ran it's best time with a 3.90 gear. I had no MPH improvement in my 71 W30 with 3.42 gears, when I pulled the M20 Muncie and installed a 5 speed with a 3.27 first gear as compared to a Muncie 2.52 first. My belief is that if you have a 70 W30 and a 4 speed with a close ratio, you are at the top edge of your usable power range with all things considered. I had to coast through the traps with my 433 geared 68 442 because I floated the valves before I got to the end. My 71 442 built to 70 high compression runs over 103 MPH in the 1/4 mile with 3.42 gears and a wide ratio M20 through the exhaust. In closing, I believe your car will be fast with any rear gear ratio from 3.42-4.33. The the advice about the 2.5 Mandrel exhaust is right on.
I wouldn't touch it, I'd enjoy it, put some miles on it and try to be content with what you have.
It seems no car is ever quite fast enough.

My442

Have you ever installed headers before?

If you are intent on this, do a search on all the Olds forums and read about what people have experienced with headers. There are a number of brands: Hooker, Dougs, ARH, and some other cheap brands.

I have installed a few sets in A body GM cars, and you always have to "tweak" things to make them fit.

344870M

Very interesting stuff. Thank you. I'm not a hardcore racer but I have noticed that some big dollar improvements seem to only increase e.t.s incrementally. No bang for the buck so to say.

I remember when my Dad test drove my W before buying it. I was in the back seat and the (used car) dealer was in the passenger seat. My dad laid into it like there was no tomorrow. I was terrified, the dealer was not happy and Dad was crazy. We were going up a mild grade measured out locally as a 1/4 mile +/- depending on where you started and stopped. I remember seeing 106 on the speedo before Dad backed off/ran out of road. It was scary fun

svnt442

Well I had a set on a column shift car so I don't see what it would be an issue.