Good Morning.

Installing 455 into 1971 Cutlass S with Long Tube Headers. I've scoured YouTube, read over the plethora of posts on here for months and have a good idea of the challenges, work arounds, tips and ticks on modifications needed to make headers fit on this engine and work with this car. Forgive me if I've missed a prior post on this as I've searched a number of times. But I saw something on a car TVshow yesterday that I hadn't seen before and wondered if anyone has tried it successfully with a 71 before.

Instead of installing headers from the bottom up (or top down) when engine is in the bay, has anyone tried laying each header into the engine bay FIRST, tying them back to the inner fender wells within in engine bay so they are out of the way but in general position and THEN install the engine? Thus, when engine is in, untie each header and mount them to the block.

Here's what I watched on YouTube:
Min 5:30 is the header install method I'm referring to

Thanks in advance - was just curious if done by others and worked with the '71 Cutlass S with 455

Fletcher

 

That is the only way I have ever installed headers, on both my '70 Supreme and the '71 convertible. Both were during engine rebuilds so it was super easy to just put the headers in then lower the engine into place.

 

Those chevy guys got it easy with those narrow small blocks . Ive always done it the hard way but have talked to many guys using that method with success.

 

The only issue you’ll run into is if the headers need to be messaged due to interference issue and have to come back out. Installing first works great if you’re reusing old headers on fresh engine install.

 

I anticipant and am prepared for some fitment issues along the way. Glad to see others have had success. Thank you gentleman!