I am in the middle of a 1965 442 build and I am having some serious header issues. I bought a set of Mondello headers last year. They almost have a downward angle under the car (collector end). We had issues installing and had to change motor mounts and dent them to make them fit. I even had to have the exhaust modified by a muffler shop to try to get it tucked up under the car better. Still it hangs very low. Especially after I lowered the 1" car over the winter. Now I am afraid I will drag them on any little hump or grade.

Has anyone else had this problem on the A bodies? Is there a different brand header that fits up in better? I saw a set of Dick Miller headers on a 65 that fit great! They were tucked up close to the floor boards the way they should fit. But it was a small block Cutlass so I am not sure I can really compare. Maybe this issues exists with all of the 65's? Maybe that is why I see almost all of them with stock exhaust manifolds on them?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Unfortunately, you got screwed by Mondello.
Try American Racing Headers, Hooker, Dick Miller, for a better fitting set. Or Thornton for a set of shorties

 

i bought hookers for my 65 cutlass 330ci, got them on, hang to far below the frame for use in Mich. with the freeze humps we have here. headers are 7 years old, never been fired thru.

 

Anybody else have any advise?

 

Check the thread "Headers Advice" in the "Big Blocks" forum section.

 

what i did on two 65 buick gs skylarks. first car was done by a shop that builds custom headers that's where i learned it.. take a floor jack with a piece of wood under the collector and just jack the car there with the exhaust still on., you will get 3/4 to an inch extra clearance.