Hello there, I have a 1972 Cutlass Supreme with the 5.7 L V8 Rocket 350 in it. I'm planning on putting on a dual exhaust system and am trying to find headers that will work on the car that won't be in the way of the starter or anything and won't hit the ground (and preferably will fit on the the exhaust system without having to modify the exhaust). I am trying to do this cheaply, as I'm on a pretty tight budget, but don't want to buy anything too cheap that just won't be worth it. The exhaust is from summit racing (link: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-680121) and I found some headers on eBay that I was wondering if they might work (link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Flowtech-Headers), and yes I know it says out of stock but I figured I'd still ask.
So if anyone has any experience with finding some cheaper headers that fit on this car or that will fit with this exhaust any help would be appreciated, thank you!

 

I have Headmans on my 72 442 (455). With the summit universal aluminized 2.5 inch exhaust kit. Fits nice. Not too pricy. Any long tube header has hang low no way around it. Tom

 

un coated Hooker headers for your car fit very well and are reasonably priced, and dont require a mini starter

 

As others mentioned Hedman or Hooker would be a good option. They don't require a mini starter but nice to have for that added clearance. If you decide to install any brand header then I would suggest Remflex Graphite Gaskets.
You won't regret spending the few extra $$ on those gaskets.

Eric

 

Thank you!

 

Have you considered the Thornton stainless shorty headers that bolt up to stock replacement pipes? http://thorntonmusclecars.com/produc...***-350-engine
Yes, do not get Flowtech, thin flanges that need double gaskets and rust quickly, even through ceramic coating.

 

Re fit do you have a column shift? I'm told there could be interference with that & sometimes the brake distribution block. Is there anything wrong with your manifolds that they need to go? If the car is just a street cruiser you can do duals off your manifolds with a block off plate

 

I have a set of Sanderson shorty headers if you are interested. If you are, send me a PM.

 

Which why I suggested the Thornton stainless manifolds. Unless he has the worthless cross over with single exhaust, everything will fit as stock. There will be some gain, just less than full length headers.

 

Yes it is a column shift actually, and olds 307 and 403 if you mean the single exhaust with the pipe that crosses under the manifold and connects to both sides, then yes I have that too.
After looking at/hearing about some headers, I think what we're going to do right now is keep the manifold and use some pipes to connect it to the exhaust system we have. We did want to get headers but I don't think its really in the budget right now to get good ones. One day though! Thank you everyone for your help and we'll see how this goes!

 

If you go dual exhaust on your car the Thornton headers will bolt in like the stock manifold's. Even a 2.25" or 2.5" dual exhaust with manifolds, it will boost performance and sound much better.

 

Thank you! I think we're gunna try our 2.5" dual with the manifolds we have and that's great that it'll still help with performance and sound without the headers. When we eventually do get headers I'll be sure to check out Thorton.

 

On a stock or stock-ish build, headers won't add a lot more power.

Yes, there is a gain, but is the hassle worth it?

On a street cruiser, good cast manifolds with a mandrel bent 2.5" exhaust and good flowing mufflers will get you where you want to be.

This type of system will tuck up tight, sound good, and not have the header leak/fitment issues.

I strongly recommend DynoMax 17749 Super Turbo mufflers. Perfect for a muscle car. No drone, nice at idle, and noticeable at WOT.

 

That's good to know. Right now its got Turbo mufflers that came with the exhaust from Summit Racing. I'll see how these do but I might look into those DynoMax ones, thank you!