Hi everybody,
I have a 1965 442 and just joined your forum. I purchased the car in 1982. it is completely stock, I pulled the motor and trans in 2003 and had them re built, had it painted, put in new seats and carpet. I am starting to upgrade under the hood, and would like some input about what brand of headers you guys would recommend. Also mufflers, glass packs or whatever the latest thing is in mufflers.



Thanks....OldoldsPat

 

The Hedman headers on my Olds 98 fit perfectly. Often I hear that folks have to modify headers with a BFH to get them to fit properly. I'm sure someone will chime in and let you know what headers fit your 442.

 

Welcome to the site. Hooker and Hedman are 2 of the lesser expensive choices. Please post some pics of your car.

 

Hookers....

 

Hookers x2

 

What no one has pointed out is that there are only one or two options for headers to fit the 64-67 cars. The problem is that the early cars have frames that are about 1.5" narrower, so headers for the more popular 68-72 cars typically don't fit. Sometimes you might get lucky with a particular manufacturer's tube routing and it will fit the narrower frame, but usually mods are required. The headers that are made specifically for the early cars are expensive. Now, back in 1982 when you got this car, lots of vendors made headers for them. Today, there isn't a large enough market and production of those headers has been ended.

 

if you are not drag racing it maybe consider w30 manifolds instead.a lot less hassle ,no gaskets blowing,leaking,rotting out.jmo.

 

I have Hooker headers on this 64 F-85 with a 67 400E. Although very thin in some areas, NO clearance issues at all that I had to massage with a hammer. Note: I used small block 330 motor and frame mounts. If you are using a stock GM starter, there's very little clearance between the headers and most likely will experience heat soak in the heat of summer. I solved some of that on my 67 442 with a o gauge ground wire and insulated the positive wire going to the starter. If you need to service the GM starter you will need to unbolt the headers from the heads, remove to bolts connecting the motor mount to the frame mount and lift the engine a little bit to get the starter out-been there done that on my 67. The 64 has a Power Master mini-starter.

 

No, you used the BBO 400 frame and motor mounts.

They are exactly the same parts on the 1965-68 cars. It wasn't until 1969 that Olds used the larger, stronger mounts for the BBO in the A-body cars.

 

Have a set of Hookers in my '65 with 400, did have to 'adjust' to fit, mostly passenger side. Just put chambered tailpipes on tonight. And welcome to CO.

 

While there are some "pluses" to headers, and many have been used successfully, there have also been some cases of ongoing "headaches". As mentioned, if racing is not involved, prudence may point toward a set of better cast irons. Just dealing with the fasteners on exhaust components can provide ample headaches.