Hi all, my car currently has stock headers with a rather nasty homemade exhaust system that shall be getting cut off and binned soon, so looking for alternatives. None of the aftermarket 455 headers I can see say they fit a 98, so does anyone know of any that do, or at least can be made to without too much work? Trying to avoid having to get anything shipped over the atlantic without knowing it will fit

Thanks.

 

Your best bet would be the factory dual exhaust setup. The correct left side manifold is reproduced if you dont have one.

 

I modified a set from a Cutlass once. It CAN be done, but the pipes would come in contact with the steering box, or at least come close to it, even after pounding them in a bunch. I burnt two power steering pumps out before I yanked the headers out.

 

Just to clarify, the cast iron things you have now are called manifolds. As noted, the factory used a different driver's side manifold for factory dual exhaust cars and this part is being reproduced.

Headers are tubular steel. I doubt you could get headers for a 98 when these cars were new, let alone now. There is almost no market for them, thus no one makes them. Short of a custom hand-made set or significant rework (with cutting and welding), there is nothing available. Be aware that the 1965-1970 full size cars have the steering linkage behind the crossmember (called rear steer) and they are unique in that respect. The only other Olds with that configuration was the 1973-74 Omega. You can get Omega headers (though probably only for a small block), so those might be the other place to start.

 

I have the factory dual exhaust setup on my '68 98. Bought the manifold from Thornton ($230) http://thorntonmusclecars.com/produc...haust-manifold. Fits perfect on 455. I bought the drivers side exhaust from Classic Exhaust Inc. (got all stainless) for $900 - I should have had a local exhaust shop do it cheaper and I would not have to have my shift linkage modified - in '68 factory installed dual exhaust equipped '98s had a different shifter linkage.
- beepac

 

Beepac is right and I just learned something from him. I have factory duals on my 68 Ninety Eight and the linkage is unique. I am attaching a picture should anyone need to modify theirs. The linkage goes OVER the left exhaust pipe (note the bend to clear the pipe) also the picture shows it rotated 180 - so the bend really goes up once installed...hope that makes sense and helps. Dave