442

 

I am using Flowtech painted headers, just a step up from manifolds. nothing special. If I was going to spend 350.00 I would probably go with something a little better IMO.

 

Were they hard to install??

 

The ceramic peels and rust pits.

 

I bought the Hedman Hedders for about $400. The header flange was thicker and I bought the "thermal coated" headers instead of the "ceramic coated" ones. I'm very happy with them.

 

I had flow tech headers on my Olds 350 an I had a few problems. I had to dent them in a few places so it would clear.Also they ran EXTREMELY close to my starter and it ended up frying it so if you get ther wrap them in exhaust wrap and wrap your starter also...Lastly i'd also get a mini-starter to eliminate the headers burning it out

 

flow tech headers are garbage.ive used them once and sold them for years when i was in the parts biz.had them on a 70 cutlass and they hung too low.there a very poor design and quality.i got hedman headers on my olds and love them.i also like the gasketless collectors.but if i remember correctly hedmans wont fit 70 and later olds unless its a 442.not sure why.it may have changed as ive been out the parts biz a few years now.double check me on that.on any headers i highly recommend a mini starter.it will save you a headache.i personally got a powermaster mastertorque starter on my motor and love it. good luck with whatver route you go

 

Have the ceramic coated ones on my 69 cutlass, but got them for under 200 cause they were a little blemished. no problems clearing, but I also have an aftermarket starter. I had a problem getting them to seal at the heads, but changed the gasskets and used copper RTV and they are better. However, after less than a year, they are starting to show signs of rust spots like someone else in this thread mentioned. I would consider another brand.

 

yaa i have a 71 cutlass with a 74 olds 350 and i bought the flowtech headers ceramic coated because of the price (new $280) but i wish i just would have bought hookers or hedmann because now i just ordered a mini started for $215 today and the headers arent flat where they bolt up to the heads...each port is like raised which i believe is why a lot of people are having problems sealing them

 

I've had very good luck with the copper header gaskets, both for the heads and the collectors - 10 yrs. on a L82 sb '78 Corvette!

 

Thanks for all your advise.I returned the Flow tech headers and this spring Im going to get Better pair and put the x in the exaust all at the same time!

 

nice my mini starter will be in tomorrow and i already have a brand new pypes x pipe header back exhaust waiting to be installed ...i cnt wait to hear how it sounds