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What headers are available and work well with these cars?
'72 454 4-spd (for now, possible Keisler 5-spd in the near future)
I have always been happy with Hooker Super Comp headers (although I have some new Kook's for my '96 Camaro that are very nice, but would be overkill for a "cruiser")
So, any snags on installation? Any parts that headers wont work with or make worse? I will be having them coated in a high temp coating (inside and outside) with a black ceramic coating.
I don't want sidepipes... well ok, I DO, but don't want to spend the money or modify the car past what it looks like (appearance wise.)
I will be having a new exhaust system built up (hopefully with mandrel bent pipes) with some Borla mufflers.
Are there any companies that make pre-made mandrel bent exhausts for these cars? And what size tubing can I use for the exhaust, going through the framerail and such?
I'm sure the 2.5" pipes would be ok, but 3" would probably be overkill for this motor.
I use Hedman headers, they are inexpensive, large 2 inch tubing and they fit very well. Mine are about 16 years old and never had a problem. They are also wrapped to cut down heat.
I run 3 inch exhuast but I feel you would only need 2 1/2 and a 2 1/2 inch exhuast is alot quieter then 3 inch.
My '73 454 has Hedmans. They haven't fallen apart and they still seal well after about 6 years.
But it sounds like you're already hooked in Hookers. That's not a bad thing, as they've always been my first chioce. My '73 has the Hedmans because that's what the P.O. put on there.
Well Hedman does make different style/quality headers too, right? They have their basic (cheapo) style and then a higher end style too?
I have been running 1 3/4" LT headers on my '96 Camaro with a 396 solid roller 11.9:1 comp with good flowing AFR heads and just now am switching to the 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" stepped with a 3.5" collector.
I know a 454 can/will flow more air then the high revving 396, but 2" still seems big for a basic performance motor.
Anyone else have any input on primary size? And with a 2" primary, what size are the collectors?