does anyone have any experience with summit headers, or any of the <$100 header kits out there? Specifically how much difference is there in quality, performance, fit, etc compared to the $600-1500 headers out there?

 

ttt

 

I picked up a set of summit headers for my 80, and to tell you the truth I see nothing wrong with them. They are fairly well built, don't leak, are better for performance than manifolds, and fit dam good and with no problems. Compared to my friends buick regal and his hedman headers, mine have had absolutely no problems in relation to fit. I feel if you are going to keep your car for a long time with the same motor and setup to buy the more expensive headers. The only thing I have to compare my summit set to are the hooker sidepipe setup on my 77. The hooker set are definetly higher quality and probably will last alot longer, although they cost almost ten times as much. The summit headers are a good buy from my perspective as a highschool student with limited income, but if you are going to use them for a real long time I would probably suggest buying something else.

I also recently purchased a set of summit heads, and have been nothing but impressed with the bang for your dollar situation. The car feels like it is running strong but I have been unable to take it for a real drive due to a foot of snow on the ground. Damn you Saskatchewan weather, but than you Saskatchewan for having almost no laws in relation to emissions.

I hope this helps your decision, have fun with the vette ,
Quinn

 

My hedmans were only $115 CDN 15 or more years ago and they fit well and never gave me a problem.

The cheaper headers probably use a thinner flange so it is more prone to leaking. Most headers use 18 gage tubing and the only 14 gage tubing I know of is the elite headers by hedman. 3/8th flange and 14 gage tubing BUT they only make it in 1 3/4 for big blocks.

 

I purchased Summit brand ceramic coated headers for my 1970 Monte Carlo and they look very similar to the Dynomax headers. Summit sources many companies to sell products as the Summit brand. In other words, the Summit brand is probably made by Hedman or Dynomax. Some of the "Summit" stuff even has other reputable companies names on it when you take it out of the box. Alot of times, you get a good product at a cheaper price. For a while, their Stage 2 connecting rod was made by Scat(I have these and the bolts even say Scat on them). I am pretty sure that the double roller timing chain I just bought from them was made by Cloyes. They will usually tell you if you ask.

 

I think their cams are made by crane, also.