Howdy, looking for some budget headers just to get me running for a year or so until I can afford some nicer ones.

Has anyone heard of or tried out summit racing's in house headers? The reviews are all 4 or 5 stars but there is a common occurrence of having to modify the clutch cross bar. I'm new to everything related, so how hard of a job is that? Is it worth it to get these at a low price?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g9003/reviews

FlowTech Painted Headers - http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...owtech-headers

Hooker Painted Headers - http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...hooker-headers

Or any other recommendations for headers ~$200 dollars or less?

I could also get either coated or stainless hugger headers but I've heard those aren't as good? But they would last longer with the nicer finish... http://www.autoanything.com/exhausts...hugger-headers

Thanks for any advice

 

I would wait and buy one set of quality headers and only deal with having to install once.

You might find a good set of quality headers in the C3 parts section. I sold a pair of C3 Black Jack Aluma-koated headers that had been on my car for 28 years to a friend and he ran them for several years until he sold his car.

 

I agree..buy the best you can afford, install them properly..s- can the cat converter and twisted stock pipe layout and sweep back with a quality pair of stainless exhaust pipes and mufflers..You will be pleasantly surprised at the total effect on performance..and sound..Jim

 

I agree as well. as of right now I'm just trying to get on the road and will have a bunch of costs. Have y'all heard anything about the ones I listed? I think if I can get some of those to fit and that I like the sound of I will get ceramic coated after tuning it up right and make them a more quality pair

 

i took off the crossmember cut and re welded it, put in headers and st. dual exhaust with flow masters...sounds awesome

 

I have a problem with getting the ac out of the ac vents. I can only get it at the floor or on defrost. would it be the actuator or do I have a vaccum leak? if ts the acatuator where is it located? and if its a leak how do you test it?
thanks

 

sorry should have posted its a c-3 1980

 

I have a set of the Summit headers here, and have trial fit them to the car, and yes, I had to put a dent in one tube to clear the clutch z bar, but not too bad, not a big deal. I am planning to get them ceramic coated locally, and am hoping they hold up ok. I would happily have spent more, but the summit headers looked like they would provide the best clearance to the angled spark plugs in the edelbrock performer rpm heads I have for the engine I'm building. The Hedman headers I had in the car previously (good ceramic coated headers) hit the plugs on the edelbrock heads so badly that they wouldn't even go close to bolting to the heads.

 

I would assume your '78 has a manual transmission/?
Realistically, To install a set of proper headers a couple of things change..The existing manifolds and heat riser associated with that bank..Couple of changes to vac lines..You will also need to modify-replace the existing exhaust pipes..For some of that you'll need a competent shop to fit all together properly..SO take your car to someone who could do the job properly and have them assist with the selection of headers..With good descrption ogf your car, engine trans etc..Summit can tell you what fits best, holds up, seals properly for seamless connections..Jim

 

If you have a welder and basic fabrication tools you can install headers yourself, mine weren't at all hard to adapt to a cheap dual exhaust system. I used the Summit headers. IDK about a factory 4 speed, but they clear vortec head plugs, auto and T56 transmissions, and factory steering as well as Steeroids rack and pinion.

 

love my ss hooker sidemount headers. I say do it up the first time.

Todd