86 442.....455 swap.

[steveop52]

I am in the process of putting a 72 455 in my 86 442. I have been reading a lot of the forums concerning exhaust fitment.
From what I understand, using W/Z manifolds from a 68-72 A body car will work. Has anyone used these manifolds on an application like this?, if so did it work out. Thanks, Steve

 

[bigblockfrank]

the passenger side exhaust pipe will need modified, also will need a 2 hole flange.

 

[steveop52]

I plan on having exhaust custom made so hopefully that wont be an issue. Thanks, Steve

 

[Geed_up_442]

Hey good luck with the swap. But when you do start looking into getting your custom headers done can you let us know who you had make them and how much they charged. I know I'd be interested in a set that stay inside the frame rails. Thanks.

 

[DoubleV]

Hey good luck with the swap. But when you do start looking into getting your custom headers done can you let us know who you had make them and how much they charged. I know I'd be interested in a set that stay inside the frame rails. Thanks.

You mean like the ones Dick Miller has been selling; http://www.dickmillerracing.com/Kooks_page.htm

 

[Geed_up_442]

Exactly but less then $800-$700. Maybe thats too much to ask for.

 

[DoubleV]

Exactly but less then $800-$700. Maybe thats too much to ask for.

Custom built headers are VERY expensive. Expect to pay about $2500 for a set of custom headers in stainless. A top notch place by me wanted $3500+ no joke. If you're ever able to get a set of quality stainless headers for anything less than $1000, that's a great deal. My American Racing Headers I have on my car are in effect 'custom built' headers for an uncommon application ( SBO in a G-body ) and they cost 'only' $900 shipped ( though I got a discount and only paid $700 😀 ). Many feel that's WAY too expensive for headers. The only alternatives are buying a low quality over the counter header that may or may not fit/leak ( and that's even if they make them for your application ), build a set yourself which most people cannot do, or get a set made that will cost you thousands. $900 starts to look pretty good now doesn't it?!

Seriously, if you have a BBO in a G-body and want headers, then the Dick Miller headers are your best ( and only? ) reasonable option. If you can't afford them, save up until you can.

 

[rccktmn2]

Actually Hooker makes a set (part number 3203 I think) for the 455 in a g body swap, the only downside is the rear tubes wrap around the frame so if you run factory size front wheels they will rub and melt the tire eventually. If you do go this route which many have then the double hump crossmember from jegs or iceman or g force crossmembers works really well and the tubes line up with both openings, then the pypes or flowmaster exhaust is a direct bolt on. Good luck on the swap.

 

[warmonga]

I am in the process of putting a 72 455 in my 86 442. I have been reading a lot of the forums concerning exhaust fitment.
From what I understand, using W/Z manifolds from a 68-72 A body car will work. Has anyone used these manifolds on an application like this?, if so did it work out. Thanks, Steve

Good luck with your swap keep the 307 on the garage floor dnt toss it for numbers reasons.. am gonna run zmanifolds on my 455 swap .. here is a pic of my 455 on my buick regal (well my son's)

 

[DoubleV]

Actually Hooker makes a set (part number 3203 I think) for the 455 in a g body swap, the only downside is the rear tubes wrap around the frame so if you run factory size front wheels they will rub and melt the tire eventually.

They reduce your turning radius too so I've heard. To me, in a street car, I wouldn't even consider a part on my car that would force me to make a compromises like this, just to save a couple hundred bucks. I used to watch my friend play that game years ago when we were in a band together. For example, he would buy a new cheapo guitar just to save $100 lousy bucks over the better model he really wanted, only to realize how much it sucked, sell it, take a loss on it, then end up buying the better guitar he originally wanted in the first place and it ends up costing him more in the long run. He would do this crap all the time. He never learned it's better ( and CHEAPER ) to buy the better product the first time around. He lost alot of money with his way of thinking and I vowed never to do that with my money, so now I buy the best quality stuff I can for my car whenever I can. Does this mean I'd plunk down $3500 for a custom set of headers? No. Economics and reality still factor into my way of thinking!