Headers for a 425 in an 87 Cutlass

[Mattyp77]

So i swapped out that old dog of a 307 in my cutty for a 425 bbo. I'm sure many of you know that the clearance between the heads and the frame/steering on the drivers side is pretty slim. After much research i think it looks like the only headers that will fit exactly without any mods cost at least $600 (3203hkr hooker headers). I'm not really trying to spend that much on some bent tubing. I'd rather try to make one myself from scratch. Am i correct on this? If so, is there any alternatives with mild modifications? Or should i just try to make it myself? And tips, suggestions, and or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Kennybill]

Those are the only aftermarket headers available that I know, How about the factory exhaust manifolds. A Toronado passenger side (doesn't have the extra crossover opening) and a 1971-76 full size drivers side would be decent flowing. Or the big block A-body had 2 similar but different lettered exhaust manifolds XY WZ (might be off with the proper letters) You can buy a repoped set for around $400. The tube headers you were looking at have the one tube going outside the dr's side frame rail, as I recall. They may rub on the tire. That's about all I got. That's a lot of torque you have there. Good luck.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Use these, there is a power loss but is the way to go, $300. These are better than the junk restrictive manifolds with the crossover.
http://thorntonmusclecars.com/product/1970-72-dual-exhaust-manifolds

 

[oldsofb]

Then you really don't want anything to do with the ARH BBO swap headers. http://american-racing-headers.lmpe...cing-headers&category=exhaust&sort=popularity

$1338 are the cheap ones 🙂

 

[olds307 and 403]

The DMR former Kook's headers are supposed to fit great at a similar price to the Hooker's you quoted. Some have used Hedman SBO headers that fit with very few mods.

 

[Mattyp77]

Thanks guys. You were all big help. I think I'll go with the after market manifolds. When i was searching for similar threads before i posted my own, i did see WZ mentioned a few tines but i didn't know what it meant... And now i do. So thanks again. You guys are awesome. I look forward to becoming more involved in this forum