HELP!!! Need help with Headers!!

[Chevytruc1658]

Does anybody know of any Shorty headers that will fit a olds 403 engine? I'm having clearance issues with my flow tech, the collectors are hitting the starter even after I replaced my OEM starter with a mini torque starter! Does anyone have any suggestions? Or recommendations for Shorty headers?

 

[DoubleV]

Fitment issues with Flowtechs? No way! These couldn't be the same Flowtechs everyone swears 'fits like a glove' and recommends to others could they? :wink:

There are only 2 sets of shorties for Olds I know off; Sanderson's and Heddmans. I tried the Sanderson's before and all three sets I got had quality issues ( 2 sets had holes and the last set wouldn't fit right ). Some have claimed good fitment with them though, but I think they had to at least relocate the brake proportioning valve. The Sandersons are only 1 5/8" diameter which isn't a good match to the Olds very large exhaust port.

The Heddmans have sleight interferance with the steering shaft from what I've heard or they're just VERY close ( I can't remember which ) They are 1 3/4" diameter, so would be a better match for your cubes and the exhaust ports.

The best over the counter full length header...and by best I mean ones that will fit... are the Heddman 'Elite' from what many others have said. They just seem to have the best out of the box fitment. American Racing stainless headers are the best but are $900. Sometimes it's better to pay ONCE and never have to deal with it ever again. It's cheaper in the long run.

Also keep in mind the actual design of the headers. For example, just looking at the collectors on some of these headers really make you wonder what these guys are smoking.

P.S. It was laughably easy installing my ARH because they fit so well, and you don't even have to mess around with any gaskets either.

 

[shanghaismith]

I have the Hedman shorties on my 403 (85 Cutlass) The collector flange touched the frame on the drivers side, we put a dimple in the frame with a big drift pin and hammer. That was the only problem I had. I would get the ceramic coating if I had it to do over, I can't get paint to stick for very long.

 

[Chevytruc1658]

Thanks, yes this is my second pair of Flowtechs and I'm done. Do you know how tight of a fit the Headman shorties are?

 

[DoubleV]

Do you know how tight of a fit the Headman shorties are?

Nope. I've just heard they were really tight around the steering shaft, but I don't remember if it was an issue or if it was just simply 'close' with no real problems.

If you already have full length headers and were able to somewhat cope with the crappyness of the Flowtechs, give the Hedman Elites a try. Definately better than either shorty and they should fit much better than the Flowcraps. Of course just like those F*cktechs, the Hedmans could have the Forrest Gump syndrome ( 'you never know what you're gonna get' ) because they're mass produced.

 

[pontiacgp]

I have the Headman Elites and they fit good, the passenger side of the engine had to be raised a little. One other thing I like about them is they had a ball and socket connection at the collector so there is no gasket there.

 

[Chevytruc1658]

I probably should of also mentioned that I'm running a Olds 403. I do know that the 307 is a almost identical engine size as the 403. I also can't seem to find a Headman elite that fits the Gbody, does anybody have a part number?

 

[pontiacgp]

for a G body with an Olds engine it's Hedman 58078

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/58078/ ... oreDetails

 

[Chevytruc1658]

Thanks! That was what I was looking at, but was unsure if that was what you were talking about. Thanks for your help! Not to keep beating a dead horse but, you have used these on your goody olds and have not had any drivers side clearance issues? Ian just trying to avoid striking out three times with headers that don't fit.

 

[DoubleV]

I do know that the 307 is a almost identical engine size as the 403.

Their external dimensions are not 'almost' identical, they are identical.

Not to keep beating a dead horse but, you have used these on your goody olds and have not had any drivers side clearance issues?

You have to understand that with any mass produced header there will ALWAYS be a chance they might have clearance issues. Some makes like the Hedman Elites will have fewer instances of this because their quality control may be better. Headers like the ARH are always made to exact specs and therefore will always fit, but that's one of the reasons they cost more. You get what you pay for.