Do you run headers ?

[olredalert]

-----Sam,,,The headers do bolt on, but you also have to cut the front pipe and do a bit of welding. That might be something to keep in the back of ones mind. For instance, if I had just spent the bucks install a Gardener setup I sure wouldnt be hacking on it. On the other hand if the front pipe is already compromised the decision would be a bit easier.
-----I had headers on my 64 421HO GP for the first several years and never liked them because the pipes hung down low enough that I had to be careful going over certain bumps or risk flattening a tube or three .........Bill S

[napa68]

My personal taste is going back to manifolds. I appreciate the stock look (especially with smog). Less leaking. Also, when you see a car that appears ALL stock yet runs like a scolded monkey, that's an attention getter.

[Chevy454]

Headers?! We don't need no stinkin' headers...

[tabooo]

Hey Sam, Don't worry be happy.

[1969l78]

I agree with Sam run the headers and leave the originals on the self.

[92646]

Another option is to run headers and leave on the air pump system. This is a picture of Joe's original 1969 SS350 Nova (novajoe). You have to see it in person but it has the right look and this car runs hard.

[Salvatore]

Bill, I would never hack a Gardner system for headers. There are many cheaper exhaust sysyems out there for a header installation. Good headers do not leak and do help performance with a few more small adjustments. Gets kinda boring when I go to these shows and see a couple COPO's, maybe a couple Yenko's and few Z/28's and maybe an LS6 car along with some L78's etc. all lined up with perfect factory restos it gets cookie cutter and a little stepford for me at times. No imagination from the owners, most just seem to be worried about how much their car is worth or not worth with the changes. If the car is a complete frame off resto it is not really original anymore anyway. But this is JMO!

[Survivor 69/Z28]

Very well said Sam. I feel the same way.
I get kind of a kick at guys that say my car has 40k original miles. BUT it has been completely restored. The miles do not mean diddly if the car has been redone.

Having all of the correct stuff is awesome. But these cars ran around back in the day loud and proud. I like musclecars that scare old ladies when you go roaring by. LOL! My survivor Z has a set of headers that were installed in 1974. That and the Dixco gauges were done on the same day. I just love it! Would not even think of putting the smog stuff back on. Just my opinion....

[Salvatore]

There you go!

[1969l78]

Sam you are the man