455 header install question

**numanoid** · 10-08-2009, 09:36 PM

Hello, im looking for someone who has put long tube headers on an 71 GS455. Wanting to know if there are any clearance issues that would mean alterations of any kind to make em fit, or would shorties be better to avoid issues. It has stock cylinder heads. Any advice will be appreciated.

**carmantx** · 10-09-2009, 09:25 AM

What brand are you using?

We have put long tube headers on two different 455 cars and have had no clearance problems or modifications needed. They are much easier to put on than the 350 headers.

Just raise the front of the car and slide them in from underneath.

**numanoid** · 10-09-2009, 10:31 AM

Im getting them from TA performance. I beleive they are hooker comps. The reason im wondering about the clearance issue is because on there web site for the details about the headers,it says they may not line up with the humps in the crossmember or something like that. I have stock exhaust mani's now and the drive side gasket is blown out badly! Car is running at idle like crap. So now is the time to go for headers i guess,as ive always wanted them on this car,i know its held back by the stock mani's.

**carmantx** · 10-09-2009, 02:38 PM

I have 3.5" collectors on our race car, with 3.5" tubes for the pan evacuation and they don't hit the cross member, so I am not sure what they are referring to there. My headers are Poston's on the 455 and I think I have hookers on the 350 car, and no problems with it with a 3" exhaust.

Good luck.

**numanoid** · 10-09-2009, 09:01 PM

Sounds good! Ive already got a 2 1/2 inch setup and i can use my existing flow's,so ill go with the comp's> Thanks for the info.

Glenn

**carmantx** · 10-10-2009, 08:03 AM

Good luck with it. shouldn't be a problem for you. Getting the header bolts tightened is the hardest part.

Make sure you tighten them good, and retighten at least 3 times after heating up and cooling back down. Then you should be fine.

**bobc455** · 10-11-2009, 11:24 AM

I've never been able to get headers in without pulling the engine, despite trying several times. But I've heard several times of other people who can do it.

Also, my #5 tube hits my steering column, I've had to make a small dent in the header tube.

-Bob C.

**numanoid** · 10-11-2009, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the info and tips. Has anyone used shorties instead for ease of install?, do you need to lift engine with the shorties?

Thanks

**carmantx** · 10-11-2009, 06:46 PM

Bob C., what year car do you have? I have heard of that problem on mid to late 60's cars.

We have the long tube 3.5" collector on our 464, and it has been in and out of a couple of cars without any problems or rubbing.

**buick72racer** · 10-12-2009, 01:19 PM

I have a 72 skylark th350 and with the long headers i did have to notch the cross member for the collectors, i have since changed to the shorter ones with no clearance problems. I was able to install both from the bottom up without lifting the engine, the trick was getting the car lifted high enough to slide them in. In reference to hitting the steering shaft i opted to grind the the steering shaft instead of denting my high dollar headers.
Don