89 350

iTrader: (1)

What set of headers are he easiest to install on a 89 formula with a 350 bone stock thanks

IAGTA

After installing a set of Dyno Don headers on my 1988 GTA 350 with 1 3/4" dia tubes and AIR fittings I would recommend the smaller 1 5/8" tube headers, such as Hooker, for a stock engine because I believe they would be slightly easier to install due to it being easier to install the header bolts. Don't get me wrong, the Dyno Don headers are first rate. This is not an easy project in my opinion and is a real knuckle buster, particularly if you are going to keep your emission and AC components. Not having the AIR tubes on the headers would ease installation. Since I wanted to keep all the stock emissions and AC components in operable condition it added to the the complexity of the installation.

There are a number of posts on this subject as to the ins and outs of installing headers and I would recommend reading up on it before making a decision. In retrospect, I wish I had kept my stock manifolds on the car and installed a high flow (Magnaflow) Y-Pipe, cat and cat-back system instead - much, much easier and less expensive.

Good Luck.

camaronewbie

IMO, none are easy at all in these cars. Pick the header best suited for your goal, and just do it.

torque_is_good

"easy" is a relative term. if you are looking for something that can be dropped in and only takes a few hours then doing headers yourself is not for you.

IMHO, 3rd gens are a piece of cake compared to lack of clearance of the 4th gens. Why not ask the guys with SN95's what it takes to put headers into those cars?

Wanna know what I had to do to put in headers in my old small block Mopar Valiant? The aftermarket has made it as "easy" as possible compared to what we used to have to do to get headers into some of the engine bays.

IAGTA

Yeah, I agree with all the additional comments - I did install header on my car so I'm a fan of headers in general. Another reason I slightly regret installing my headers is the loss of originality, but you can always put the manifolds back on if needed. I'm not sure they are worth the expense and time for a stock engine but I guess I will find out as soon as I get mine on the road.

I remember helping my high school buddy install headers on his 1970 Challenger 383. We had to loosen the motor mounts, steering, etc. and do all kinds of contortions to get those things installed, much worse than my Firebird for sure. I've heard the "real" Pontiac engines are a bear to get headers on as well.

Good Luck!

KiLLJ0Y

iTrader: (1)

long tubes in my LS1 4thgen were SOOO EASY compaired to putting in shorties in the thirdgen. they go in from the bottom and slip up.. easy easy.

the main issue i find with thirdgen headers.. is the passenger side, trying to get the last and 2nd to last bolts because the damn A/C heater housing is so big and in the way.


Also, on a side note, i would recommend to anyone doing headers, to also do the heated 3wire O2 sensor conversion at the same time.

torque_is_good

then we agree to disagree.

Pacesetter long tubes with egr and AIR went in from the top after pass side acc were out, valve cover off and engine jacked

drivers side required steering out

after that, the bolts still are tough to tighten because of no access in the engine bay.

3rd gen with hedman shorties...piece o cake and access to all bolts

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

for me its the center bolt next to the dip stick. i just jack the car up and its an easy reach for me doing the last 2 bolts.

last night when i had to see if i had loose header bolts or a burned header gasket i had to remove the #6 plug, dip stick and pull the fan plug to get to the #4 bolt on my headers and STILL had everything cinched back up within 2 hrs including a full gasket swap because i was already there.

for me headers are a snap like doing a heater core. its depending on the person on what project is easiest. drum brakes are my weak spot, i call a friend to come help me when doing them on my S-10.

dergafication

has anyone tried or would anyone know if mopar headers would fit in my 89 iroc. Mopar part # P5153456. were supposed to go into some guys dodge charger but then he totalled his car. found the pieces on craigslist he letting them go dirt cheap. I was not sure if anyone tried this or if this is just a dumb question lol

dergafication

has anyone tried or would anyone know if mopar headers would fit in my 89 iroc. Mopar part # P5153456. were supposed to go into some guys dodge charger but then he totalled his car. found the pieces on craigslist he letting them go dirt cheap. I was not sure if anyone tried this or if this is just a dumb question lol

norcalz28

iTrader: (13)

Hooker 2055's DROPPED IN. I couldn't believe it. I've fought with other types, and Hooker made the adjustments right where they needed to. If you have AC you'll need to notch out the box, other than that, piece of cake.

Will

w41duvernay

Sir,
My questions is about what brackets needed to complete the header install. Is only the a/c bracket needed for a 3rd gen 305 f-body?

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

Are your headers new? If so you should have a spacer that goes on the first bolt on dr side to bring the bracket into the right postition.

Otherwise the rest is straight forward.

w41duvernay

I just got a used set that didn't have a spacer. Anyone got one here?

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

Go to HD or Lowes and in their specialty odds and ends section they have spacers of diff sizes and such

w41duvernay

Any idea how long the spacer has to be. Is it correct that OEM exhaust manifold has to be reused with the spacer?

nhgator

This is the only pic I have of the spacer I made,just mount up the pump and then you can eyeball the length you need,i used a piece of threaded rod,a couple nuts and washers and some steel tube from the rack at Lowes.

UNCLE TOM

iTrader: (1)

I have always said the only dumb/stupid question is the one that is not asked . well your question is borderline , NO they will not fit or work . do some research , 3rd gen headers only on your car . good luck ....

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

nhgator, what belt bracket system are you using? if its the serp system then you will need the spacer for the bracket. if you have no brackets that mount to the headers then no spacers are needed.

nhgator

"nhgator, what belt bracket system are you using? if its the serp system then you will need the spacer for the bracket. if you have no brackets that mount to the headers then no spacers are needed."


My bracket had a bolt on the end of the factory manifold,past exp. with sbc's and squealing belts made me bolt the factory bracket there,even with the v-belt.

w41duvernay

Ngator,
thanks for the hot tips on the parts needed for to do the bracket on the p/s. I was able to slip into a Lowes today and got the 1/2" Hillman sleeve/tube. I just need to get a a/c bracket from a header manufacture in the morning and I should be ready to have the header installed. You've been a BIG help!