Long Tube Headers for your Classic Muscle Car, What to Expect for Installation 

Be sure to subscribe for more, click here; ru-vid.com FMG Hats are now available! Three color options, check em out... www.etsy.com/shop/fastmontysgarage

You are a brave man my friend, I couldn’t even watch the frame surgery

Good thing engine masters proved that denting your headers dosnt affect your HP

Going from memory. About 1974 installed Hooker headers on my 66 GTO. Also had issues with oil filter and starter. Other than they fit well on a 389 .060 over, 400 engine. Great headers. Had a 2:20:1 Muncie no issues.

The first gen stock manifold on the 455 h.o and super duty flowed as good as headers

In terms of basic instruction this is the best header install vid I have seen. I like that you make it clear that they almost certainly will not fit without mods, saves a lot of heartache for rookies I bet. And I like your methodical approach to the work, its satisfying to watch a guy who thinks while he works, so I subbed ya

First thing on a Pontiac, is find out if you are running round port or D port heads. You must match the correct header shape to the head. Second thing is check the heads to be positive the heads have all the bolt holes to put in all the bolts (some 326 and 350 engine heads do not have all the bolt holes). They will have to be drilled and tapped to avoid exhaust leaks. Third, be aware that some items may have to be moved of deleted. On my 74 SD-455 trans am the arm for auto transmission lock when the key was off, had to be deleted. The drivers side was very easy, the passenger side more difficult as I had AC on the car. I did have to remove the oil filter for installation, then run a short vs tall filter after installation. As Monte showed, you make have issues with the factory exhaust pipes lining up with the flanges of the headers. As a KISS guy myself, I ran header mufflers that came with flanges and then added turn downs in the rear. This made the exhaust system exit just in front of the rear axel. That way I did not have to deal with the power robbing sideways muffler on some firebirds and did not have to deal with tailpipe fitting over the axel. In my case, I have used Cyclone, Hedman, Doug Thorley street tubes, Doug's headers and Hooker headers. I have never had an issue with Hookers fitting properly.

You're a 💯👍I swapped engine's on my 79 El Camino. And the headers were a challenge. First hit chassis then the gearbox. I got a little frustrated 😠 and hammered the headers by gear box. And it fits now.🤣👌I give it to you bro. Very patient and great video👏

Hey my friend. I also have a 69 that I bought brand new. It's a Ram Air IV and I can tell you that when I went to put headers on it about 10 years ago, it had me in tears because of the poor fit. Had to relocate the proportioning valve, 2 lower control arm bolts had to be removed and installed the opposite way, and the 4th bolt back on each side is nothing less than impossible. Even on the lift and lifting the engine, the driver's side wouldn't go in no matter what. The left cylinder head had to come off to get the header to lay in the right place. Way too much work... and I spent my whole career in auto repair, so it's not a lack of experience. Admittedly, I bought the headers right after I bought the car and they sat in the box for decades, so the header technology is from 1969. They're Doug's headers which was the only thing available for round port heads way back then. They did have some plusses. Didn't have to remove the oil filter adapter and the filter can easily be removed. The back-drive column lock linkage still works. No problem with the clutch linkage. Caster/ camber adjustments will be a bit tricky but not impossible. All in all I will say this: Unless you seriously intend to race your car where you don't mind laying in the dirt to uncork the headers, then avoid these things like the plague. Buy the free flowing Ram Air exhaust manifolds and be happy with them. If you really need that extra 20-25 HP that headers give you, find it somewhere else in the engine and throw the headers in the trash. If I ever need to remove the heads again, the factory Ram Air IV exhaust manifolds are going back on. At this point in my life, I'm not crawling under the car to undo collectors. I'll use that energy to snap through the gears.

Oh to have a lift,was just laying on my back on concrete for 2 days detailing under my baby,,holy crap im getting old,,,grunts,cursing,hands and fingers hurt,,,,,but i will do again,love knowimg how sweet my ride is when done

Thanks for the video… Changing the header gasket in my 68 soon.

Let’s push, Fast Ponte ,over the 1000 subscribers ,so he can get some compensation for his efforts ,Thank You !!!

I ran Hooker #4109 headers on my 79 400 4spd trans am. Headers fit perfect. No issues at all with the Z- bar or oil filter. No mods or dimpling of the header primary’s . But had another friend that had almost the same TA that I had. He had to ding some of the header tubes. We figured the headers were made on different jigs at the manufacturer. Who knows.

Hooker Headers worked well for me. 1972 Pontiac Ventura II, 350/TH2004R. Can change the oil filter without having to remove the filter housing. Since the oil filter does sit directly above the header, I just put a plastic bag over the header so the oil won't drip on to the header directly when the filter is removed.

In my first resto as well and although its a Ford Torino - your video gave me A LOT of well needed intel. Thanks a bunch! Keep the videos comin. Semper Fi

I’m dealing with this currently after my 495 stroker rebuild. Pain in the ***. 1971 Pontiac GT-37 with a 428 but now better. Doug’s headers and the old ones came out way easier then these new ones going in 🙄

This isn't criticism, it's 30+years of observation. A lot of fitment issues are not reading the install notes/instructions. The headers were built for a specific set of motor mounts and FRAME MOUNTS. I'm guilty of it too. After changing frame mounts on a 72 chevelle, headers that didn't fit, fit perfect.

Great job !!! Putting your smarts on display.

My first set of headers was Headman, so on the oil filter side when I change the oil I just used to cover the header with plastic and spin off the filter. Little messy, but worked. My Doug's headers just came today so next week we going to see what it do.

I like your explanation of headers fitting...yes it was challenging at every turn point. Here is my problem...Someone at hooker headers welded my collector upside down on the drivers side...which left the header stuffed up against the floor board...which requires removing/cutting and rewelding the collector to make it fit...the manifolds are now back on the car permanently...between having to modify my Z bar and rewelding the collector...it just wasn't worth the aggravation for an extra 15 hp.

I've had headers back in the day that fit perfectly, it does happen occasionally. Right now I'm putting some Fkowtech headers on a '82 chevy pickup with a 350.. They fit pretty good, but I'll be heating and bending the tubes to move the collector over and up a bit on both sides.

Hey Monte.that wrap will absolutely rot your header tubes as it holds the moisture n and n no time you start hearing exhaust leaks.ive seen it happen on two cars of my buddies. so please keep an eye on them and they do look good.Pete

I have a 69 gto as well and have headers. I use the same remflex gaskets on the headers and collectors. To make it easier and look cleaner i trimmed around each port so each one matches the head without xtra metal. I slotted one of the holes so it can be hung in place. I originally had hooker super comps and they hung low and bottomed out. I bought a set of dougs and i have d port heads. One side fit great one hit the frame. Sent them back had a set of mad dog headers made and ended up being for a grand prix. I ended up buying hooker super comps again and trimmed the ports and had then ceramic coated. They fit great although a bit low but not too bad. Headers on a pontiac are no joke and that center bolt is from hell but it's worth it in the end. I'm about to swap out my old torque tech 3 inch exhaust to a new pypes 3 inch stainless with x pipe and i have new pypes race pros.

My impala was tagged 327,,,,and everytime i look at the driverside header,i change my mind to swap them out,ZZ502 IN IT AND ITS TIGHT RIGHT AT GEARBOX,POWER STEERING CONECTIONS,,,,NOT SURE I WILL HAVE THE RIGHT SKILLS TO COMPLETE THIS IN MY GARAGE,NO LIFT,NO WELDING EQUIP,,.......LIKE CLINT EASTWOOD SAID,,,,ONE HAS TO KNOW ONES LIMITATIONS,,,IM TOAST ,SO NOW I LOOK AT MY EXHAUST AND AM SO HAPPY WITH IT,LOL,ITS NICE AND ALL,WANTED TO PUT CHROME IN,,,,THE REST OF THE ENGINE BAY IS ALL TWEEKED OUT BEAUTIFUL,,,502 FINISHED LIKE A 454,ALL POLISHED ALUMINUM MARCH BRADKETS,PULLIES,CHROME POWERSTEERING PUMP,BRAKE BOOSTER, THE REST ALL SATIN BLACK WITH CHEVY ORANGE VALVE COVERS,YOU CAN EAT OFF IT,,,GREAT VIDEO,,YOU SAVED ME FROM DEFEAT,,I AM CAREFUL TO PICK AND CHOOSE MY BATTLES NOW.🏁🏁🏁🏁GREAT VIDEO

I have a 1975 Transam. I put 3 tube headman headers with very few modifications. Still had to take off my starter and my oil filter but that's it.

I have a 69 GTO with 455 d port heads iron. I put Hooker competition headers ceramic coated back in April of 2004 with copper gaskets. Been trouble free. I don't have to take entire assembly off to change oil filter. Can access filter as normal. Love your videos.

I bought a set of JBA stainless headers for my 67 Cougar 390GT. Im running into a lot of trimming of parts to get them to fit. Luckily i didnt have to go the route you had to.

I build my own header's, just built a Pontiac 468 using a pro mod block from All Pontiac, wedged it into 1969 firebird, needed header's with a minimum of 2 inch primary's. Fabed my own, 1969 firebird is very limited on header's.

Monty’s Garage ! I appreciate your videos . I have a 65 Lemans has a 389 tri power now with ram air manifolds . I’m putting in a 74 Pontiac 455 - stroked and bored to a 468 with iron heads . I’m hoping the ram air manifolds will still work. I have th 400 and staying with it . I have trouble now with my starter getting hot 🥵 trying a hi torque mini starter to alleviate heat issue . Good luck with your project I’m excited to see it when completed. I’ll share my Lemans story from my old RU-vid channel 👍

Mike I did long tube Doug’s my differences Raised motor by 5 mm with spacers no rubbing Cut collector flange to rotate for better clearance 1968 Gto

With headers you get what you pay for. Buy a quality set of headers for your exact application and the install is pretty straightforward. Don't use the cheap gaskets they come with and use a quality fastener such as ARP. Header studs are great if your primary tube will allow them.

Great video, I’m here for tips on just removing my header on drivers side of my 69 Chevelle without pulling or tilting my big block engine. Sending them out to jet hot for coating. I enjoy this channel and also just subscribed.

Ill gladly deal with spark plug boots any day. I never noticed these things with my 1968, 400 in my 1979 Firebird..

I installed a set of Hedman Hedders in my `70 GTO back in 1988, and they went in without any modifications. Had the original 400 with the original M40 automatic. Just lucky I guess!

Really need to see the solution for the oil filter change. Installing longtubes on my 75 Formula. This could be useful in the future.

I'm headed this way with my 74 , 400 Catalina. Any suggestions for an applicable long tube set for this engine with turbo 400 , auto Trans, power steering and brakes. Love the Goat!!!! Had 69 from 70 til 74. Gained a family........ 4 kids, lost my favorite car

73Torino. 351 clevland thanks for the video to much problem for long headres

With great power comes great pain in ass cutting, massaging/sledgehammering,welding,gridding,bending,smashing,cussing,Patching bruises and cuts, emptying out bank account, realizing you fucked up more shit,That’s my world.

I’ve had headers once on a 71 Z/28 back in 1975. Never again due to hot floors and heat rising to the rolled down windows in the summer. My current Z is a 70 with a stock single Walker crossflow muffler. Plus I want to hear my Muncie M22 whine.

Of all of the things we've been up to, headers are always a dread. I'll complain every time but it's always the first thing to be done!

Very thorough video man....

i feel your pain brother lots of work putting headers on a pontiac. I had to relocate my brake proportioning valve to get mine to fit lol I went with the summit racing headers on my 69 getting them in was a pain but i didn't have to do much to the headers to fit. they did hit the top of cross member of the frame pretty good so i had to get engine fame mount spacers to lift the engine and a few small dents where they hit but i didn't have to do any frame modifications and also spaced the transmission to correct driveshaft angle. the nice thing with these headers is I can remove the oil filter without removing the filter housing. overall not bad for the price and they lined up nicely with the pypes street pro exhaust only had to to cut a notch near the collector bend it up a little and weld it up on the driver side. But I can tell you this if the engine ever has to come out in the near future going to go with a ram air alum exhaust manifold and save me the headache lol

Just bought a 74 Monte Carlo and long tube header this weekend so we will see what happens

What header make and model headers did you use? I have a 69 GTO and just purchased a set of Doug's D590's and they look like they will hit the firewall on the passenger side. The motor is going in the car next week. Also, great video's and thanks.

I'm guessing you have aftermarket control arms which probably lowered the front end. I have never had any issues with Hooker Super Comps on any of my 1968-72 A-body headers. Personally, i would have never cut on the frame.

I put Doug ceramic headers on a 400, alum heads, in a 66 gto. Lifted engine, was a big pain, but they fit

I disagree about the variations from the original car they used for mockup. I believe manufacturers are just lie and say they will fit an application when they really don't. Hooker sent me 2 sets for my impala and both had the same issue. One tube was routed so far into the passenger tie rod it was almost on the other side of it. On 67 impala's the tie rods are routed behind the cross member under the engine. I had to cut the tube and completely reroute it. It was an all original matching numbers car. I could understand maybe having to put a dent in one in a tight spot from variations in a model. But the only way they could have designed the ones they sent me without having the same trouble I had was if they designed them without the front steering on the car.

my gto headers made the inside of the car so hot it was undriveable on a hot day here in Nor Cal, with header wrap be careful they dont get wet they will rust the pipe over time

If you do this for a living and owned ur own business....I would love to work for you and have you teach me your ways...I'm 23 and just bought a 72 gto and I just bought long tube headers before finding this video

One thing to keep in mind is how many different motor mount combinations might exist for your makes of cars. Also for anyone running aftermarket heads, you are possibly multiplying fitment issues. I would not cut at or grind on the frame. I've had a hell of a time once on a A-body and after several different mounts found ones that worked. There is play in how the lower motor mount attaches to the frame as well to tilt things around . That's a pain in the ass , but a better solution to butchering things up .Raise the engine a tad or forwards or back a tad with motor mount adjustments. Last support the car as it carries the weight, and what I mean by that is cars bend and twist all around( more so if not true uni-body). I don't consider Camaros a true uni-body until the third generation for an example. Guess what ,when you do everything you can right (unless you have solid motor mounts ) its going to move around a lot running and driving aside from any added frame /sub frame flex. Drive some shaker cars, or just cut a hole in the hood for the air cleaner to stick out through and you will get my point. Based off the distance from the mounting point to the top of the air cleaner the movement is not the same, but exhaust mounts somewhere in the middle of that math equation.

project is under way. getting ready to order up a comp cam and gasket kit. Put headers under the tree for me and dad, engine is on the stand and beers are cold that is a huge gift for me. i will try to update when we go back in with everything. fitment is likely to be an issue a little. getting the old rusted ones off was no cake walk. 25lb sledge knocked them forward on the slotted center hole because we could not get them to turn with a wrench at all. planning to drill and tap our 7J2 heads for end bolts.

68 GTO w/1973 pontiac 455, 6X d-port heads, 5 speed tremec. I used ceramic coated Hooker super comp 2 headers. Bolted right up with no clearance issues, but they were put in when the frame had no body on it, so it was easy. Rest of car has a dual 3" Torque Tech system with no crossover (This system is all coming out and being replaced with a new Pypes 2.5" and RA manifolds). Looks like the headers have to come out from below. I've been putting off this project for 6 mos. :(

Hey Monty, I may have missed it in the video, did you use Doug’s? I was REALLY wanting a set of TRY Y’s, but his business is NOT good shape…… can’t get them! So I guess it’s Doug’s on my 75 Formula! Thanks for the info!!

Very helpful! I am looking at D380's w/sidepipes for my Stingray, eventually. Great channel. Subbing!!

Headers on a Pontiac? I'd rather have a root canal.

I made a trans cross member that allowed pipes. It is way nicer than Fabercobbleing exhaust pipes

Thanks for the video! Helping me along with my header install on my Olds. Question - did you run into any issues with how close your headers are to your proportioning valve? I was going to move mine up close to the MC, but noticed you kept yours close to the headers. Any issues? Thank you!

Does those flanges take away some horsepower because they are not straight

Hey Monty, did you use the exhaust gaskets that came with the Dougs headers or did you use another brand like maybe copper gasket or something?

Good channel man. You deserve way more subs. I am swapping a Pontiac 455 into a 77 Trans am that had the 403. It will also have a new TH350 transmission as well as a set of headers (not nearly as long as the ones in this video- more like run-of-the-mill Hooker headers (it’s not my car- I’m bailing a friend out of trouble he dug himself) anyway my question is: I am really tempted to bolt up the engine, transmission, and headers and attempt to drop the entire thing at once into the car using a cherry picker. Do you think it is possible or will I have to install the headers separately?

I’m adding a 383 to my 86 Monte Carlo SS, I think I’ll just go with shortie headers.

64 gto with a 400. First time I put a set of hookers on it three hours a special wrench and a ship load of sailor language they are on. Then the rear main leaked. Two hours more taking the headers off never again. Enter Doug's headers fit like a glove a standard 3/8 wrench reaches all the bolts.

Dude that built my 70' Nova SS W/ 383 STROKER, BEAT THE CRAP OUT BRAND NEW LONGTUBE HEADERS DRIVERS SIDE,..I WANTED TO KICK HIS ASS SO BAD,THE OLD ONES LOOKED BETTER LAUGH NOW,,NOT THEN😂

My problem is the gearbox/ I need somebody to weld my headers

hey Monty did you have to get a little longer headers bolts? I'm looking at the standard header bolts and like an inch long and with that thick flange on the Dougs might need inch and a quarter.....

I have a 75 trans am 400 D-port heads I'm using headman headers shorties and I'm having exhaust leaks everywhere and it's messing with my O2 sensor on my Fitech. I ordered remflex gaskets hopefully they resolve my problems. If not I'm going back to stock manifolds .

Should of just made adjustments with a hammer to the header instead of the frame

Restoring a 68 Mustang FB, dealing with long headers (Hedman), putting in a custom z-bar, but in the process of mocking up exhaust for running the engine. I have to make sense out of the prior owner's purchase of exhaust tubing - nothing but butt connections and no way right now to attach to the header flange, Good tips here for sure. By the way - what's your camera setup and how do you like that Eagle compressor?

Why not wrap the portion of brake line that you were worried about?

1.414x center to center measurement

Well guys Anyone who has had the misfortune of growing up Poncho and owning a Goat with A Pontiac motor knows full well what the header selection look like in the performance world you can go with Doug thoreys or Hookers or Headman but I'm going to 99% guarantee you will work for the end result but depending on your Cly heads that can make or break you ..

Yeah, starter Heat Soak, block starter removal, transmission removal, why put up with the Hassle.

Genius ...!!!

Dude you fed a whole bunch of people the wrong information.....all you had to do was stick 2 or 3 fender washers on each side on top of the motor mounts which would have raised the engine to gain your clearances that you beat in and grinded off. I've worked on 68-72 Pontiac A bodies all my life.

Throw those headers in the garbage and get Ram air manifolds, dyno proven to flow as well as headers. Unless you are building a race car. And you don't have any clearance issues and you won't have to butcher your car like that. Or disassemble for oil change or have leaks... the more you know... 69 Pontiac GTO The Judge.

IF U WANT A NICE HEADER GO DOUG'S HANDS DOWN USED THEM ON MY 68 GTO.. THE HOOKER HEADERS SUCK!!!! I went with hooker 1st and paid over 600 buck's on a d port.. They sucked went to a doug's headers went right on just had to drop oil filter on pass side..Then I got some edelbrock heads and had to buy round port headers and bought super comps did not fit got into a big argument with summit about it bcuz they wouldn't take them back hence the scratches bcuz it wouldn't fit.. Bought DOUG'S and bolted right up but had to drop oil filter and housing. If u have a fbody 67-9 firebird the headman headers fit pretty good part 1406. Been building Ponchos for a long time.. Trial n error.

1969 Lemans with Edelbrock Round Port Heads the 2” dougs headers fit horrible. The drivers side on mine was actually not bad it went right in. The passenger hit the frame and motor mount pretty solid. Lots of banging grinding and cussing. I wish I would have had this video last year. DO NOT BUY THE HEADERS ALREADY CERAMIC COATED. Waste of money you bang it off anyways. Oh and if you already have a custom exhaust already plan on having to modify it because the flanges will not line up at all.

How tube is ar ?

Headers don't do shit