I'm restoring a 1969 Pontiac Firebird with a 350 V8 / TH350 automatic. I'm planning to pick up a MagnaFlow 15896 exhaust system and could use some advice on which headers to go with.

There seem to be a lot of complaints about fitment issues. Not looking to dent the steering box.

Appreciate any header suggestions!

When I did my 71 LaMans, the exhaust shop suggested Headman. He said they fit better than most.

Just use factory exhaust manifolds and not deal with exhaust leaks a few times a year.

Absolutely. The factory RA/HO long branch manifolds are perfect. They fit, flow well, and won't rust out. OEM are hard to find, but the re-pops from Ram Air Restoration are far superior to the originals. Better metal, thicker, better flow, and reasonably priced. Several options too. Some vendors offer them even cheaper. RA/HO manifolds

Headers are terrible on Pontiacs. Many issues. As the others commented, use stock logs or long branch. Headers are for Chevys.

Most of the Pontiac gurus I have read up on all say the Ram Air intakes were not worth the price or bother to acquire. The everyday 4 barrel intake is superior to just about all the aftermarket intakes for street use. Racing is different. But the beautiful RA/HO exhaust manifolds are worth every penny and then some. Pontiac was into high performance exhaust way back in the 421-SD days. Ever see those incredible aluminum 412-SD exhaust manifolds? It was natural for them to continue in the RA/HO cars right up to the 455-SD. They are far superior to headers.

I have two sets of the OEM long branch manifolds. One set came on a 1967 400 HO parts car. The other set I traveled upstate to get. The guy had taken apart a real ['67 or '68] Ram Air Firebird. I grabbed the exhaust manifolds because they gave the most bang for the buck. I left behind an OEM Ram Air hood, the RA intake, all the RA intake parts, air cleaner, everything needed. The guy asked was I sure? Because I would never see these again. He was correct about that. But I had small kids at the time and money was tight. Still kicking myself in the butt about leaving those parts behind. But the price was the same for the exhaust vs the intake stuff. The exhaust was so worth it.

These are the 421 Super Duty exhaust manifolds. Priceless. And beautiful.

I went with the RA manifolds also.

not really racing car to need headers. Was looking for something that gave a little boost and some "cool" factor points.

They work well with 400 that is pushing around 420-430hp.