First Generation Firebird
Posted By: Kims68Firebird What headers do you use? - 02/21/19 03:33 AM
Hey guys, toying with the idea of getting rid of my stock exhaust and moving to dual with an x pipe and headers but I am pretty sure I need D port headers and there are like zero chrome or stainless options under $300. I found one set "high temp painted" for $280. What are you guys running? Thanks in advance
Posted By: oldskool Re: What headers do you use? - 02/21/19 06:13 AM
I always used the Hedman 35270 headers. Coated ones cost more than twice as much.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/3...fpEsbpXk8EgPC4ewQfYZYQfVChxoCOb8QAvD_BwE

https://thmotorsports.com/255256-he...i_GmJHUpYddv0COyUyKqJrCbd0xoCYB8QAvD_BwE
Posted By: Firebob Re: What headers do you use? - 02/22/19 12:48 AM
They sell some stainless ones on eBay for pretty cheap. I think OBX. I've heard they are decent. Not sure if they make them for first gens though. I personally use ceramic coated Dougs. They fit pretty well on my car which is saying something because of all the changes that have been made.
Posted By: Kims68Firebird Re: What headers do you use? - 02/22/19 02:51 AM
Oldskool thanks for the suggestions. I can't afford the coated ones unfortunately. The uncoated are a possibility though I have heard they rust bad.
Firebob- Unfortunately, all of the stainless ones on Ebay are round port. Not D port. Otherwise they would have been bought already! wink I can't afford Dougs or those would have been bought first. smile Thanks again!
Posted By: Bronze Bird Re: What headers do you use? - 02/22/19 05:25 PM
Ceramic coated Hookers.
Posted By: Bob S. Re: What headers do you use? - 02/22/19 05:55 PM
Headers suck. Especially on Pontiacs. Stick with the logs or else go with repop long branch factory cast iron headers. There is very little performance gain with headers for normal driving. My 2 cents to ignore as you see fit.
Posted By: Kims68Firebird Re: What headers do you use? - 02/23/19 02:49 AM
Thanks Bronze Bird, can't afford them unfortunately. Needs to be a little lower cost. I am leaning toward Patriots with high temp paint.

Bob S. why do they suck on Pontiacs? I'm going to dual exhaust and somewhat quiet mufflers, but I would like the HP increase and change in sound. smile
Posted By: salmon38 Re: What headers do you use? - 02/23/19 07:33 AM
I have ceramic coated Doug's headers for D-port heads. They are pricey but they fit well on my '67 with a 455 and power steering. They tuck up nicely and are almost a tad too close to the floor pans.
Posted By: Bartbird Re: What headers do you use? - 02/23/19 03:43 PM
What I have found troubling is that there doesn't seem to be anyone making Tri-Y headers for Pontiacs, tri-Y headers work better in the idle to 5000 range and gain torque and MPG where long tube headers loose torque at low rpm and only really work for high rpm racing, most of us are cruising at 2000 rpm. Been looking at Sanderson shorty's and the Ram Air cast iron, still undecided but I have to decide soon because my 50+ year old cast iron stock manifolds are cracking from age.
Posted By: Firebob Re: What headers do you use? - 02/24/19 04:36 AM
Seems to me I saw some back to back testing a few years ago between shortys and long branch and it was dead even. I'm not sure what the price point is on each but I'd guess the shortys were a better deal. Less weight and just generally easier to deal with. Sanderson makes a pretty good product.
Posted By: Purple haze Re: What headers do you use? - 04/24/19 03:01 PM
Would like to know some more about the Sanderson shortys. Are they D port, how do they fit, easy to install? They advertise "no gasket sealing" with high temp RTV. Also some pics would be nice.
Posted By: oldskool Re: What headers do you use? - 04/24/19 03:32 PM
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-pf1-sec/overview/make/pontiac

These are D-port. One guy said he had to raise the driver side motor mount 1/4" & grind some off the steering box.

https://www.sandersonheaders.com/sanderson-pf1-pontiac-389-400-header-set.html

https://www.speedshopstore.com/exha...-headers-pontiac-1967-1969-firebird.html

I've had such good luck with the Hedman 35270 headers, and even the Hedman 3-tubes, I wouldn't consider using shorty headers.

I'd rather go with long branch manifolds than shorty headers.

https://www.ramairrestoration.com/lb-1-long-branch-d-port-factory-headers.html

Posted By: Purple haze Re: What headers do you use? - 04/24/19 08:49 PM
Originally Posted by oldskool
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/snh-pf1-sec/overview/make/pontiac

These are D-port. One guy said he had to raise the driver side motor mount 1/4" & grind some off the steering box.

https://www.sandersonheaders.com/sanderson-pf1-pontiac-389-400-header-set.html

https://www.speedshopstore.com/exha...-headers-pontiac-1967-1969-firebird.html

I've had such good luck with the Hedman 35270 headers, and even the Hedman 3-tubes, I wouldn't consider using shorty headers.

I'd rather go with long branch manifolds than shorty headers.

https://www.ramairrestoration.com/lb-1-long-branch-d-port-factory-headers.html




Thank you sir. Good information
Posted By: Firebob Re: What headers do you use? - 04/24/19 11:12 PM
Have only known one friend that ran the Sanderson shortys. He seemed fine with them. I don't remember him saying he had any fitment issues. I remember read an article testing hp levels and the shortys had the same output as the longbranches. Of course long tube headers were king.
Yes the shortys are Dports.
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