Can I vent for a minute?

[72nova]

I am so sick of buying products that don't work or don't fit. I bought a set of ceramic coated headers 2 years ago that sat in my basement while I built the rest of the car. Last week I finally got to a point where I am ready to put them on and guess what, THEY DON'T FIT. I have a 72 Nova, sbc and power steering. When I ordered these headers these are the descriptions I gave. So when I go to put them on the tube hits the steering box. I am gonig to have to take a hammer and beat the tube in to clear the steering box. Do header cos. not know about this problem? I have never bought a set of headers that I didn't have to beat the crap out of. I bought framerails for a 68-74 nova, they didn't fit. I ended up cutting them up and using the straight pieces to make my own framerails. I know I should send these things back but I have had them for so long I doubt any company would take them back. Plus I don't have the boxes they came in or even the part numbers of the pieces. I know framerails are a somewhat universal product, but when you order them for a specific year car you would think they would be somewhat close. As for headers, I will never buy another set. I will make them myself, I don't care if it takes me a year and costs double, at least I would only have myself to blame if they don't work. Sorry for the long post but I had to vent to someone else other than my wife.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

shoot.. Headers is one of the most pain in the ass things about a build i think..

i had to clearance MY headers.. ive heard of a few guys having to do that.. then on top of that i didnt get the ground clearance i wanted.

VERY frustrating..

[73z-6sp]

I know it doesnt do you much good at this point but Doug Thorleys makes a header for the first gen that clears perfectly. I think they should work for your nova too?

Bad parts suck.

[72nova]

Yeah I know dougs headers would probably fit, I have no doubts. But these major header companies(you know who I'm talking about) have been selling headers for years and sbc and novas, camaros, mustangs,etc. have been around for years. So why can't they build a header that fits? I guess thats why dougs probably cost more, because they fit.

[silver69camaro]

Honestly, I've never had a problem with the major name headers. I know that many problems stem from having the wrong engine mounts, or even the wrong frame mounts. It happens alot. Ground clearance is another issue...




This is how low your headers should hang down.

[sunkistcamaro]

Matt,
What headers do you have in your Camaro?

[EFI69Cam]

A Holley "customer service" rep told me once that their headers are race parts and things like ground clearance and access to other parts are secondary in their design.





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[bobbaganoosh]

Honestly, I've never had a problem with the major name headers. I know that many problems stem from having the wrong engine mounts, or even the wrong frame mounts. It happens alot.

Exactly! After spending a few years behind the counter of a speed shop I can tell you that that is a major part of the problem - most of the time. On older cars previous owners may have done all kinds of crazy things to the car that a current owner won't notice, frame mounts and motor mounts get all mixed up and no header fits. Believe me it's not fun dealing with irate customers who accuse you of selling them the wrong part, even though you are giving them exactly what they ask for. Glad I decided to get a real job!

[GBodyGMachine]

I guy I dont really like once told me something, and I hate myself for Quoting him.
He Said "All speed parts are have finished"
I work in aftermarket install. And this is true, nothing ever fits.

[NOT A TA]

Very rarely have I ever bought an aftermarket product that fit or worked without leaking or something needing to be modified! My current MSD ignition system in my Firebird is the only thing I can think of that just worked with no issues. Now if I can just remember that Pontiac distributors turn backward next time! BEFORE I custom make the plug wires and run them all pretty !LOL

Bolt in = hold in position, modify new part or others nearby, test fit again, more mods,test fit, then bolt in. Then if there's fluids or electricty involved there may be more issues!

Since this started with a vent I'll add one more. Who writes the directions for all the stuff we buy ? It's fairly obvious they don't follow along on an installation with a notepad! Steps are missing or important tools needed not even mentioned!!!

John

[Gordz32]

Shortely after I started my new job, I can honestly tell you the very rarely is anything BOLT-ON!! In fact most of the time parts needs to be modified. Its just the name of the game. Sorry about your experience. I know the headerson the chevelle will be custom bad b/c I don't want to deal with the crap most people do, and I'd rather pay the price than deal with leaky or poorly made headers. I've know learned to go into everyjob planning on having to modify or remake parts.

[streetk14]

I think you really get what you pay for when it comes to headers. I had some fitment issues with a set of Hooker 1 3/4" sipercomps on my '68 some years back. One tube rubbed the steering box (lightly) and another tube had to be dented to clear my pitman arm. These wewn't cheap headers, bu they weren't high-end either.


I recently bought a set of LS1 swap headers from Stainless Works for my '67 Camaro. They were expensive, but fit perfectly, don't leak and look great. No denting, no rubbing, great ground clearance and no problems.

Andy

[David Pozzi]

A 72 Nova should be like a first gen Camaro. I have heard good old Summit headers fit Camaros well! That is what Team Camaro members say.

Make sure you have the correct motor mount/ frame bracket combo for your car.

The Hooker super comps on my wife's 73 Camaro fit terrible! They are scraping the pavement when we hit a dip, don't clear the Canton oil pan, can barely get the oil filter off past the pan and headers, I have to turn it sideways to get it out.
David

[muthstryker]

silver69camaro are you taking your car to the good guys show at the puyallup fair grounds on july 27th? im heading down to take the artmorrison shop tour and check out the max g chassis. then im heading to the good guys show.

[silver69camaro]

silver69camaro are you taking your car to the good guys show at the puyallup fair grounds on july 27th? im heading down to take the artmorrison shop tour and check out the max g chassis. then im heading to the good guys show.

That's in the plans. Honestly, the car isn't finished (radiator catch can, recover door panels & rear seat, etc), but I'm having too much fun driving it. I didn't build it with the thought of showing it off, just as a tool for R&D. That includes track time.

As for the earlier question, those headers are specifically made for our subframe.

[Bow Tie 67]

My Ls1 with SW headers fit good, but the Magnaflow exhaust system had to be adjusted. I had to grind the welds for the forward tubes at the true x section and then fit it to the headers and re-weld. Talk about a Pita. And then the rear pipes around the Qudra-link was a major pain, although that was to be expected.

[z4me69]

if ya want to see expensive parts that dont fit build a custom bike. the last one i built every and i mean every part had to have somthing done to it . but to me thats just part of all the fun lol