Help with 80 Malibu

[Bill Howell]

I am really starting to pull my hair out on this issue with my Malibu that until this has been a breeze. Two or so weeks ago I posted some pictures of the progress on the car and a couple folks told me that the Hooker headers I had installed that wrapped the frame may cause problems with clearance when turning. Sure enough, when I tried it, they rubbed way to soon. I then bought a set of dynomax headers that fit but did not work with the angle plug heads. Next I ordered a set of Patriot headers and again, clearance issues.
Does anyone know who makes a set of headers that actually fits a 80 Malibu, with automatic tranny, column shifter and has angle plug heads? At this point, I would even go for a custom set since this is the only thing holding me up from final assembly. Thanks in advance for any help!

[zbugger]

Try taking a look at Sanderson Headers. They may be able to help you out with something.

[gmachinz]

Wow. I didn't know you were using angle plug heads, Bill. I figured the Dynomax ones would have been a snap. You may want to try looking at Schoenfeld headers. A friend of mine had a 406 in a '79 'Bu and he went with a 1-7/8 primary tube header that fit well and he was using Brodix aluminum angle plug heads on it. I'd have told you about them if I knew you had angle plug heads-my bad, or-if you mentioned it, I just forgot. -Jabin

[white79bu]

Bill, I am runnig a set of hooker super comp headers. I bought them off of ebay they were coated and everything. I'm running angle plug heads and a t56 tranny. There actually the best set of malibu headers I have seen that this well. Andy

[Bill Howell]

Thanks for the options guys, I may just get this thing together yet.

[Steve Chryssos]

Bill,
How bad is the DynoMax / Angled plug head interference? If it is minor, consider using a set of Accel 576S spark plugs. These plugs, denoted by the "S" in the part number has a shorter insulator, but the same heat range as a 576. In english, that means that the spark plugs are just plain shorter. That and a little help from Mr. B.F. Hammer might be enough to get you down the road.