Hi everybody. I've just recently gotten interested in 3rd generation camaros and I'm looking to buy one shortly. This is my first post, and I don't have much mechanical experience so be gentle . I found an 85 (accidentally said 87 in the title) z28 with a 305 V8 and Headman Headers, with a Flowmaster exhaust system. The seller says that part of the header gasket isn't seating well. Or the header manifold isn't matching up well to the motor. He said he bought the gasket and the headers from the same manufacturer and it still didn't fit right. So there is a small gap on a short section of the plate that mounts up to the engine. There is an exhaust leak there, obviously and it makes kind of a "ticking" noise. Driving the car, when you're accelerating fast, you can feel a little "lag" now and then. My buddy says the vacuum lines / carb probably need tuning. But I wonder if it's a backflow issue with this header. My plans for this car are to drive it for the summer and sell it in the fall, or maybe keep it until next summer. I don't want to do a whole lot of work on it. Anyway, my question is... is this anything to worry about? Can I drive the car without addressing this issue and not cause damage to the motor or exhaust? If I buy the car, should I plan on fixing this right away? How involved/expensive could this be? Tim

You should not merely "look the other way" in most situations where there is something wrong with your car.

Unless there is something plugging up your exhaust system (opposed to just a restrictive header pipe) your car should not suffer any adverse effects, besides being a bit slower. You are probably still getting better flow than your stock manifolds, but that being said you should address the issue as soon as you collect the funds to do so. Put a good set of headers on there that fit a 305/350 SBC, get some good gaskets and locking header bolts, after that there won't be a problem with a leak or tick.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice. If I buy the car I think I'll take it to a shop and get it done right, with some catalytic converters. Not being familiar with this stuff I didn't know if it was a huge issue.