OK, Guys - I need your help. I've been agonizing over whether or not to throw a set of headers on my car, or just live with the sh**y manifolds. Here's the deal; Had a bad experience with one of my first cars ('73 Nova) with headers that leaked more often than not. Haven't had them since. My RS is my primary ride 9 months out of the year, and I don't want to create a constant chore (header gaskets). I can afford a median priced coated header and intend to use the best gaskets, fasteners, etc. that I can buy. Do you think I stand a chance of leaving these things alone after they're on? I don't expect forever, but I've got better things to do, if you know what I mean... Thanks, I really appreciate your insight. :hail: Brian

The hedmans on my 82 Z are the best fitting / least amount of work header "I" have ever dealt with, now the one's on my 67' have issues.. Leaky as you spoke of... I need to buy a new set for it...

Put them on, tighten them, run it till heat, tighten while hot, drive a couple days, tighten while hot, couple weeks, tighten, etc. etc. etc. and in about a month you won't be able to tighten them anymore, and mine have NEVER leaked

Or pay the extra $$$ and get a mechanic to do it. If its done right the first time it won't need to be retightened. But if it leaks, just bring it back in to the shop.

I had mine installed by a good mechanic, almost 2 years ago and never had any problems.

Go for it, but like said don't cheap out.
Get aluminum or copper header gaskets, locking 8stage header bolts. And aluminum collector and donut gaskets.

ditto what mark said on the copper gaskets and locking bolts.

$40 for locking bolts, tigthen them down, lock them in place, never worry again.

life is good.

Spend a little money for good gaskets (all aluminum or copper, no paper ones) and locking bolts and you shouldn't have a problem with them.