my next upgrade to my LG4 Z28 will be a set of headers. ive settled on either flowtechs or edelbrocks, and was wondering how much more difficult it is to swap plugs out with these kinds of headers installed.

also, between the 2 brands, which set of headers is easier to install? thanks in advance

 

My Edelbrock header installation didn't go too bad, but then again I ditched all my smog and A/C stuff. Probably the hardest part (if you have A/C) will be getting to that last bolt on the passenger side. Since I don't have A/C anymore for me the hardest part was lifting the motor on the driver's side for the header to clear the steering linkage.

Plug removal doesn't look too bad either. On some of 'em instead of using a plug socket with a ratchet, you'll have to use a wrench to turn the socket, cuz there isn't any room to fit a ratchet. But overall for me, everything went smooth considering this was my first header installation.

 

I just installed a set of SLP's headers, and I must say they are well worth the extra $$$

I got the HPC coated 1-3/4" w/o a.i.r. and they fit right in without jacking up the motor...
They don't hit or rub anywhere...
Sparkplug access is easy, and no plugwires even come close to them...

I just bought a standard set of plugwires for a '78 Chevy P/U and routed them over the valve covers instead of under the headers...

Even the header bolts were easy to reach and make tight...
I had to "ding" the tubes next to a few bolts to get my wrench on, but it was minimal effort...

I'm not sure about Edelbrock or Flowtech headers, but I sure can't complain about SLP's fit and finish...

Good luck on your hunt for headers...

 

my flowtechs installed pretty easily with the exception of the rear passenger bolt but you can get it in if you have patience. i didnt have to raise the engine or anything mine just dropped right in. plugs are easy to get to except maybe one i had a little trouble with but you just have to use a wrench instead of a socket. you have to be really careful how you run the wires though because they get really hot. but overall im happy with my headers

 

Well since I'm probably one of the only people on here that has experience with both header systems I'll tell you straight up.

Flowtech's are easier to install.

It's easier to reach the spark plugs with the Flowtech's.

The Flowtech's are way better for the money. Although the Y-pipe is pretty terrible flow-wise. I'd recommend getting a custom dual cat (whether you need them or not) Y-pipe made up at a muffler shop.

Good luck with the swap.

 

i had to use a wrench to turn the spark plug socket cuz the driver wouldnt fit with my edelbrocks. its not too bad though once you get the hang of it....

 

I'd take a little closer look at the Edelbrock headers before you make a final decision. I remember someone posted some pics of a set of Edelbrock shorties, and at the beginning of the tubes, were the are welded to the flange to bolt onto the head, they actually dented in the side of the tube for bolt clearance! This is probably not a good thing for making power, but it may make it easier to install because you could probably use a ratchet instead of resorting to a wrench to put them on.

BTW, my Hedman shorties are sitting in my room right now awaiting some cleaning up and paint, but they look like they are a pretty well built set. No denting of the tubes for clearance, nice beefy tubes and flange and no weird bends or anything. Looks like there is lots of room for spark plug access and stuff too.

 

i have some coated edelbrocks...

easy of installation....dropping the shorties in...45 mins...y pipe was a bitch but..

as for spark plugs...i just a 5/8ths boxed wrench about 6-9 inches long...i can get the 1-3-5-7-2-4 plugs from the top...the 6-8 i get from the bottom...i can pull...clean...regap and install plugs in bout 30 mins...

 

it sounds like this is something that only i have had a real problem with so far, i too have the edelbrock headers, and with the ac and all the crap still on the car i cant even get to the number 1 plug, one of the ac brackets bolts on both sides of the first header tube i believe and so far it seems like the headers have made working on my car an even bigger pita...

 

Spark plug access will be much better with the Edelbrocks vs stock. Using a 5/8" wrench instead of a socket, the entire drivers side is a piece of cake - all from the top. I used a stubby on cylinder 1 do to the AC/PS bracket. The passenger is a little more difficult, but all can still be done from the top. Cylinder 2 and 4 are simple. However, with 6 and 8 using the 5/8" wrench and I reached way under there (from front of engine) with my right arm, hugging the fender to remove those plugs.

 

yep..thats pretty much what i do...i get up under the car to brake the 6-8 plugs loose...then stick my hand/arm up under the headers..