I recently installed a set of flowtech long tube headers (405-3301) on my 83 Z28. This was done during an engine swap from the stock engine to a 350.

The passenger side header (at the collector flange) is pressing into the frame and I will be unable to connect the exhaust. I brought it to a shop to have one of their mechanics look at it and he said it was pretty much a lost cause but a possibility if the frame is modified (which I would like to avoid).

The drivers side has no problems.

So here's what I'm thinking of doing... I'll remove these headers with a sawzall or torch and replace them with a set of shorty's.

I am not keeping emissions controls on this vehicle. A friend of mine recommended the Hooker 520-2055 (which are designed for 86-90 305-350 applications). What kind of problems or extra procedures can I expect in this installation if it's possible?

I am hoping to perform this installation without pulling the engine (the car runs fine right now).

Thanks in advance -- your help and advice on this one is really appreciated
Rob

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

I've never heard anything good about 3rd gen application Flowtech headers. Not surprised you had problems.

The Hooker 2055HKR's are good pieces. They do have the emissions A.I.R. tubes on them, you can cut them off and weld them shut if you don't need them. I'm using those headers on my older carbureted set-up, and I'm probably one of the more vocal (and perhaps annoying) advocates for them.

You'll want 3" exhaust from the cat connection on the y-pipe on back in order to get the most out of them.

 

 

I looked around and found good things about the 2055s. I'm a rookie and already installed one set of headers that went south on me so I didn't want to blow $400 on the next set... i think it's safer to ask people who have some real experience.

ps. thanks five7kid.. i am going to try out the 2055... i'll hope for the best lol.

 

yea man deff get rid of the flowtech go with sum headman or hookers i had the same prob with the flowtech there no good i thought i was the only one that had a bad set of headers but apparently not

 

I got hedman 68470's, and the drivers side hit the frame. Or it was 1/8" away, or something uncomfortably close. An exhaust shop (who told me they've done lots of hot rod exhaust setups), told me it was "impossible". And that it can't be done. ie, putting on a y-pipe.

I rolled my eyes at them and went to a real shop. They bent the collector over a bit, and setup my y-pipe with a 3" mandrel bend and connected it to the rest of my exhaust system.

In other words, a halfway respectable exhaust shop should be able to make it happen, or less than the price of all new headers.

But yea, flowtech isn't the best, there a reason you can't remove them in 1 piece and maybe try to sell them? Sawsall is kinda blowing away $$.

 

I have the same problem with my 83 berlinetta... I welded braided flex pipe to the flange and thats all you need for Drag racing