Supreme Member
I bought a set for my truck, a 95 C1500. The fit was alright, could have been better. I had to do a little grinding on the oil dipsick tube bracket for it to clear. The gaskets that came with them were total crap, and burned out within a month. Also, the driver side header had an O2 bung, even though my truck's O2 sensor is in the y-pipe, so I had to plug that. My truck is a beater DD, so I didn't mind so much, but I wouldn't put a set on my GTA.
five7kid
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They are Flowtechs.
From the "thirdgen header option" sticky regarding Flowtechs, "I personally used these headers, and they are junk! The flanges are machined VERY poorly, the collectors are 2.5", tubes are 1.50" OD, and the y-pipe is designed like the stock, so you can't just cut off the 2.50" section and replace it with 3" mandrel bends. The headers are VERY heavy, and so is the y-pipe, but this doesnt appear to help any with heat retention."
From the "thirdgen header option" sticky regarding Flowtechs, "I personally used these headers, and they are junk! The flanges are machined VERY poorly, the collectors are 2.5", tubes are 1.50" OD, and the y-pipe is designed like the stock, so you can't just cut off the 2.50" section and replace it with 3" mandrel bends. The headers are VERY heavy, and so is the y-pipe, but this doesnt appear to help any with heat retention."
Junior Member
They are Flowtechs. However, despite all of the above being true, I think they're a worthwhile upgrade to an average to high mileage 305 car. Even the worst headers (and these are far from the best) are a million times better than the abominable stock exhaust manifolds, and are going to give you a boost in power and a nicer sound.
And to me, it made more sense to go with the sub $100 Summit headers for a 305 with 100K plus miles on it than a proper set of $4-500 ceramic-coated Hookers or other top of the line headers. I'd much rather sock away the price difference to an LS1 slush fund for when the 305 eventually dies.
Of course, if you're building up a motor, have insanely low mileage, or plan on building a 350 in the future, then you'd be a fool to go with the Summits. There are much better headers out there for that, and in those instances their extra cost is justified. But if you just want to wake up an old 305 that's on about the sixth of its nine lives without spending a ton of money, I think the Summits are a fine option.
And to me, it made more sense to go with the sub $100 Summit headers for a 305 with 100K plus miles on it than a proper set of $4-500 ceramic-coated Hookers or other top of the line headers. I'd much rather sock away the price difference to an LS1 slush fund for when the 305 eventually dies.
Of course, if you're building up a motor, have insanely low mileage, or plan on building a 350 in the future, then you'd be a fool to go with the Summits. There are much better headers out there for that, and in those instances their extra cost is justified. But if you just want to wake up an old 305 that's on about the sixth of its nine lives without spending a ton of money, I think the Summits are a fine option.
Junior Member
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