It's for an 86 with carbed 1971 350 sbc pushing between 400-500 rwhp.

The orignal exhaust manifolds are shot. They were welded (not bolted) to the rest of the exhaust pipes. I may be able to use the original pipes.

I need some shortie headers for around $100 - $200. Can someone point me to a website?

What else will I need to make it all work?

 

How much power is it really making, and what's the intended use of the car?

 

I can't say I've ever seen a 350 that puts out 400 HP through cast iron exhaust manifolds (without power adders, anyway).

So, some details of the engine (heads, cam, intake manifold, etc.), and, as stated, intended use, would be more useful.

Here are your choices:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/D...y/?Ns=Rank|Asc

Do NOT consider anything with 1-1/2" primary tubes.

If you spend less than $200, you're going to spend several hundred more having a shop hook them up to your exhaust system (unless you have the materials, equipment, and ability to fabricate your own Y-pipe). Nobody makes headers that bolt to the stock Y-pipe (which is probably a good thing).

The best, and usually least over-all expensive option is to get headers with their own Y-pipe. The Hooker 2406HKR and the associated 16767HKR Y-pipe is a poor substitute, because the Y-pipe will have to be modified for decent flow.

Arguably the best choice is the Hooker 2055HKR, and you see how much they cost.

We might as well say now that unless your '86 started out as a TPI, the exhaust system will not support the typical 350 power level. Odds are your "original" pipes are the lame, restrictive 2-1/4" LG4 stuff.

 

I can't tell you the exact amount of HP this engine pushes. Its a corvette engine, bored over with performance cam (still lopes stock), higher compression pistons (won't run on normal gas), modified rocker arm assembly, hi rise intake, and head work (not sure how much). This is what the last owner did to the engine. I don't have the specifics. With the 700r4 (not sure of the rear gears), I can turn the car sideways on acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear. I currently own 2 other cars pushing 385 rwhp, and 350 rwhp. This car pushes way more.

Intended use is daily driver for my son, and just pure fun cruising through town. He wants it to sound louder than stock and meaner. My suggestion to him was to get the stock exhaust. Well, he wants headers at a minimum. Its all about the sound to him. If it sounds mean, then he will be happy. Me, I don't know anything about what to expect out of headers, how much work, how many complications.

Just need uncomplicated lower end shortie headers that will fit into a stock exhaust.

 

Ok, then it's probably really making about 250 HP at the flywheel.

Try Hooker 2055s.

 

Already planning on spending at least $400 at a muffler shop to have them run new exhaust with 2.5" pipes. My plan is to put the headers on the engine before I put it in the 86. Then tow to muffler shop to finish work.

The engine was in an 85 (not the original engine) and the exhaust looks stock, except for the fact that the exhaust manifolds were welded onto the rest of the pipes. Not sure why? The engine is going into an 86 with no exhaust.

So, what am I hearing?
1. I need to scrap the 85 exhaust all together and get a new one with at least 2.5" pipes. DONE (muffler shop will do this for me).
2. It's cheaper to buy headers with y-pipes?????? vs. pay shop to custom make y-pipes????
3. What about a catalytic converter, keep it or ditch it?
4. Anything else I should do to this exhaust?

 

According to my Chilton's manual from 1971, these engines pushed 250 HP stock @ rear of transmission. This is not a stock engine, therefore it must be pushing more than 250 HP. Engine code on block is 3970010.

Hooker 2055s are a little pricey.

 

So,
You saying the 86-95 headers will bolt and ports will match a 3970010 2-piece cast block?
Specifically the Headman 68470.

 

Headers don't even touch the block, it doesn't matter which one you have.