Which headers fit best?

[RickBuonauro]

I have a 55 Bel Air with a 350/290 HP crate motor. I'd like to install headers, preferably not $600-700. I have a 605 steering box. It looks pretty tight for headers. I've been looking into the Patriot Exhaust H8055-1 for $327 at SummitRacing: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/inn-3803.

Anyone have good experience with these or other headers?

[markm]

I would consider a set of 2.5 rams horns from Speedway. I have Parriots but they are on a BBC in my 55. If the aluminized exhaust ever rots on my 56 it will get 2.5 rams horns over its 2 inch.

[Rick_L]

Patriot headers are hit and miss. I had a pair of 8025's that hit the pitman arm with the steering wheel straight ahead. Totally unusable. On the other hand I see lots of reports about them fitting.

Long tube headers that fit are made by Earle Williams, Hooker, and Dougs Headers. They are all pretty expensive, above your stated budget. You get what you pay for.

[chevynut]

IMO I'd order a set from Summit and try them. I did that with 2 different sets for my C4 front suspension and BBC that I thought might work, and neither of them fit. I think I remember they even paid to ship them back. I ended up with a set from Earle's made for a stock Tri5 and they fit. A customer of mine used stock Tri5 Doug's headers for his BBC/C4 setup and they worked great. Wish I'd tried them .