Did a quick search to see if there were any threads on this yet....wanted to do a quick write up on these as some of you may be looking for a cheap mod in the future.
Two weeks ago I ordered the summit racing headers and dual exhaust (SBC). Both are the "universal" kit offered by summit for chevelles, novas, montes, ect. I had read up on the headers on a hot rod "budget build" they performed recently. They produced decent numbers and weren't any complaints listed, so I thought I'd give em a shot. ~$100 for the headers and ~$200 for the 2.5" exhaust kit. True dual exhaust with turbo mufflers included. I also bought a pair of tips (also summit brand) to finish off the look.
Installing the headers was pretty standard. Tight fit for headers, but nothing out of the ordinary. The gaskets were pretty flimsy....looking back, I kinda wish I would have sprung for some thicker gaskets. Make sure you test fit each bolt into the headers first before installing them. I got every bolt started and found that one wouldn't fit....had to take them back off and drill out the hole a bit.
The exhaust kit itself, as said, was a "universal kit." IE, it's made to long length and you need to modify. Each side has 5 sections including the muffler. So, I assembled everything in my garage all the way up to the bend over the axle. Got my motorcycle jack out and center the exhaust over the axle. Measured twice, cut once Overall I took about 5" off each side to get the fit right. Bolted it up to the car and finished off the tail section. Again, some cutting involved as the finished product stuck out about 4" from the rear bumper.
Took a few drives and made some tweaks here and there. The hangers were probably one of the more frustrating parts as it takes a while to get the right fit. The kit came with several "universal" hangars....2 each rubber and 2 each solid hangars. The headers definitely woke my tired 350 up a bit. Butt dyno says it was worth it. Throttle response is obviously much better.
So, long story short, if you have some patience, this was a good product. I feel the money was well spent. Turbo mufflers will likely get swapped out for something a bit louder in the future. They're a touch above stock sound at idle, with a nice deep throaty sound when on the gas. I'll give them some time to break in before making the swap. I also intend to swap out most of the clamps for full welds at some point. Figure I'll give it some time to make the final adjustments before welding it all up.
Suggestions....as said, if I did it over again I would have bought some better gaskets. I already have a ticking around the passenger side header so I'll likely have to take them back off and swap out the gaskets. Having a buddy help with the install is a plus....headers were straight forward but the exhaust itself needed a second (or third) set of hands to make it easier.
Will post up some pictures next time I pull it outta the garage.
