Pontiac 400 Header for a 1969 Catalina

[Otti]

Hey there!

I am in search of some headers for a 400 Small Block Pontiac engine for a 1969 Catalina. I'm really interested in finding long tube headers to help not have much restriction for more HP. Feels like an impossible tasks in finding the right headers and getting them to fit. Been searching for quite a few days, maybe a week and haven't had much luck. I know the space is very tight to fit a header between the frame and head. Can anyone help me with their experience and/or suggestions? I don't know if I have to get some custom fitted, which is highly possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, 

Nick.

[Otti]

Also need to note it is a column shift. May need to convert to a floor shifter to find any headers that would fit

[31pontiac]

Can’t say about tube headers, but the factory Ram Air 3 long branch manifolds from 1969 Firebirds are also listed as to fit your Catalina. They are definitely a step up from your original manifolds.  Ram Air Restoration and Ames has reproductions available. Ram Air Restoration also offers a 3” diameter set that looks like the originals, which I think are 2 1/4”.

[Frosty]

I agree with 31pontiac. The unfortunate thing is a lot of header manufacturers these days have stopped making headers for Pontiac engines in anything other than Firebirds and GTOS (A-bodys really). There simply isn't demand any more for them to sustain making them. So the factory long branch manifolds are the next best thing on the market for the big B-C body cars.

I run a set of the Ram Air Restoration Ram Air IV/HO manifolds on my Lemans. So I will vouch for the quality of the reproduction manifolds.

On 6/11/2020 at 1:35 PM, Otti said:

Also need to note it is a column shift. May need to convert to a floor shifter to find any headers that would fit

If you think you need a new column, Flaming River and Ididit make new columns. You might also be able to get a used original from a classic parts salvage yard like Franks Pontiac Parts.

Edited June 12, 2020 by Frosty