Just installed Hedman Elite Hedders (Summit #HED-68198) and Flowmaster exhaust (FLO-17120) this weekend on my '70 SS396 (auto on the column, AC). I was a little worried having read some guys problems with installing other brands, but the Hedman's went on really easy and without a hitch. I didn't have to jack up the motor or anything. One thing that probably made it easier was switching to a mini starter. It looked like it would have been a bear to get the original back in, but I was switching to a mini so I didn't try it.

The Flowmaster system went on equally well. The only slight hitch was the header collector and head pipe were the same size (no flare), so I had to make a quick run to Autozone for 2 1/2" to 2 1/2" adapters. I clamped it all up and took it to the nearest muffler shop and had it all welded up for another $30. (The headers and exhaust, with S&H, was $663.)

This mod really woke up the baby rat - it pulls much better throughout the rev range. The exhaust comes with 50-series mufflers which are a little on the loud side since this is my daily driver, but they sound so throaty and powerful, I can live with it!

I give both Hedman and Flowmaster an "A".

Excellent...I was looking at roughly the same package for my SB 71' and wasn't sure if the Hedmann header selection was going to be the optimum choice.

I have headman elite's on my 78. And they work great! Glad i got them!

Excellent...I was looking at roughly the same package for my SB 71' and wasn't sure if the Hedmann header selection was going to be the optimum choice.

Well, I can't vouch for the SB headers specifically, but I don't see how mine could have been any better. Well....one thing that could have been better is the gaskets. They supply the basic paper(?) ones that are leaking already. I knew better than to install them, but I forgot to order some good ones and just went ahead and threw them on. Luckily, they're not difficult to change out. Go ahead and get some copper or dead soft aluminum ones and save yourself one do-over.

Good tip...makes you wonder why the manufacturer wouldn't include a good set of gaskets and eliminate bad installation experiences by their customers.

I just installed a set of ceramic coated Elites on my '76's 350. I used 2 1/2 inch pipe with a "H" and Dynaflow mufflers. My trucklet sounds great and the headers really dress up the engine bay. Great header! I just posted a picture of them in my album (4th gen pg 5).

Looks great, Iceberg! 8) 8)

Now it's time for a Weiand 142 blower to juice things up a bit!