headers

I have Hedman's on the 360 in my 68 Barracuda, they have 1 5/8" tubes. You couldn't ask for a better fitting header. They clear everything without dinging any tubes, I have used the same headers with manual and now power steering. You can swap a full size starter in about 30 minutes (need to disconnect the drivers side inner tie rod from the center link) or a mini starter in about 15 minutes with out touching the headers.

The center link does go through the headers but in almost 20K miles I have never hit one on anything while driving on the road (I have a large lip going into the garage and scrapped one once). I would like thicker flanges but it's not an issue if you are careful tightening them and have not had any leaks. Plus the ball socket arrangement on the collector is superior to any conventional flange. There is also no clearance issues with the clutch z-bar and linkage.

You do need to use small hex header bolts (nice hardened ones come with the headers that have a 3/8" hex). Spark plug clearance is tight on cylinders 5 & 7 but if you swap to the small 5/8" hex plug used on the magnum engines it's a non issue. Likewise, the best solution for plug wires for 5 & 7 is to use 90 degree boots and route the wire under the header tube.

For $150 uncoated and $300 coated they are the best value in a header for a SB A-body out there.