I have 2 questions: 1: I have the original exhuast manifolds for my buick gs, right now it has an old set of hooker headers that leak because the collector has holes where the tubes meet. Anyways I know it would be alot cheaper to just put the orignal manifolds on but, I was wondering what you guys thought of manifolds vs. headers? I know you gey more hp from headers but more reliabilty from manifolds, so what are the pros and cons? 2: I think I already know the answer to this question, but I will ask anyway. Can you replace the flywheel on a car without seperating the tranny from the motor? The flywheel on the car has 1 tooth missing and I am afraid I may break more off if I keep it on. I have another flywheel, so it wont be a problem to change but I'm feeling like I don't want to seperate the motor and tranny it I don't have too.o No: o No: Thanks for the info, Eric
Sorry, but there is no way to get to the flywheel bolts without separating the tranny/torque converter from the engine/flywheel. And it would be a very good idea to replace it if it is missing a tooth. The only issue with headers is their expense. Headers give you more power and better fuel economy. Check out TA Performance, they have an assortment of full-length and shorty headers. To me, the only plus to stock exhaust manifolds is a stock appearance....if you like that sort of thing.
when u are replacing the flywheel , check the starter drive gear to be sure that it is not damaged also .
If you replace the flexplate be sure to install a new one. With the fresh engine a new flexplate was installed. Every time I start the car now, I'm amazed how quite the starter motor operates. Porting your stock manifolds improve the flow considerably. Places to port are the restrictions in the outlets where the head pipes mount, and roughness in the inlets particulary where the bolt hole casting protudes into the flow area. A good set of ported stock exhaust manifolds with mandrel bent 2 1/2 pipes and performance mufflers should not be that far behind headers for a mildly built 455. Take a look at how quick some of the stock appearing cars are running these days.
