Ive been a hot rodder, shade tree and restorer since '75. Sticking to the subject of headers, for flow anyways, that the way to would go, period . The only exception would be maybe the 426 hemi manifolds, the older chevy 396/427/454 manifolds, which flow pretty good as is. I would slurry them anyways to get rid of some of the rough edges
Anyways, yes, I would go headers. Frankly, again, IMHO, I dont go $$$$ on headers. To me, TTIs are not worth the cost. I have went with Cermaic patriots (on my chevy converted Toyota FJ 45, and I have headman coateds on my 440, 71 Cuda). Ive used hookers on many Chevies as well.
If anyone can prove that flow form a 4300 set of coated headers are any worse than a set of 700-800 headers, i'd like to see the proof.
But then there is the issue of fitment: Lotsa folks say they have fitment issues on e bodies with hedmans, patriots, hookers. I have never run into a fitment issue on my 70 340 cuda, 440 71 Cuda and 69 RR. They are a little difficult to install, but you can over come it by:
1. Remove both engine mount bolts and steering crossover thingy
2. Remove starter
3. Remove all radiator shroud bolts. Do not remove shroud, just hang it on the backside of the fan
4. Raise front of engine with a lift from below as far as it will go (Watch back of air cleaner base on shakers/ram airs. Remove base in these cases)
5. Install passenger side
6. Finagle drivers side in while installing the starter
Again, I have no final clearance issues, but sparkplug boot clearance is always a prob, typically on #4,#6,#5. I use boot protectors on those
Id go headers, def ceramic coated
