Alright, so I pretty sure I'm gonna put Hooker Competition Headers (full length) on my '78 Formula (it has the Olds 403 in case you need to know). I'm not gonna try and do it myself because I have no experience doing that and frankly I don't have time right now anyway. I got an estimate from a local repair shop that a friend recommended (he's a Mustang guy though), he said he had all of his work done there. The shop told me it would cost me $450 in labor alone (I live in central CA, south of Fresno), I was going to supply my own parts. Here's my question, is it just me or does that sound like a lot for just labor? Also has anyone used these headers and what are your thoughts with them. Thanks in advance.
-Matt

With the cost of the labor, that will depend on how much they're charging per hour for it and how many hours of labor they're charging for the install. But I know around me most places charge around $80 and up per hour for labor and they'll charge for between 5 and 6 hours labor for header installs. So if that place is charging $80 per hour for labor and 5 hours for the install, that's just about right for the cost.

Sorry I haven't done headers on my 79 yet so I can't help you out on how good those are.

it will go better if it is an automatic

my headers are interferring with the z bar for the clutch

It is an automatic, I bought it with a powerglide transmission on it, not thrilled about it, but can't complain too much. I've heard they break alot, but I haven't had any problems yet, but I've only had it about 6 months. I bought a set of headers and a kit today from Jegs for a true dual exhaust w/ all the hardware and gaskets. I was asking around work for advice on where to take it and my boss told me he would give me a hand installing it, he's done it several times before so all I gotta pay for labor now is beer and food, so I'm happy. I'll let you guys know how it goes. hopefully all the parts will get here before the weekend. Jegs said it should be here on Thurs. but it may take till Mon. because its an oversize item, so maybe the next weekend. Got any tips for the install? Thanks for the help.
-Matt

You ought to get rid of that PG and get a turbo 350, 400 or 700R4 tranny

I swapped out a powerglide for a turbo 400 once. all i had to do was shorten the drive shaft - maybe move the trans mou8nt back a little - small job for a welding shop

So out of pure coincidence I got offered a Turbo 350 tranny from a guy at work, he wants $100 for it but he doesn't know the exact condition, he also said he knows a guy that will rebuild it for me for about $500. This guy is pretty straight up and not gonna try and screw me, he honestly doesn't know the condition, it came out of a C-10 pickup that got rolled. Is this worth it or should I just try and find a Turbo 400 instead? Are there any difficulties that could be fore seen with this swap? Thanks.
-Matt
P.S. I realize that this should probably be moved to a different board, but I figured it was a reply.

Turbo 350s and 400's come with two bell housing paterns
Chevy and BOP (Buick, Olds, Pontiac)
I believe you will need the BOP transmission.
If you arnt pushing too much Hourse power the 350 stock trans should work. You can do a high perf overhaul down the road or just go with a 400

Info:

transmissioncenter 350_or_400_high_performance.htm

Trans Center Crossmembers

Either of the turbo trans are good and can be built up to what ever you are willing to pay

So I finally got a chance to install the headers today, the old exhaust came out without too many problems but the headers were a pain. They're on now, but the reducers don't fit into the pipes that I got from Jegs. I'm gonna get the pipes expanded on Mon. so I can get the rest of the exhaust on. The car sounds great with just the headers on it, but unfortunately I have to put mufflers on it too. I did have one major problem that hasn't been resolved yet. The engine oil dipstick shaft broke when we removed it to get the headers in. so I just have it plugged right now Any suggestions for replacement? its plugged for the time being and I'm not driving it yet until I get the rest of the exhaust on.
-Matt

http://www.butlerperformance.com/

if you want to order one online or a local parts store like NAPA or dealer may have one but I just checked and Butler has one for sure.

Congrats on the header install!