I am in the process of putting a 402 in my 70. My question is this. What make of headers seem to work the best for fit and ground clearance and for fit around the clutch linkage? Also, has any one out there used OPGI exhaust kits? I am looking at the flow master kit. Or should I use a local muffler shop to fit the car. any replies would be great!

Well I used hooker headers on my 72 chevelle wagon. They have 2 1/4" tubes, 3 1/2" , and i used hooker aero chamber mufflers, it's all tied together with 3" stainless. No crossover and turned down 45 degrees toward the rear tires and just before the axle.

When I looked for my 396 the big hitters were Hooker Competition and Heddman (SP?) Headers. With a BBC everything is a little tight and the engine needs to be lifted to get them in (Hooker). Also I had to but a dent in one of the pipes for the break line "junction box" on the frame.

You can get ceramic coated Dynomax headers for $229 from Summit or non coated ones for $79 (part # SUM-G9010) www.summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) I have used both on automatic and 4 speed 1970 big block Chevelles,and both fit mint with no issues what so ever.You can also get the same Flowmaster kit from from Summit too,and it will be cheaper than OPG for sure.Don't even bother with a muffler shop,there are so many exhaust kits available I don't see how a crimp bent overpriced "custom" exhaust from the local muffler shop will be worth it.Jegs even sells a complete 2.5" kit w/mufflers for A bodies for $159! www.jegs.com (http://www.jegs.com)

I like the Hedman Elite 1-3/4" headers. Fit is perfect, nothing to ding. Install drivers side from the bottum, pass side from the top. 3/8" thick flanges, 14 gauge tubes. A little more wt than the lite wt 16 and 18 gau headers but will muffle the sound under the hood better. Mine are installed w/ an auto but these should clear clutch linkage with no problem. I have looked at these closely and could probably use these with a tall deck block as well without problems.