*edit
double post

 

I got a cheap HP 4-1 off of eBay, just to get a header on the box
when it arrived I was really impressed with the quality, runners, and collector design (for the price).. I like it

I'd love to replace it with a top quality one, and will one day, but I am not having any issues with this one (year and a half now),
so my money goes elsewhere

I realize the more expensive headers have more thought in design of flow, but for the money you wont be that far off.. It would be nice if each section of the header flowed a little smoother to one another (I'd Honestly rather have a 4-2-1), I admit that, but the runners were larger over stock, and matched the ports better, so flow was improved, I just wish the runners matched the angle of the collector inlet, and the collector took longer to transition to the 1 pipe

if you are asking for the best... this isn't it however..

 

After seeing how crappy the stock one looks flow wise I'm gonna do the coated ebay one. Anything will flow better plus it won't take much grinding to clean up those boogers inside those pipes. It should flow just as good as an explensive one when I'm done with it.
Anyone ever have problems with the bolts holding it to the head? I'm paranoid of messing up the threads or having one snap off seeing as it's aluminum.

 

mine were no problem.. my cheapy was clean and nothing to grind.. good luck!

 

Also, how does that lower gasket work? It's strange cause the original gasket design is so different being a donut style. No leaks I hope.

 

no, the original donut goes back on, no problem.. never had a leak

 

I did a chrome one back 2 years or so ago on a friends box and the donut didn't fit the new header. The pipe was to large for it to fit over. So that gasket they give you with it doesn't work either? Good to know!
I'll be getting the coated ebay one soon so I hope the original donut works.

 

i dunno. when i put the strup in, i got a new gasket and donut. probably overkill, but doesnt hurt.

 

I used the original donut on mine.

 

That should mean that my donut shouyld transfer over too. I'm feeling better about doing this swap now.

 

you'll be fine

 

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. The last set of headers I did was on my 66 chevy II back in the 80's. I transplanted the 6 banger for a built 355.

 

Yea, Jeff. Don't worry about it, it's a piece of cake.