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Gregg --
At one time, and maybe still, IPD sold a very nice header set for the pushrod engine. It came in two flavors -- one for carbs, and one for FI. I used a set on my '75 245 with the stock engine and again later when I "warmed up" the motor.
On the stock engine, the headers pushed the torque curve up at the expense of low-end power, although it was not really a problem. And headers give you a distinctive crisp "pingy" sound. Where I really noticed the improvement was the pull from 3500 to 7000 rpm.
Installation was easy -- it bolts right up. The collector end of the headers was sized to fit the stock Volvo exhaust pipe near the crossmember, although I had to sacrifice a stock exhaust pipe to fit into the collector.
After 5-6 years, the headers rotted through at the collector. But I still have these headers and could weld a new pipe at the end. I also bought a replacement header set, still unused, which I'm saving for a "someday" project.
If you want a quick performance improvement, remove your engine fan. Reinstall the nuts on the pump pulley.... use the heater if you get stuck in traffic, or install an electric fan. You'll immediately gain about 10 hp, lower your noise, lower the vibration. (Of course, in NYC you may get stuck in a lotta traffic..... and you might prefer low-end torque to high-end power. The "A" cam's good for pulling stumps.....)
I used to install the fan in June-July and remove it in September-October.
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