Headers for 400

I know everyone has their favorites but my issue is clearance by the collector. Currently running Hooker comps but they're old, leaking and hang real low (scrapped to hell by the previous owner) by the collector. I'm ready to order a new set and had my eye on Sanderson's. They've been around a long time and have a shorty style that tucks real nice, also has the 3/8 flange...any comments on them? Any other input would be great thanks!  

I guess I should add my ride...duhhh.
'67 Firebird Formula 400 (stock '68 400 w/Eddy and Holly on top)
200r4, 373's
1-1/2" drop front & rear  

I have a 68 FB with a 400 /461. Manual transmission. 3/4 drop in the front. I was running an old set of hedmans and decided to upgrade. I order a new set of hedmanns and the fit was not what I expected out of a set of $500 dollar headers, returned them and got a set of Hooker 4902-1. I installed them in 1 hour with zero / clearance issues. Highly recommended!  

I just installed a set of Hedman 3-tube hedders on my 79 Formula with a 455. The fit was great, nothing hitting anywhere and the collectors are only about 1" lower than the bottom of the subframe. All the passenger side bolts were accessible from above (no a/c) and only the front bolt and back two bolts on the driver's side needed a long extension and flex socket from underneath. Lots of room around the starter and oil filter too. Not sure if they make a smilar set for 1st gen.
Steve  
A little help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

Hello

I have little to offer other than this. You may or may not loose a little hp/tq with the shorties depending upon your particular motor build however unless you are trying to get every hp out of your motor you can for some reason I personally think that if I had your particular problem that I would gladly give up a few hp to eliminate my pipes from being crushed.

I would also use rimflex gaskets or soft aluminum gaskets also.  

Thanks for the advise.Yah, the Sanderson's have the "no gasket" leak free design which I'm a little skeptical about but haven't seen many complaints on the web.  

I don't have any experience with a '67 bird. That being said I have a '69 with 1-3/4" primary Doug's headers. They do fit great, no clearancing required, great ground clearance, went in without too much effort. Took 2 shipments from Doug's (Pertronix) to get the right set tho. Luckily I had the cylinder heads off the engine so I could check the fit-up. First set the bolt holes did not line up and had mig wire sticking out from the welds (ohh yeah, that wont leak). Second set they sent me ceramic coated and I did not want those. Had to return them. I would have been PISSED had I wasted a weekend trying to get them in the car. I think next time I might go with another brand but I do love the thick flanges.  
*******

This hot rodding **** is harder than I thought it would be!

Hello

I have read a few complaints about them leaking but could simply be the "expert" installation. I look at it this way, because I have used Rimflex gaskets on new and old "leaking" headers and never had a leak since and because their bolt hole area is reinforced with weld then I can't imagine as to why their "stronger" flanges should ever leak with the Rimflex either. Just don't overtighten them and don't tighten one bolt all at once. If you use gaskets other than rimflex or possibly soft aluminum ones I will void my guarantee, lol.