I like that idea Dan, getting them wiggled into place is the worst part

I'm talking to someone right now that just pulled a set of those off his car and he'* looking to sell them. You interested? Trying to get a price, I think he said $175

Wish I had the cash right now, just started working this week

The crappy headers you probably heard about were OBX. They are notorious for issues.

The SpeedDaddy'* are SLP knockoffs, just like SS Autochrome'*. Super easy to install. Yes you need a W body dipstick tube for the transmission. After that, no bending should be needed. As for putting in the engine with the headers installed, sorry...no. Lay the headers in place and then lower your motor in, bolt them up as you are nearly in place with the motor or after the motor is secured.

My opinion of TOGs is low because of the dipstick issues, and the rear flange that basically requires a two person install. The donut'* like to leak easier than the slip fits of the SLP'* or knockoffs. Overall Togs IMO are a poorly made header. Most of that is based solely on being an installer and not a driver.

Almost all headers have a certain amount of downpipe that curves and aims toward the cat.

Keep in mind that all headers have a rather obnoxious tick. I keep looking for a exhaust leak, I even pulled my valve covers to check the rockers. But still tick tick tick. You can wrap them, but I don't suggest it. It traps moisture and will start to rust them out.

If you make studs out of the rear header flange bolts, it'* really simple.

For 95-99, I'd take bending a dipstick for the TOGs over removing and modifying the front trans mount any day. There'* not much you have to do to get the TOGs to clear the front mount.

And historically, TOGs have the least amount of that annoying tick.

Depending on what kind of budget I have I might get either a used set of SLPs or new Speed Daddy headers, I like the chrome which I know won't last long but I'll get some nice pics out of it

Very true Mike. However I'm coming at it from an installers point of view and being that most customers wouldn't want me to modify their "new to them" headers or me having to get a helper to install the bolts...it'* more of a pain. The front trans mount only applies to 96-99 H bodies. OP is a 00+ .

Just my opinion, of which we know I have a lot of...lol

How would I go about fabbing up a downpipe for the new headers? They have what looks like a 3" ID outlet

Looks like no flange to bolt a cat up to and I want the cat to be removeable to make the installation easier

Sounds like you'd want to weld a flange on.