I finally said screw it and just ordered the RB header for my (for now) stock '79. I'm having problems getting the headpipe repaired, that's the piece I need for the thermal reactor. So, like I said, screw it, I've got the header coming. The thing I'm worried about is getting the damn thermal reactor off. Has anyone seen a place to get a tool to aid in the process? Sounds like anyone who has done this project had to customize their own tools to remove it, and still was a pain.

 

Having recently installed a RB header in my '80, I can help you out. I used a 9/16" u-jointed socket that had been ground down to be shorter as well as having a smaller outside diameter. The 9/16" socket is just a slight bit larger than the 14mm thermal reactor nut, so the socket can go on at a slight angle that makes it work. Here's a picture, and good luck! -Mike