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Old Apr 8, 2008 | 11:27 PM
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Default Headers Selection...

What does everyone use for headers? And what are common problems installing headers on a side exhaust 65 corvette? Steering box? Frame? I plan on using steeroids R&P.

Also, what is the difference between 1 5/8 and 1 7/8 primaries? What would be best for about 500hp?

Since the Jeep steering box is larger, are there problems fitting headers with the Jeep box?

Last edited by Mikey65; Apr 9, 2008 at 12:10 AM.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 12:31 AM
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There are a few headers designed specifically for side pipe use. They turn outward instead of straight back.

As a general rule, small blocks work best with 1 5/8, big blocks with 1 7/8 or even two inch primary pipes.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by sub006
There are a few headers designed specifically for side pipe use. They turn outward instead of straight back.

As a general rule, small blocks work best with 1 5/8, big blocks with 1 7/8 or even two inch primary pipes.


Ok... Many companies claim their headers fit, but experience has shown that about 10% actually fit without smacking them with a hammer... never mind the fact that "fitting" doesn't include actually putting spark plugs in.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 12:49 AM
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A general rule of thumb is: The more expensive they are... the better they are going to fit.

Try to stay away from some of the Chinese stuff. The fit is a little suspect there.

I went with a pair of center dump block headers from McJacks in L.A.... fit was O.K. ... still took a little grinding and drilling to get them to bolt up perfect. Well worth the effort.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 12:51 AM
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Originally Posted by KENS78SILVERANNIV
A general rule of thumb is: The more expensive they are... the better they are going to fit.

Try to stay away from some of the Chinese stuff. The fit is a little suspect there.

I went with a pair of center dump block headers from McJacks in L.A.... fit was O.K. ... still took a little grinding and drilling to get them to bolt up perfect. Well worth the effort.
Which ones are made in China? Ones I had my eyes are on from Hedman.. had bad experiences with Hooker. I like the full length and are not fans of block huggers....
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by mikeyandem1
Which ones are made in China? Ones I had my eyes are on from Hedman.. had bad experiences with Hooker. I like the full length and are not fans of block huggers....
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& &&&

Full length will be too long for connection to the side pipe. I am not sure where Hedman's are made but Hookers were made in USA I thought. You might try S & S Headers. I put a set of theirs on my 32. They are made in US and are really quality stuff. Not sure they have something for use with side pipes though.

http://www.ssheaders.com/


Steve
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 06:07 AM
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I have Hedmans on my small block 63. Get the ones that dump right behind the wheel wells and the modification of the side pipes is minimal. Mine have 1 5/8" primaries and 3" collectors.

I sent mine to Jet Hot and had them ceramic coated inside and out. The cost of the ceramic coating was nearly three times the cost of the headers, but will be worth it in the long run as the exhaust heat stays in the exhaust like it is supposed to instead of radiating out into the engine compartment. Mine is a low horse power motor, around 350.

The fit on the driver's side is good using the stock steering box. The passenger side also fit well; but very close on the idler arm. I am running Canfield heads and the exhaust ports are located higher than stock heads.

Rich
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 07:35 AM
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Here are the Hedmans that I think most guys are using with sidepipes.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 09:35 AM
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If you want a true 500 hp , 1 5/8 is too small unless you are building a low rpm torque motor. It'll choke it at rpm. Go with 1 3/4 .
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 10:05 AM
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I've got Hedman side pipe headers (ceramic coated) and they fit fine. 1 5/8"
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 10:42 AM
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I installed Hedman 68286 headers on my 64 327 coupe this winter. They did require some cutting and welding where the collector reducer meets the pipe from the side exhaust.
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