C1 Header options
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Taylor Michigan
Correct, several companies make headers to fit, but they lack a good generator bracket....a piece of stamped steel that unfortunately allows the generator to flap in the wind....unless someone finally got it right that I dont know of....Otherwise use the 1962 340 hp cast iron 2 1/2 inch manifolds....
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,840
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From: Towaco NJ
The Hedman 55-62 corvette headers were discontinued about a year ago. They were the only ones that claimed to fit angle plug heads. I have them on my black car and the plugs are easily clear the headers. Keep in mind the location of the plug may be different from each manufacture. Also, all the newest heads are angle.
Summit has only one, left side only, coated for $251. Jegs has none.
I bought a set of coated headers when a found out they were discontinued, just for keeping, if one of our NJO racers needed them. I might consider selling them, as no one has needed them yet.
I am working on a 434 in a '61 that has Hooker comps on it and it has some major mods, like replacing a tube, to clear the plugs and caving in tubes.
Wally, you are correct on the generator/ alt. cheap bracket that is sold. I have one and modified it and added a third arm that bolts to the front motor mount. Really strong and perfectly true. But Pain in the azz to swap engines fast. The 60s Hooker's under the frame headers were the best and had the generator bracket welded on. But they finally rusted out. No coatings back then. 
Summit has only one, left side only, coated for $251. Jegs has none.
I bought a set of coated headers when a found out they were discontinued, just for keeping, if one of our NJO racers needed them. I might consider selling them, as no one has needed them yet.
I am working on a 434 in a '61 that has Hooker comps on it and it has some major mods, like replacing a tube, to clear the plugs and caving in tubes.
Correct, several companies make headers to fit, but they lack a good generator bracket....a piece of stamped steel that unfortunately allows the generator to flap in the wind....unless someone finally got it right that I don't know of....Otherwise use the 1962 340 hp cast iron 2 1/2 inch manifolds....
Last edited by vetrod62; Aug 1, 2010 at 11:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
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From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Thanks guys!
I'm not too concerned about the brackets Wally. They can always be modified or fabbed.
Were all the mods just to clear the angle plugs including the caving of tubes? These will go on straight plug heads.
Thanks for the info!
DT
I'm not too concerned about the brackets Wally. They can always be modified or fabbed.
Thanks for the info!
DT
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Camp Verde AZ
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Sign of the times that the Hedmans have been discontinued. Probably not much call for these on 50 year old cars anymore, especially Corvette, where most of the interest is in NCRS and not streetrod with old SBC's..
the local Autozone didn't even carry SBC thermostat gaskets as a stock item, special order now.
Wes Migletz has told me that the Hooker super comps in 1.75" primary will clear Chev heads with angle plugs, but it is fairly tight. May have different results on aftermarket heads.
If I ever need headers again, I will have a set custom made. there are several good local shops that can conjure up stainless step tube headers, in Tri-Y form even, for about $2K.
Doug
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From: Mustang OK
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If you cannot locate a set of GOOD headers, and if you don't plan to run open headers routinely, you might seriously consider installing 62-65 style 2 1/2in manifolds (as already mentioned) and having a 2 1/2in exhaust system made up. Just doing that alone, will make a noticeable difference.
Now, a question that has bothered me for MANY years. Why in Gods green earth did Chevy discontinue using the 2 1/2in manifolds after 65??????????????????
Tom Parsons
Now, a question that has bothered me for MANY years. Why in Gods green earth did Chevy discontinue using the 2 1/2in manifolds after 65??????????????????
Tom Parsons
Le Mans Master
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From: The problem is all inside your head she said to me.
WOW I did not know we were running out of options. My set of coated headers must be 12 years old and still in fair shape. They don't shine like a new set but are not rusted yet. I forget but believe they were Hedman. I believe they actually cross referenced to a chevy truck.
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From: Mustang OK
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This is the 2 1/2in manifold on the right side of my 56, which I had coated locally. I'm VERY pleased with the results.
The bottom manifold has been coated.
Tom Parsons
The bottom manifold has been coated.
Tom Parsons
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
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From: North Las Vegas Nevada
I thought I'd read in one of your posts that there is a clearance issue with 2 1/2 inch exhaust around the rear axle?
Purely in terms of flow/scavenging/backpressure which would be the best exhaust system?
1. Long tube tuned headers (Doug's or Hooker)with 2" or 2 1/2" exhaust.
2. Block hugger headers (Hedman) with 2 1/2" Allen's chambered side pipes (tucked in beside the frame rails).
3. 2 1/2" manifolds with either of the above.
Thanks!
DT
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
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Tom,
I thought I'd read in one of your posts that there is a clearance issue with 2 1/2 inch exhaust around the rear axle?
Purely in terms of flow/scavenging/backpressure which would be the best exhaust system?
1. Long tube tuned headers (Doug's or Hooker)with 2" or 2 1/2" exhaust.
2. Block hugger headers (Hedman) with 2 1/2" Allen's chambered side pipes (tucked in beside the frame rails).
3. 2 1/2" manifolds with either of the above.
Thanks!
DT
I thought I'd read in one of your posts that there is a clearance issue with 2 1/2 inch exhaust around the rear axle?
Purely in terms of flow/scavenging/backpressure which would be the best exhaust system?
1. Long tube tuned headers (Doug's or Hooker)with 2" or 2 1/2" exhaust.
2. Block hugger headers (Hedman) with 2 1/2" Allen's chambered side pipes (tucked in beside the frame rails).
3. 2 1/2" manifolds with either of the above.
Thanks!
DT
Tom Parsons
Last edited by DZAUTO; Aug 2, 2010 at 04:48 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
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c1 headers
For the generator bracket I used Jegs part# 520-10922.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Towaco NJ
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2010
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From: North Las Vegas Nevada
You guys are awesome!
With your help I now know what I need to do:
Long tube headers- exact type to be determined (thinking coated Hooker comps at the moment)
2 1/2" exhaust with Magnaflow or Flowmaster mufflers
generator and A/C brackets reinforced with fillets
Thank you all!
DT
With your help I now know what I need to do:
Long tube headers- exact type to be determined (thinking coated Hooker comps at the moment)
2 1/2" exhaust with Magnaflow or Flowmaster mufflers
generator and A/C brackets reinforced with fillets
Thank you all!
DT
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
There are MUCH better flowing mufflers, that are even quieter.
Do Google search, you will find them.
Of course, if sounding healthy, without consideration of actual performance is your goal, ( we use to call it all show, no go) both those you mentioned will suffice.
Doug
Do Google search, you will find them.
Of course, if sounding healthy, without consideration of actual performance is your goal, ( we use to call it all show, no go) both those you mentioned will suffice.
Doug
