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I am having a difficult time finding the right Headers for my 66 Corvette (SBC). Although normally I would be looking for “Long Tube” Headers, but I am concerned about ground clearance once installed. Therefor my search has been focused on “Mid-Length” tubes, with Ceramic Coating. I only found two that met that criteria but they don’t fit with a manual transmission. I am assuming that is because of the clutch linkage. I thought about using “Shorty’s” or “Block Huggers” but they are so much like the stock exhaust manifolds that my thinking is “What’s-the-Point”. Anybody know where I can get a set of “Quality” Mid-Length Headers, or have experience with the other options??
Long tube headers tuck up in pretty nice. Where you run into problems is with the stupid 3 bolt flanges, I prefer the V band clamps for more clearance.
I used McJacks Headers which are basically a direct replacement for cast iron manifolds. They fit really well and even after 8 years they look great the finish has not dulled at all. They fit my big block application very nicely and I would buy them again. Here is a photo of them when I was initially installing them.
summit brand full length no clearance problems fit better then hooker and dirt cheap
I have them on a 64 with one full coil cut no ground clearance issues
Do you think the gains will be worth it to install headers with the stock side pipes ?Should I also change the pipes and mufflers ,but i want to keep the stock covers.
thanks
MIKE
I've had a 63 Nova SS with a 327 sbc since 1982. Back in the day I installed "long tubes" and had to work at it to get them to fit in tight spaces. If I had it to do over again i'd have went with Hedman shorty's. I've seen them on other nova's and the fit was perfect.
Do you think the gains will be worth it to install headers with the stock side pipes ?Should I also change the pipes and mufflers ,but i want to keep the stock covers.
thanks
MIKE
If you have stock pipes, regardless of the 2-1/2 inlet at the pipe its necked down as it enters the side pipe, in my opinion any gain from the headers will be negated by the narrow opening in the chambered section , I would look to replace the existing pipe with larger stock looking sidepipes , a number of the aftermarket manufacturers offer them. and im not sure the expense is worth the HP gain, you have a BB, do you know what your rear wheel HP is?, and what is it that you want .
If you have stock pipes, regardless of the 2-1/2 inlet at the pipe its necked down as it enters the side pipe, in my opinion any gain from the headers will be negated by the narrow opening in the chambered section , I would look to replace the existing pipe with larger stock looking sidepipes , a number of the aftermarket manufacturers offer them. and im not sure the expense is worth the HP gain, you have a BB, do you know what your rear wheel HP is?, and what is it that you want .
I have no idea what the hp is. I was thinking the motor is being choked by the smaller pipes and mufflers.I was also thinking of doing electric exhaust cutouts for when I want to get on it and leave the stock setup alone.I don't want to do anything that will hurt the value of my car .
thanks
MIKE
Perfect fit, even clears my Borgeson box. Passenger side. I welded up a 3” stainless under car exhaust, but there was no issue with the clutch linkage, my TKO600 or the three bolt flange.
Just to close the loop,
I went with the McJacks (located in Orange County, CA) RamHorn Manifold 1 3/4' Tubing to a 2 1/2' Collector manifold. They are Ceramic Coated with Copper coating in the internals. They are indeed cooler a
nd easy to install.
Finding Mid-Length Headers
