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Well, what exhaust do you have......under car or side exhaust? Hedman makes correct headers for side exhaust and regular under car exhaust. They are not the only makers. If you search here and the internet in general, you will find others selections. Look for flange thickness, types of coating/finishes. You need to remount your alternator. That would apply to A/C equipped cars also. Dennis
Last edited by Bluestripe67; Sep 11, 2020 at 07:57 PM.
Well, first be sure why you want headers. Remember that they will not make any significant performance different under 4000 - 5000 rpm or so depending on your engine build, and that mostly at wide open throttle and high engine loads. The Rams Horn cast manifolds are not much less efficient than headers at low to mid range rpm. Do you have a lot of air flow going in - carb, intake, heads, valves, cam timing etc? How much air flow do you need going out? Long tube headers are the most efficent.
All that being said, I went with shorty headers for appearance, exhaust sound, and ease of installation. Mine are ceramic/metallic coated outside and copper coated inside
i bought from McJack's Headers out of LA. They make a quality product!
I HAD Hedman headers and found that spark plug replacement was very difficult. It required a crow's foot and spark plug socket with a hex end. The other complication in my case is factory air to also work around.
Well, first be sure why you want headers. Remember that they will not make any significant performance different under 4000 - 5000 rpm or so depending on your engine build, and that mostly at wide open throttle and high engine loads. The Rams Horn cast manifolds are not much less efficient than headers at low to mid range rpm. Do you have a lot of air flow going in - carb, intake, heads, valves, cam timing etc? How much air flow do you need going out? Long tube headers are the most efficent.
All that being said, I went with shorty headers for appearance, exhaust sound, and ease of installation. Mine are ceramic/metallic coated outside and copper coated inside
i bought from McJack's Headers out of LA. They make a quality product!
Glenn,
Will the McJack's Shorty Headers fit up with my 65's stock 2.5" side exhaust? And will I maintain the right side heat riser or not?
Will the McJack's Shorty Headers fit up with my 65's stock 2.5" side exhaust? And will I maintain the right side heat riser or not?
Thanks,
Dcamick
Hi Doug - I have under car exhaust, so I can’t speak authoritatively about the connection to side pipes. What I can tell you is that my shorty header bolted right up to my exhaust in the exact same place as the rams horn with no mods or movement whatsoever. So I would assume that the would do the same for the side pipe connection as well. BUT - don’t take my word for it, call McJacks and ask them! Also IIRC they make them with different size colllector pipe diameter so be sure get what matches your system.
As for the heat riser I eliminated mine; don’t need one here where I live. IIRC (again - hey I am 70....) they make them both ways so be sure to ask!
I HAD Hedman headers and found that spark plug replacement was very difficult. It required a crow's foot and spark plug socket with a hex end. The other complication in my case is factory air to also work around.
I have Hedmans (40 years) and yes, two plugs require a hex end socket but except for final tightening or breaking it loose, the plug is easy to thread either way by hand. I really can't imagine it's much different with any headers but I also have angle plug heads so I may not be the best perspective on this. I also have A/C but never had exhaust manifolds so have no idea whether they make it any easier dealing with the large compressor. Mine have never leaked and until last month, never required re-tightening.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I used Hedmans, and I hear that they're still made in California, not off shore. Horror stories about bad fitment of "off shore" headers abound. My Hedmans for under car exhaust fit flawlessly.....BUT I was using a set of GM slant plug heads which meant plugs were a snap the get at.
I went with Stainless Works long tubes and Magna Flow mufflers. Couldn't be happier with the sound of the set up. Stainless Works is pricey, but you won't find nicer welds anywhere!
Hi Doug - I have under car exhaust, so I can’t speak authoritatively about the connection to side pipes. What I can tell you is that my shorty header bolted right up to my exhaust in the exact same place as the rams horn with no mods or movement whatsoever. So I would assume that the would do the same for the side pipe connection as well. BUT - don’t take my word for it, call McJacks and ask them! Also IIRC they make them with different size colllector pipe diameter so be sure get what matches your system.
As for the heat riser I eliminated mine; don’t need one here where I live. IIRC (again - hey I am 70....) they make them both ways so be sure to ask!
PS - nice ‘06 in LMB! I have one too!
y
Glenn, I will check with McJacks.... Thanks for the response! I tied my Riser open.... Absolutely torn about my 06...Built it for me, only.......Probably not marketable to many... I absolutely think the 06 Z is a fantastic Corvette. 1950 was a very good year for both of us..LOL!
i went with the hedman ceramic coated headers they bolted right up. have been on car for 15 years no problems. only problem is changing the plugs as i have
angled heads and 2 plugs are kind of hard to get to. but i am used to it now. do have to use a hex socket inserted in a offset box end wrench. this works well.
good luck.
Dennis
