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I’m in the process of restoring a 1966 C2 corvette with a 427 big block. The engine has recently been rebuilt and the engine builder suggested we used Hedman ceramic headers which I quickly learned had clearance issues with the floor pan when we went to install the body on the frame. Now I’m in the process of looking for another set of headers that will clear the Red Head Steering box, the floor pan and the clutch cross shaft. At this point I’m looking for a recommendation on ceramic headers that would fit my application. I’m thinking the shorter headers would probably allow for more clearance room on connecting the exhaust where it runs through the frame. Any ideas? Thanks
I’ve thought about keeping the stock manifolds as a last resort, but would rather have headers if possible. I’ll look at the McJacks, thank you both for your comments, really appreciate it.
Here are some pics of the exhaust and clutch cross shaft. I’m attempting to build my own exhaust but you get the idea. If you need a measurement or different pic, let me know.
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Here's a shot but not very showing. I have the Sanderson Block Huggers Ceramics coated. They deal a lot with corvettes. Mine are set up with side pipes and Copper Collector Gaskets.
Here's the site..Scroll thru . Give them a call an tell them what you want. They will build something custom for you. These are an Older pics during the install and after of the 502 jammed in with the sanderson Headers. Also. The ones I have use NO exhaust to head gaskets. Sanderson has a Patented system they use. They run a Bead Weld around the contact area to the cyl head which seals the header with no leaks. The 502 bolt torque on the manifold is only 20 Ft Lbs Mine have been on with no leaks since about 2007. I do use "Stage 8" Bolt locks that prevent the bolts from backing out. I have no clue which models other then the BB that uses that bead weld. You might check with then on that.
Finchm - Welcome to the Corvette Forum. Headers are attractive but some brands can have clearance issues. You didn't mention it but are the stock cast iron manifolds still around?
And if so, are they in the running or not considering them? By the way, do post up pics of your 66 Bigblock when you get the chance.
Mike T - Prescott AZ
I might suggest a slight variation on this. I had a 327 project and i used Brzezinski 2 1/2 inch exhaust manifolds. I was told that they actually created more horsepower for my project than headers. So if there is an equivalent for a big block you might want to consider that. You would at least save all of the clearance issues that headers create.
McJack headers are top quality amd they have a good ceramic coating. The bad side is you lose HP
Nothing beats a tuned ,full long tube header for HP. Most here will settle for stock HP. That's enough for them.
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Originally Posted by road pilot
McJack headers are top quality amd they have a good ceramic coating. The bad side is you lose HP
Nothing beats a tuned ,full long tube header for HP. Most here will settle for stock HP. That's enough for them.
I wish I had installed long tube headers at the time. I think Headman is the only company that makes them for BB side pipes......That's a lot of tubing running down and across to mate with the stock side pipe set up. I'm running "Allen's side pipes. I know there is a loss in the short block hugger types.
You have more than a few choices from above. These Dougs Headers were also recommended to me via a thread on this forum. I have a BP 383 engine .
The Dougs came shiny silver ceramic coated. They fit & look great.
Ironically they were cheaper on Summit than direct from Dougs lol.
I’m in the process of restoring a 1966 C2 corvette with a 427 big block. The engine has recently been rebuilt and the engine builder suggested we used Hedman ceramic headers which I quickly learned had clearance issues with the floor pan when we went to install the body on the frame. Now I’m in the process of looking for another set of headers that will clear the Red Head Steering box, the floor pan and the clutch cross shaft. At this point I’m looking for a recommendation on ceramic headers that would fit my application. I’m thinking the shorter headers would probably allow for more clearance room on connecting the exhaust where it runs through the frame. Any ideas? Thanks
You don't mention why you want to run headers rather than the stock cast iron manifolds. If it's because you prefer the aesthetics of the headers, I get it. If it's for the increase in performance, for street use, I doubt that you'd see any difference. Unless you're trying to squeeze out every last horsepower for all out racing I think you're wasting your money. If you're skeptical about attaining respectable horsepower with the cast iron manifolds, check out these guys. They run these cars with the cast iron manifolds and 2 1/2" side pipe mufflers.
Sorry I’m just replying back to your question about why I wanted headers over stock manifolds. I had originally got this vehicle from a family member who no longer wanted it, so by the time I got the vehicle, it had been completely disassembled with parts scattered. Unfortunately, the original exhaust manifolds were missing when we went to rebuild the engine. Because I like the look of headers over stock manifolds, and because the cost of replacement manifolds aren’t cheap, I chose to go with the headers. Great input, thank you very much.
Thanks again for your suggestion to try McJack Headers. After our conversation, I visited the McJack headers website at mcjackscorvettes.com where I found a wide variety of headers for all the corvettes. After talking to the owner, Jack, about my specific C2 big block application, I felt very comfortable I would be getting a set of headers that would be guaranteed to fit my C2 big block because they are made specifically to fit corvette minimum clearance issues. Also, the quality in how they are build it amazing. I think that is why they look so good. When Jack asked me what type of steering box I had, he didn’t even hesitate, saying I would have 3/8” clearance with this headers and that is exactly what I have according to my mechanic. Currently I’m waiting for my vehicle to come back from my mechanic at which time I plan on taking photos and posting them but the mechanic said the went on very easy and of course look great.
I am curious about the headmans that don’t fit. I am building a 454 for my 66 and bought some under the chassis for it. Did you use these or the ones that turn outward for side pipes?
I’m hoping to save some aggravation.
Thanks
Last edited by Vette5311; Oct 14, 2025 at 12:52 PM.
Reason: Question
I have a 66 and I went from McJack to Hooker long tube headers
with 4 inch sidepipes. I had the headers coated with ceramic by JetHot.
They look like chrome pipes.
But.....There is a lot more to the story. Short version stay away from Hooker and
JetHot takes to long .
Good luck
Ceramic Header Recommendation
