Just received a set of Patriot headers from CC for the 59 the other day. The shiny metallic ceramic ones, and I'm sure they would be great, if only they would fit.

Has anyone managed to squeeze these in? Left hand side is hard up against the subframe, other side cannot get between the starter and subframe - not even close.

Anyone else tried these? CC part 321020

Block huggers looks like the next option.

:banghead: Chris

 

Hard to beat 2.5' Rams Horn manifolds on a street car. They fit right in, and unless you're looking for lots of HIGH RPM hp, they flow plenty good. :D

 

The junkyards are hardly littered with rams horns around here.
Even the headers that came with the car look 30 years old.

 

You can still purchase brand new 2.5" ramshorn manifolds from such places as Scoggin Dickey Parts Center. I purchased a set last year for under 100.00 per copy! I've seen marginal used ones go for over 200.00!! :cheers:

 

Good to know! Maybe better to know a little earlier of course.

Guess I was seduced by the twisting shiny tubes...
:D

 

Headers look sexy, but they are a PITA. Good for race cars, crap for street cars. Just my 2 cents.

 

I have a "slightly" modified 62 with headers that fit perfectly, but from an unknown vendor (purchased the Vette with them already bolted on). Probably Hooker or Hedman brand (think they still offer headers for the C1). Look at Jegs or Summit for headers if your still interested. I would also call CC to get their "take" on why your having problems (and to return them of course).

I have not had any problems with my headers, and they certainly look great (if you want that "modified" look). They fit perfectly, don't leak, and certainly wake up the upper power band if your engine is modified to need more exhaust flow. There is a limit as to how much flow the stock Ram Horns will do, and once you exceed that limit, headers are the only real way to allow the engine to breathe properly. If you have access to one of the Desktop Dyno or Performance Trends computer dyno programs, you can see how much the headers will help (depending upon your engine setup). I find Performance Trends to be more accurate (based on comparisons to actual vs. computer dyno runs, but Desktop Dyno is not "bad" either).

I have had a few vehicles over the years with headers, but most of the time I prefer to use the stock manifolds (Ram Horns are one of the best designed cast manifolds ever produced - especially the 2-1/2" versions). But when you need headers, there is not much of a choice. Block Huggers are not as good a true long tube headers (probably somewhere between true headers and Ram Horns in performance characteristics). If you need true headers, I am sure you can still find a set that will fit.

Good Luck,
Plasticman

 

Send 'em back.
I would not bother with Block Hugger headers.
About the same as 2.5" Ram horns I would guess.
There are several Co's that make headers to fit your car.
Sounds like you ordered from the one that didnt.......
I would return them for a full refund.
I have had several cars with headers on the street.
Only problem was with P.S hoses on one car.
Other than that, they have always worked great for me.
Guess I have just been lucky? Have installed them on Fords, Chevy's
BMW's, Datsuns. They flow better, and sound better (to me anyway)
Had the 2.5" Ram horns on my 65 365. Ran great!
But would have ran even better with headers.
(Have never owned a C1, but one day! )

 

>>You can still purchase brand new 2.5" ramshorn manifolds from such places as Scoggin Dickey Parts Center. I purchased a set last year for under 100.00 per copy! I've seen marginal used ones go for over 200.00!!<<

That's a steal if they're the correct numbered GM repros now being cast. Everyone else has them retailing around 2 bills a side.

 

Well I thought it was a steal at the time too and looked back at my invoices last night to confirm my brain cells hadn't just departed. Pd. $97 and change for one and $99 and change for the other. I even sent one back for exchange cause the casting was much rougher than the other and they exchanged it without question. They are a very nice part with quality casting and machining. Just had to smooth a few of the grind marks where they removed excess casting flash. Scoggin Dickey is definitely the best GM parts supplier I've ever run across. Fast, friendly, and usually has the best pricing as well. :cheers:

 

Fenderwell exits?