Evenin' all, my apologies if this has been asked before - I tried a search but all kinds of weird stuff showed up:
Small block headers - do I need 'vette specific for my C3? I can get some sweet deals from craigslist etc etc, but they all seem to be generic 'small block long tube' style. There's a set of new Flowtechs for 60 bucks, and a nice set of coated hookers for 150, both nearby but they are for the usual Chevelle, Monte, etc.

 

I just bought hooker header in chrome. They look and sound amazing with sidepipes!

 

I believe you need Corvette specific, you have a frame, steering box and idler arm to deal with. If you want a decent header get the Summit house brand, fit like a glove.

 

Thanks for the replies, next question - how hard do they go in, any tips? Like from the bottom, or detach motor mounts, starter, alternator, etc etc.

 

Heyyyyy,
FInally going to uncork that exhaust?

First pull all the plugs out, they get in the way.
I haven't pulled mine out or put a set in but looking at mine, they look easier to do from underneath. Just fish them up there get a couple bolts started, slip in the gaskets and install the other bolts.
MAY have to pull the starter for a little more wiggle room.

Have you posted up a picture of that beauty on here yet?

CYA

Steve

 

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Oh you're too kind, it's a toilet lol.

So you think they should go up from the bottom? Guess that makes sense after thinking about it. Has anyone done it like this in the driveway?
I'm thinking these:

Summit headers SUM-G9003 - prep, spray with black grill coating, wrap the top tubes
Hooker Headers 16521HKR - Hooker Competition Header-Back Exhaust Systems

Then I don't know what to do for mufflers yet, I have several ideas, but most importantly I'd like to know if the above header and pipe combo will work together. I don't have a lot of money to spend, and these 2 seem to keep coming up when searching, so if anyone has experience here I'd love to hear about it.

I'll maybe have some custom outlets or something, or use my chambered setup just for now, I haven't gotten that far. I would just start collecting things a bit at a time for now.
What really bugs me is the stock manifolds, there's nothing wrong with them except they're ugly, they won't let me use the new wire looms I bought, the PO welded the emissions ports and painted them with silver nail polish or something, they're ugly, and they're also ugly.
Other than that, the rest of the current system is new, from the Magnaflow cat and all the pipes back.

Suggestions?

 

Always done the header install in a driveway. Just have to make sure you can get the frontend up high enough to fish the headers up.

I think either exhaust system would work. Just getting rid of those manifolds will make a good bit of difference. Especially with that motor you have in there.

Do you still need to keep the catalytic converter for inspection? If not, dump it. Run true duals.

CYA

 

Not real happy with my Hedman (coated) headers they hit the idler arm and when I called hedman they said ya they will hit butt they are for a 76 corvette they said I will have to ding them in to make them work????? remember I said COATED $300.00 headers. I asked if they needed ding why don't you guys ding them at the factory before they are coated they replaied that they don't do that, So I said then these headers that you say will fit really doesn't fit untill the end user dings them.

 

Wow, that stinks, I was looking at those too and thinking "Maybe if I had the money" -

 

I have a 77, and it looks like I have alot of room to go in from the top. I already took the pass. side off once. I am also looking on the bay at the cheap chrome short/hugger style headers for 100 bucks. My exhaust is brand new, and I want to find something that will bolt right up to the stock height of the pipes, when the original ram horns are removed. I believe these will work. (GM CHEVY SMALL BLOCK HUGGER 283 305 327 350 400 HEADER) item #150538445111

 

Do not go with Chrome - you will be sorry, power coated as well will eventually give out - your only option is Stainless steel - Hookers - and 4 inch hooker side pipes with Sweet Thunder inserts.
I did mine on a lift - only way is up from the bottom. You may or may not have to Cut out the passenger side Rocker cover. The Hooker Headers and Side Pipes with a pair of heat shields look great in my opinion and fit like a Glove, no hitting anything underneath. Here is a picture of mine:

 

Geez those are nice - I could never afford 'em tho. A friend has them on his and he's burned his legs on them several times too, ouch.
Does stainless discolor, near the heads?

 

Yes, they will turn a bronze color at the heads the first time you fire it up. At first I was dissapointed with bronzing, but now I think it looks pretty cool. As other have said, install from the bottom. Get some good heavy duty jack stands and get the car up 18-24". Make sure you get all the header bolts started before you start cinching them dowm. To me, getting the bolts in is the hardest part, especially with the AC compressor braket. I've had the coated Hedmans and SS Hookers. Like them both. I did have to dimple the Hedmans a little, but no big deal; use the round head on a ball peen hammer to make a nice little dimple.

 

Note the "Heat Shield" installed on the side pipes - you don't burn your legs with a heat shield. Yes they turn a slight golden color up near the headers and down to the spagetti twist.

 

Off the subject... I love the color of your car with the red interior

 

What is so wrong with the chrome? Mine still have the pure silver shine, but I've only had them for a few weeks. I use the car everyday. How badly will i regret this decision =(

 

Oh and I don't have the heat shield on mine. I think it looks nicer without it and me, my friends nor my slightly clumsy girlfriend have burnt their legs on it. It isn't necissary if you're careful!

 

Chrome will eventually turn blue up at the headers, and chrome will peel and pop off eventually.
You will eventually either burn your leg or your passenger will without the heat shields installed, it will happen.

 

I know the look of the shields is a personal choice. I really didn't like the ones with the script on them and opted for these. I've seen some very natsy burn scars from sideipes which prompted me to shield mine and I think they give the pipes a bolder look. JMO . . .

 

So how about side pipes for a daily driver - I would imagine because they are exposed they would get dirty fast, not to mention dings etc? They must be a smoky mess in the rain, no?