correct headers for 79 vette?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
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From: winterville NC
correct headers for 79 vette?
Hey guys I have a 79 vette that i want to put headers on, the motor was replaced about 2 years ago with a standard 350 GM crate motor and I have a question for ya.......is there a certain style of headers that i would need to buy for fitting purpose? I did not know if there was a certain style i would need to look at. I saw a listing someone posted in an earlier post that i had about intake manifolds...thanks in advance....
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
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From: Kansas
Yes Sir; It depends on what you want to accomplish. You can add factory Stainless Steel headers from a 1981 or 1982. They will bolt right on, without changing any head pipes on your existing system, if it is stock. The factory said it added around 7 to 14 H. P. I understand that if you add 2.5 inch exhaust stock manifolds, that you won't notice any different H. P. gain until you reach 5 thousand RPm. I have the factory stainless headers, with 2.5 inch exhaust system from Corvette Central. Do I ever like them, I never turn on the radio, just listen to the rumble. Have a great one. Gene
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Google headers and do a little reading. Tube headers alone won't offer much of a horse power gain. You are also going to want new exhuast pipes - possibly mufflers - to go with your headers.
Ask around about changing spark plugs with headers installed. Could turn out to be more of a PITA than the stock arrangement.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
Now I would say Hookers probably fit great but the price is higher for the same thing other than the "Hooker" tag on the tube.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
Secondly, while headers will provide a flow increase over the stock manifolds, this just moves whatever restrictions there might be, to somewhere else downstream. Most small block C-3s have 2.25" pipes, IIRC. Big blocks had 2.5" pipes, which naturally, will flow better, and if installed on your small block car, will allow your headers to perform better.
Don't forget, after installing headers, you may need to re-jet your carb, to take into account the better flow of the headers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Le Mans Master
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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Scott
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
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From: winterville NC
sounds good.... looks like I am gona give them a try and ohh i guess I should have mentioned that the PO took the cat out and they are straight pipes out the back with just mufflers
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 13, 2011 at 08:45 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
you could always go easier and pick up a set of 2.5" ram horns and keep a stock look. I have seen them for about 120 a set...They do have the early ear on the front but that's easily removable...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
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From: Southern NH
Don't bother with those stock GM stainless manifolds, they are junk.
I also have those Summit headers and they fit perfect and went in from the bottom with no problems. I stripped the black paint off them and painted them with VHT paint before the install though.
I also have those Summit headers and they fit perfect and went in from the bottom with no problems. I stripped the black paint off them and painted them with VHT paint before the install though.
