C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

'72 BB headers?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 13, 2005 | 08:02 PM
  #1  
ZO SIC's Avatar
ZO SIC
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln CA
Default '72 BB headers?

What headers are available and work well with these cars?

'72 454 4-spd (for now, possible Keisler 5-spd in the near future)

I have always been happy with Hooker Super Comp headers (although I have some new Kook's for my '96 Camaro that are very nice, but would be overkill for a "cruiser")

So, any snags on installation? Any parts that headers wont work with or make worse? I will be having them coated in a high temp coating (inside and outside) with a black ceramic coating.

I don't want sidepipes... well ok, I DO, but don't want to spend the money or modify the car past what it looks like (appearance wise.)

I will be having a new exhaust system built up (hopefully with mandrel bent pipes) with some Borla mufflers.

Are there any companies that make pre-made mandrel bent exhausts for these cars? And what size tubing can I use for the exhaust, going through the framerail and such?

I'm sure the 2.5" pipes would be ok, but 3" would probably be overkill for this motor.
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2005 | 08:59 PM
  #2  
norvalwilhelm's Avatar
norvalwilhelm
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Default

I use Hedman headers, they are inexpensive, large 2 inch tubing and they fit very well. Mine are about 16 years old and never had a problem. They are also wrapped to cut down heat.
I run 3 inch exhuast but I feel you would only need 2 1/2 and a 2 1/2 inch exhuast is alot quieter then 3 inch.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 02:18 AM
  #3  
ZO SIC's Avatar
ZO SIC
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln CA
Default

2" primaries sounds like overkill for this low rpm motor... And the few times I've used hedman headers they have fallen apart...
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 08:24 AM
  #4  
any4xx's Avatar
any4xx
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 139
From: Vail AZ
Default

My '73 454 has Hedmans. They haven't fallen apart and they still seal well after about 6 years.

But it sounds like you're already hooked in Hookers. That's not a bad thing, as they've always been my first chioce. My '73 has the Hedmans because that's what the P.O. put on there.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 08:56 AM
  #5  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default

Originally Posted by ZO SIC
2" primaries sounds like overkill for this low rpm motor...
If not Hedman 2", then Hooker 1 7/8 BB.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 02:58 PM
  #6  
ZO SIC's Avatar
ZO SIC
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln CA
Default

Well Hedman does make different style/quality headers too, right? They have their basic (cheapo) style and then a higher end style too?

I have been running 1 3/4" LT headers on my '96 Camaro with a 396 solid roller 11.9:1 comp with good flowing AFR heads and just now am switching to the 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" stepped with a 3.5" collector.

I know a 454 can/will flow more air then the high revving 396, but 2" still seems big for a basic performance motor.

Anyone else have any input on primary size? And with a 2" primary, what size are the collectors?
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2005 | 03:46 PM
  #7  
Steve439's Avatar
Steve439
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 5
From: Austin TX
Default

I don't think 2" is going to hurt you, but I think 1 7/8 sounds about right. I run 2" headers on my 502 and feel like they're perfect.

Oh, I forgot to say - the Hedmans have a 3" collector.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2005 | 01:06 PM
  #8  
Robert Hall's Avatar
0Robert Hall
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Default

Originally Posted by ZO SIC
'72 454 4-spd (for now, possible Keisler 5-spd in the near future)

Great idea

Robert
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 15, 2005 | 08:28 PM
  #9  
ZO SIC's Avatar
ZO SIC
Thread Starter
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln CA
Default

Originally Posted by Robert Hall - Keisler Sales
Great idea

Robert

It is a hard decision right now with other projects in the works.

Nearly $4,000 for the 5-spd with hydralic clutch parts, new clutch, shipping, etc.

Or $500-$800 for a new clutch, new stock linkage parts and a Hurst shifter...

I REALLY want the Keisler 5-spd, but I don't know if I can do it right now...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To '72 BB headers?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:53 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE