Hedmann Header install problem.....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Hedmann Header install problem.....
Finally, I have the motor in the car now and am getting closer to having this puppy running....
Short rundown...
74 Coupe/350/3 spd. auto/AC
Went with Hedmann Headers on a recommendation from someone here and just tried to dry fit them and get a look at how they'll fit and I seem to be running into a problem....
It looks like the forward-most pipe in the cluster is going to bump into the idler arm/frame attachment on the passenger side before I can get it into the proper position to bolt on. (Haven't cheked driver's side yet) I tugged and pulled and tried to get it to all line up but it looks like I'm gonna be about 1/2" to 1" short of making the fit and the only place I can see anything rubbing is at the idler arm.
Anyone run into this or have any suggestions on how to make it work? I don't really want to take a damn hammer to the headers if I can help it (and certainly don't want to bend the pipe too much and end up restricting the airflow) but my initial impression is that these headers may not work and I may have to swap them for something else. Anyone?.......
Thanks
Pat
Short rundown...
74 Coupe/350/3 spd. auto/AC
Went with Hedmann Headers on a recommendation from someone here and just tried to dry fit them and get a look at how they'll fit and I seem to be running into a problem....
It looks like the forward-most pipe in the cluster is going to bump into the idler arm/frame attachment on the passenger side before I can get it into the proper position to bolt on. (Haven't cheked driver's side yet) I tugged and pulled and tried to get it to all line up but it looks like I'm gonna be about 1/2" to 1" short of making the fit and the only place I can see anything rubbing is at the idler arm.
Anyone run into this or have any suggestions on how to make it work? I don't really want to take a damn hammer to the headers if I can help it (and certainly don't want to bend the pipe too much and end up restricting the airflow) but my initial impression is that these headers may not work and I may have to swap them for something else. Anyone?.......
Thanks
Pat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
TimeI realize it will breathe better than the stock manifolds.
I had Hooker headers on my first 73' and it wasnt worth the headache.
Burned up starters, hard to change starters,hard to get at certain spark plugs, way too hot in the cabin (get your asbestos boots out)
I realize you have spent $$ on the headers and for a good reason........ Me, Ill stick with stock manifolds unless I decide to go with Side Exhaust
I wouldnt take a hammer to them until you exhaust all your other options.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
angle wrong
Have you put the header in with the flange at the same angle as the
head exhaust ports. Maybe you just need to pull the collecter in
more toward the middle of the car and go forward then bolt it up??
head exhaust ports. Maybe you just need to pull the collecter in
more toward the middle of the car and go forward then bolt it up??
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
it will be right up against that idler arm.....almost to the point of preventing you from changing the idler arm....to put these in you need to think outside of the box..... get the car jacked up pretty high and and put them in from the bottom...on one side on my car i had to start with the collector end facing the front of the car and rotate the headers up in to place....... just keep changing the angles and all of a sudden it will be in place.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
clearance
G'day,
My '74 had headers on it when I bought it and one pipe on the pass side is dimpled to clear the idler arm, so I suspect that this is a problem with many headers.
I'm guessing that they were made for Camaro/passenger cars and because the engine is the same as a Corvette, the vendor will tell you " that they'll fit a Corvette..."
There must be plenty of owners though who have a set that clears the idler arm, and this is the forum to find out what brands fit without clearance problems.
Any takers?
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn
My '74 had headers on it when I bought it and one pipe on the pass side is dimpled to clear the idler arm, so I suspect that this is a problem with many headers.
I'm guessing that they were made for Camaro/passenger cars and because the engine is the same as a Corvette, the vendor will tell you " that they'll fit a Corvette..."
There must be plenty of owners though who have a set that clears the idler arm, and this is the forum to find out what brands fit without clearance problems.
Any takers?
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,673
Likes: 199
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
YOu have to go in from the bottom as bobs77vet's stated. Jack as high as it will go and then try and find the correct angle and they will go in. 
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
Originally Posted by MotorHead
YOu have to go in from the bottom as bobs77vet's stated. Jack as high as it will go and then try and find the correct angle and they will go in.
I had to dimple the header slightly to clear the idler arm.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria Va
My 74 has a set of Hedman Headers and they clear. The top bolt of the idler arm bracket was shortened though. I just pulled the passenger side header and it was tight. I think your good on fitment but just need to finesse them in.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
just keep changing the angles and all of a sudden it will be in place.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Different year, different engine, different headers (hooker supercomps on 68 bigblock) but....... same problem!
My headers made a very slight contact with the idler arm, sounds like less than yours. I was actually able to move my idler arm slightly (there is a small adjustment possible) which was enough to provide clearance.
My headers made a very slight contact with the idler arm, sounds like less than yours. I was actually able to move my idler arm slightly (there is a small adjustment possible) which was enough to provide clearance.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Ran out and looked at my set-up just to be certain before I post....
I am using Hooker Comps 1 5/8 tubes, drivers side is about 1/2 from the steering box, pass side is about 3/4 away from the idler arm, no problems with plug clearances, very good-fitting header
If you bought your Hedmans from Summit, they should exchange with no problems if you can't get the Hedmans to work
I am using Hooker Comps 1 5/8 tubes, drivers side is about 1/2 from the steering box, pass side is about 3/4 away from the idler arm, no problems with plug clearances, very good-fitting header
If you bought your Hedmans from Summit, they should exchange with no problems if you can't get the Hedmans to work
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
I had hooker comps too and they also had good fitment with the 1 5/8. Defintily go from the bottom it takes a couple angle approaches to get them in there but they will slide up there. Ive taken them out a couple times and it gets easier everytime. I had no starter problems or anything of that sort.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Florence NJ
Originally Posted by supervette2
I had hooker comps too and they also had good fitment with the 1 5/8. Defintily go from the bottom it takes a couple angle approaches to get them in there but they will slide up there. Ive taken them out a couple times and it gets easier everytime. I had no starter problems or anything of that sort.
I have a set of hooker super comps in one of my 74's. You have to go from underneath as everyone has been saying. It may take you a little bit to get them in but they will go in.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 2
From: San diego ca
Here is a shot of my hedmans on the passenger side.... as stated before - coming up from below makes install a no-brainer...
Note the proximity to the idler arm...I dimpled (very slightly) for clearance from the rubber boot on the idler .. other than that no problems.
Note the proximity to the idler arm...I dimpled (very slightly) for clearance from the rubber boot on the idler .. other than that no problems.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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I had some Hedmans on a small block once and I gotta say IMHO they fit terrible! There is so much room to run the pipes corectly it's insane. Their Big Blocks ones fit fine, but the small blocks are tight where they shouldn't be and hang way too low..or at least a lot lower than needed.
JIM
JIM