help with headers please (76)
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
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From: San Gabriel CA
help with headers please (76)
Hi all. Just had my 383 installed recently. I bought Hedman #68308 headers but they aren't fitting. Apparently they are hitting the idler arm and won't fit. I need help getting another comparable set of headers that fit without modifications. I prefer someting in the price range of the Hedman's. Motor is 420hp, 9:1 compression. Any help is appreciated so I can get this beast running. Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I do not have headers on mine yet, but from the opinions of other members, I will probably be using the Dynomax. Do a search for this topic. Apparently, the Dynomax headers fit like a glove.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 112
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From: vt
hooker makes a good 1 3/4" header that fits. my dad and i just built a 383 for his '78, and we went for the ceramic coated hookers. a little pricey though. haven't installed them yet, but by comparing them side by side with our old 1 5/8" headers, they look like they'll drop right in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I bought the #68308 and installed on my stock head '76 with no issues. Bolted right in with no clearance issues. I guess the heads are the difference. Wish I had that problem (having good heads)
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 33
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From: Milton DE
I just installed a set of Stan's headers on my 383 with Edelbrock RPM heads. Stan's built the headers with a "D" port flange for my heads (straight plugs) at no extra $'s. Very simple installation and everything fit without a problem.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
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From: San Gabriel CA
Thanks again for the reply's. Think I'm going with the Dynomax Blackjack header's. 1 5/8" with 3" outlet, should fit my application well. Anyone know if I will need a mini starter for the Dynomax headers to fit? Engine should be a killer with the Edelbrock heads. I'm expecting 420hp on 87 (hopefully). Motor was built by my dad's friend who has 30+ years drag racing and building motors.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 307
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From: liberty mo
Thanks again for the reply's. Think I'm going with the Dynomax Blackjack header's. 1 5/8" with 3" outlet, should fit my application well. Anyone know if I will need a mini starter for the Dynomax headers to fit? Engine should be a killer with the Edelbrock heads. I'm expecting 420hp on 87 (hopefully). Motor was built by my dad's friend who has 30+ years drag racing and building motors.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
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From: San Gabriel CA
I'll keep my fingers crossed that the headers will fit with a standard starter. Here's a pic of the progress so far. Still have to hook up the fuel line and get the gauges installed so we can break the motor in. Paint shop won't work on it until the car is running ,so I have my work cut out for me this weekend....
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Cool valve covers. I was looking at getting the exact same ones. Where did you get yours?
Also, just a word to the wise: if you are doing engine break-in, I would use the stock manifolds to break it in. If you use the headers, it will void the warranty. In addition, if the timing is not right on, you could take the finish right off of the headers with the heat.
Also, just a word to the wise: if you are doing engine break-in, I would use the stock manifolds to break it in. If you use the headers, it will void the warranty. In addition, if the timing is not right on, you could take the finish right off of the headers with the heat.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: San Gabriel CA
thanks for the heads up on the break in. my mechanic that installed the engine is doing the break in, so I'm trusting that everything will go according to plan. he's had his own shop for 20 yrs and comes very highly recommended from my dad's friend that built the motor.
here's a link to where I got the valve covers, great price and great people to deal with.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/58-86...spagenameZWDVW
here's a link to where I got the valve covers, great price and great people to deal with.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/58-86...spagenameZWDVW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,139
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From: Salina Kansas
I have had 2 sets of Hedman headers on my '76 (1 3/4" full length) and they fit perfect with no modifications, stock 350 block (383 though). Had the first set wrapped and they rusted out quickly is the only reason I needed a second set.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
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From: San Gabriel CA
Thanks. I was advised by another forum member that the bolt on the idler arm may have been installed incorrectly causing the interference. I will have my mechanic look into it when the car goes back to him.
