454 into 1978
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 159
Likes: 1
From: Blaine Minnesota
454 into 1978
I plan to put a 76 454 into a 78 Coupe. I am wondering about the exhaust manifolds. Does anyone make a ceramic coated header for this swap? If not what would the part numbers be for the stock 454 exhaust manifolds so I can look for them? Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 60
From: USA
you might end up buying the exhaust manifolds (stock GM, sanderson, etc), deciding whether to Extrude-Hone, and then sending them to be coated to Jet-Hot or whoever your preference is.
sounds like you're leaning towards cast-iron manifolds. I put a 540BB into my 78SA, but I used Hedman headers.
sounds like you're leaning towards cast-iron manifolds. I put a 540BB into my 78SA, but I used Hedman headers.
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh NY
I have an 81 with a 454 installed. Hooker makes their headers with a heavy flange that keeps the gaskets from leaking. Problem is #1 & #3 tubes are too close to the spark plug boots. I got some 1 3/4" mandrel bends and had the tubes rerouted. After a recoat all is well. You can't see any of the welding as the engine is a tight fit. Headman's and others don't have as heavy flanges and have been known to cause problems.
If you are installing a better cam they frequently require headers and a higher stall converter if your running an automatic. If you do 4l60-Es won't take it. Trust, I had three trash themselves in 500 miles.
A TH400 is bulletproof and a 4l80-E is a close second. I'm chasing the parts now.
If you are installing a better cam they frequently require headers and a higher stall converter if your running an automatic. If you do 4l60-Es won't take it. Trust, I had three trash themselves in 500 miles.
A TH400 is bulletproof and a 4l80-E is a close second. I'm chasing the parts now.
Last edited by Doug73; Feb 18, 2008 at 06:50 PM.
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
What considerarions?
I was orginally planning a 383 (405 hp), I go approaced about a 454 for $3000.
What considerations/mods did you take into play when putting a 454 in?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 562
Likes: 1
If you have a/c you may wish to consider a "close-fit" design. Hooker makes them. On my '69 I had a devil of a time fitting the standard without some whacking and hacking. Check out the JetHot Sterling coat; mine still look great after three years and 35,000 on my 454 stroker.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: Chadds Ford PA
The original big block large "header" style manifolds have interior diameters similar to aftermarket headers, but for the fact that they are 2 1/2 inches at the ends. No real difference in performance and without the headaches of headers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Primary tube length plays a factor.
