how to/tech articles on building headers?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
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how to/tech articles on building headers?
well, with the heads on the new 383, it looks like a custom set of headers is going to be required to both clear the spark plugs and fit inside the 75. anyone know of any tech articles on header construction.
i know the basics of the fabrication, welding, and design, but just looking to brush up on anything i might overlook before jumping in.
thanks!
i know the basics of the fabrication, welding, and design, but just looking to brush up on anything i might overlook before jumping in.
thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
You can get all the pipes and bends from Stahl, make the primaries 1 7/8" or 2 inch and you will be able to sell them, as no one makes this size, I'll put my order in now for the second set 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
1 7/8 or 2" is a big header. He better have a very large small block or be shifting over 7500 rpm's.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
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From: Forsyth Illinois
I'm all for custom fab stuff,but not understanding here?There should be some headers available out there for your combo that will clear.A SB is a SB no matter what the cubes are inside.If it's the newer style LS engine....they have headers for this combo too.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
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also, custom fabrication is fun.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
No one but maybe $tahl makes a bigger primary tube than the Hookers and I hear $tahl is a pain in azz to work with
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NYC NY
I understand what you guys are saying but what kind of horsepower and at what RPM is this motor going to make that 1 3/4" header is not going to be big enough? If that's the case what size exhaust pipes are you going to run 3"? How hard is it going to be to package all this? Wouldn't it be alot easier to start with a set of uncoated Hooker Super Comps and modify them to suit? I'm am NO EXPERT but 1 7/8" - 2" is a lot of header for a small block.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 45
From: Columbus Mn
I have to agree most likely bolting on and or modifying some Hooker Super Comp 1 3/4" is all that will be needed. So far my 6-71 blown, 400 sbc doesn't need anything bigger. My dyno operator scoffed at me when I wanted to try his 1 7/8" or 2" headers instead of my Super Comps. I made 686hp and 662 trq with 6 psi of boost spinning 6500 rpms (1 3/4"). He also new I would be ulitimately targeting 850 hp when I'm all done. My dyno operators advice suprised me because Stahl recommended 1 7/8" for my motor if it was only going to be used on the street, and 2" if it would see the strip. The dyno operator has been doing been in business for 18 years, so he has a lot of experience.
Although, I really think header adapters, and 2" primary pipes would look BAD! I really wanted them, but will put the money elsewhere for now. (Drivetrain) If money isn't a problem go with the Stahls!
Good Luck, and have fun.
Although, I really think header adapters, and 2" primary pipes would look BAD! I really wanted them, but will put the money elsewhere for now. (Drivetrain) If money isn't a problem go with the Stahls!
Good Luck, and have fun.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
I have to agree most likely bolting on and or modifying some Hooker Super Comp 1 3/4" is all that will be needed. So far my 6-71 blown, 400 sbc doesn't need anything bigger. My dyno operator scoffed at me when I wanted to try his 1 7/8" or 2" headers instead of my Super Comps. I made 686hp and 662 trq with 6 psi of boost spinning 6500 rpms (1 3/4"). He also new I would be ulitimately targeting 850 hp when I'm all done. My dyno operators advice suprised me because Stahl recommended 1 7/8" for my motor if it was only going to be used on the street, and 2" if it would see the strip. The dyno operator has been doing been in business for 18 years, so he has a lot of experience.
Although, I really think header adapters, and 2" primary pipes would look BAD! I really wanted them, but will put the money elsewhere for now. (Drivetrain) If money isn't a problem go with the Stahls!
Good Luck, and have fun.
Although, I really think header adapters, and 2" primary pipes would look BAD! I really wanted them, but will put the money elsewhere for now. (Drivetrain) If money isn't a problem go with the Stahls!
Good Luck, and have fun.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I understand what you guys are saying but what kind of horsepower and at what RPM is this motor going to make that 1 3/4" header is not going to be big enough? If that's the case what size exhaust pipes are you going to run 3"? How hard is it going to be to package all this? Wouldn't it be alot easier to start with a set of uncoated Hooker Super Comps and modify them to suit? I'm am NO EXPERT but 1 7/8" - 2" is a lot of header for a small block.You will also get varied opinions on header size, I say bigger is better and haven't been disappointed yet
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 45
From: Columbus Mn
Good Point! That's why I plan on buying a set of Stahls later on after the drive train is complete. I'll be putzing along at 621 hp and 622 trq (3psi) while I finish the drivetrain. Perhaps he felt it wasn't worth the time since my NOS solonoid wouldn't open and I didn't have additional pulleys to add boost. I have 3" to flowmaster 40's. From my research, even dual 3" isn't big enough. I guess that's where the electric cutouts will come into play.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
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From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
Yes I have 3 dual inch exhaust and while I have not put the motor on dyno yet I am sure it is will north of 600HP and it will turn 7500RPM no problem but peak HP will be lower than that. As for the OP a well worked set of Victor heads is an easy 300+cfm so he is in the same ballpark
You will also get varied opinions on header size, I say bigger is better and haven't been disappointed yet
You will also get varied opinions on header size, I say bigger is better and haven't been disappointed yet
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Yes I agree, my AFR227's flow ~320cfm ( I had them flowed ) so like I say I am well north of 600HP with 254dur @ .050" solid roller cam etc. Just for a little info, Hooker side pipe headers for a small block are 1 7/8" primaries
I actually emailed Hooker the other day telling them they should make a bigger primary tube header for all the big inch small blocks out there these days
I actually emailed Hooker the other day telling them they should make a bigger primary tube header for all the big inch small blocks out there these days
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: 2011,2012 ECS CC 10.50 CHAMP Massapequa NY
Yes I agree, my AFR227's flow ~320cfm ( I had them flowed ) so like I say I am well north of 600HP with 254dur @ .050" solid roller cam etc. Just for a little info, Hooker side pipe headers for a small block are 1 7/8" primaries
I actually emailed Hooker the other day telling them they should make a bigger primary tube header for all the big inch small blocks out there these days
I actually emailed Hooker the other day telling them they should make a bigger primary tube header for all the big inch small blocks out there these days
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 548
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I understand what you guys are saying but what kind of horsepower and at what RPM is this motor going to make that 1 3/4" header is not going to be big enough? If that's the case what size exhaust pipes are you going to run 3"? How hard is it going to be to package all this? Wouldn't it be alot easier to start with a set of uncoated Hooker Super Comps and modify them to suit? I'm am NO EXPERT but 1 7/8" - 2" is a lot of header for a small block.
and all the 1 3/4 primary headers available off the shelf are not compatable with the heads AND the peculiarities of c3s. if i'm going to pay stahl to custom build some, i'll just do it myself.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,936
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From: NYC NY
383ci, will spin to ~8500 before even getting close to running out of cam or head flow...
and all the 1 3/4 primary headers available off the shelf are not compatable with the heads AND the peculiarities of c3s. if i'm going to pay stahl to custom build some, i'll just do it myself.
and all the 1 3/4 primary headers available off the shelf are not compatable with the heads AND the peculiarities of c3s. if i'm going to pay stahl to custom build some, i'll just do it myself.
Thanks I wasn't questioning your judgement. That was the reason for this . I'm here just trying to learn something. That's why I was asking all the questions. Now I have a better understanding of what you're doing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
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From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
You will only build one set of headers in your life. The welding is not the hard part, its the bending over the fender a 1000 times fitting them that kills you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,317
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From: St Louis MO
I am using the Hooker Super Comp headers, pn2134, with AFR 210 heads, pn 1050. These heads have angle plugs and a raised exhaust port layout. There was a minor clearance problem with the headers at the #6 spark plug, which was fixed by making a minor dimple of about 3/16 inch.
Previously, these headers were used with 492 GM heads with angle plugs and fit perfectly with no modifications or clearance issues whatsoever.
Previously, these headers were used with 492 GM heads with angle plugs and fit perfectly with no modifications or clearance issues whatsoever.