Need suggestions for Headers....
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Need suggestions for Headers....
Doing a top build on '77 L-48 (Cam, lifters, Z-28 heads etc) and not sure which way to go on exhaust system. Not too happy with original exhaust manifold and am leaning toward a set of headers. Not looking to break the bank, but just want a good set on bolt ons & go..
Any advice???? Thanks,
Terry
Any advice???? Thanks,
Terry
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
I will personally never buy un-ceramic coated headers again.. With that being said, if your just looking for cheap un-coated headers, Summit has some for $90 and that includes gaskets, collectors and bolts, which is hard to beat.. Summit #G9003
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Summit headers are a good deal, but don't get them if you ever plan on lowering your car from stock height, IE, aftermarket suspension stuff.
I went with summit, but had MAJOR ground clearance issues, due to my car being lowered 2 inches from stock hieght.
Now I have sanderson shorty headers, they fit easy, sound great, and, to be honest, will yield the same results as full length headers, unless you are running a fairly high compression motor...and you wouldn't really want to do that on an L-48 anyway.
I went with summit, but had MAJOR ground clearance issues, due to my car being lowered 2 inches from stock hieght.
Now I have sanderson shorty headers, they fit easy, sound great, and, to be honest, will yield the same results as full length headers, unless you are running a fairly high compression motor...and you wouldn't really want to do that on an L-48 anyway.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Sanderson makes outstanding quality headers...the thickest flanges you'll find so the bolts won't back out, thicker gauge steel. Just an excellent product. As already said...get ceramic coated.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 11
Now I have sanderson shorty headers, they fit easy, sound great, and, to be honest, will yield the same results as full length headers, unless you are running a fairly high compression motor...and you wouldn't really want to do that on an L-48 anyway.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
This is just not true. Full length headers will produce more torque and horse power than the shorties - especially on your motor with your mods. The Summit and Jegs headers are a super value. I have used several sets and have never had a problem with fitment, performance or durability. Why spend a few hundred dollars for something you can have for less than a hundred?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
If all you care about is not leaking, Sanderson makes good headers.
If you are actually trying to improve performance, there are much better choices.
Sanderson's collectors are horrible. They are not a smooth transition at all.
They merge the tubes very abruptly which is going to cost you power.
If you are actually trying to improve performance, there are much better choices.
Sanderson's collectors are horrible. They are not a smooth transition at all.
They merge the tubes very abruptly which is going to cost you power.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Corvette SB manifolds are good for manifolds & shortys are mainfold replacements. May or may not make more power. Next up are compromise headers like 3/4 length & Tri-Y.
At the top for Corvette SB are full length Dynomax Cerma Coat & Hooker Super Comps.
At the top for Corvette SB are full length Dynomax Cerma Coat & Hooker Super Comps.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
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Terry
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Terry
Assuming you have the short R4 compressor there isn't a problem for 77. Only a spacer for the A/C bracket to manifold is needed w/ headers & even that is not necessary.
.
Assuming you have the short R4 compressor there isn't a problem for 77. Only a spacer for the A/C bracket to manifold is needed w/ headers & even that is not necessary.
.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 219
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From: Missouri
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 703
Likes: 2
Thanks for info. I read up on the Summit #G9003 and they require 3 different mounting brackets for alternator, A/C, etc. So, apparently there are some clearance issues or they are trying to sell me something I don't need. I want to use my original brackets if possible. Did I read the data sheet correctly??
Terry
Terry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
If you want to keep the A.I.R./smog pump connections, Heddman sells a set with the pipes welded into each tube. I think it is #68301. I ordered mine from Jet-Hot, coated, but now, after living in Ohio since 2005, my lower tubes are showing signs of rust in the Jet-Hot coating (could be rusting from the inside-out). I paid over $400 delivered back in 2000.
Be wary of parking lot speed humps... I dented one of my tubes on the passenger side header; not severely.
Be wary of parking lot speed humps... I dented one of my tubes on the passenger side header; not severely.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 11
I put the Summit brand on my A/C equipped '79 and it was a breeze. No extra brackets needed. I did have to fabricate a spacer for the A/C mount - but that was very simple - just had to cut a piece of 3/8" pipe about 1.5" long. Nothing needed for the alternator.
I have loads of ground clearance with my stock suspension.
I have loads of ground clearance with my stock suspension.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Doing a top build on '77 L-48 (Cam, lifters, Z-28 heads etc) and not sure which way to go on exhaust system. Not too happy with original exhaust manifold and am leaning toward a set of headers. Not looking to break the bank, but just want a good set on bolt ons & go..
Any advice???? Thanks,
Terry
Any advice???? Thanks,
Terry