headers on the big block
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
headers on the big block
So I went to take my stock headers off today and realized that the alternator, and power steering pump are gonna need to come off too, at least on the passenger side. On the drivers side it looks even worse. So I ordered a new water pump, power steering pump and reservoir, fan clutch, thermostat and housing, hoses, and other things of the sort because they are all old and in need of replacement. What headers will fit the 1973 454 and give me the most power and sound? I have been looking all over and there are so many choices i figured i would ask you guys. thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
Header dont affect sound all that much without changing out the exhaust behind them.
Your best bet for power, without getting custom headers made, are probably these
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/2123/10002/-1?CT=999
These are nice too, http://www.vetteheaders.com/servlet/...ders%2C/Detail
but I dont know what size tubes they use.
If you would like something a little easier on your budget, I am running these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68090/
Your best bet for power, without getting custom headers made, are probably these
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/2123/10002/-1?CT=999
These are nice too, http://www.vetteheaders.com/servlet/...ders%2C/Detail
but I dont know what size tubes they use.
If you would like something a little easier on your budget, I am running these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68090/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
i have the hedman ones shown on my crate 454.
they fit perfectly.
the paint that comes on them is not meant to last, if you dont want to have them coated you at least need to strip the shipping paint off and paint them with hi temp header paint.
mine needed an exhaust and i couldnt afford side pipes yet so these were a good economical choice.
they fit perfectly.
the paint that comes on them is not meant to last, if you dont want to have them coated you at least need to strip the shipping paint off and paint them with hi temp header paint.
mine needed an exhaust and i couldnt afford side pipes yet so these were a good economical choice.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I'm not sure why you need to change the exhaust manifolds. BB manifolds are much better flowing than SB units. Cast iron units are heavier, but they run cooler than steel headers. If your engine is not modified significantly, changing it out is a waste of money IMO...but, maybe you want them just for 'looks'.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 6
From: columbus ms
i just installed the headman's on my 71 bb. fit like a glove. many threads on here about headers. 185 bucks from summit. i got the 2" primaries but i have a 489 motor too. sound will change some with headers, but not alot. i got mine uncoated because i like the natural metal look of the headers. one word of advise. go ahead and pony up the extra 80 bucks for the locking header bolts, the ones with the alen head screw in the middle. they will not back off and header leaks will be a thing in the past. also, if you change out the header bolts, remember the first header bolt on the driverside holds the power steering bracket, so you will have to re use your original bolt. if you have a/c, same goes for the bracket bolts on the pasenger side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I'm not sure why you need to change the exhaust manifolds. BB manifolds are much better flowing than SB units. Cast iron units are heavier, but they run cooler than steel headers. If your engine is not modified significantly, changing it out is a waste of money IMO...but, maybe you want them just for 'looks'.
Unless your engine is modded, headers won't help much. You also add significant heat to the engine compartment and steering box. If you do go with them, the original manifolds have some value and are worth not throwing away.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I am planning on getting a carbuerator and intake manifold in the near future, just thought it would be a good idea. I have a custom magnaflow exhaust ready to go. After the carb and intake manifold i was going to possibly get a new cam and other internals so the headers might just be beneficial after all! the hookers are sweet i like the black paint. What is a good rust treatment to soak or prepare the old exhaust manifold for storage? I like the hooker comp headers on jegs, im not really going for looks. I do want the block to look nice though where can i get some original color paint for the valve covers and block? I also want to refurbish the matching numbers plate. thanks
Last edited by 73dr454; Feb 11, 2010 at 06:55 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 294
From: ESCONDIDO CA
2025 C2 of the Year ('63 and '67) Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
This is right on the money. But if you change them out, pay for the new with the old by selling them on ebay.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
I went with Headman headers on my car too, but I opted for the coated version. A bit more expensive, about $500, but you can actually put your hand on them about 10 minutes after shutting down the engine. The coating really works well for containing heat, and I think it looks pretty good too..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
2" hedmanns on my new 500hp 427.before i had hooker 2225 but ground clearance issues
hedmans are wrapped with headers wraps
here is the video ( 2.5" pipes+magnaflow)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2D7cABytzg
hedmans are wrapped with headers wraps
here is the video ( 2.5" pipes+magnaflow)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2D7cABytzg
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 94
From: meraux LA
I went with Headman headers on my car too, but I opted for the coated version. A bit more expensive, about $500, but you can actually put your hand on them about 10 minutes after shutting down the engine. The coating really works well for containing heat, and I think it looks pretty good too..
. What year car are you putting it in?
