Headers for my '79
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
Headers for my '79
I know we've talked about this issue before but I'm down to decision time and still have no decision. Here's the story.
Ok, I have a sorta stock 1979 Corvette with an L-48 and an automatic trans. Now stock it had about 195 horspower which I wanna step up and also still keep it driveable for my wife. I've picked up an Edlebrock Performer Intake and the Performer camshaft. I have a new double roller timing chain ready to go in at the same time. Ive done the recurve of the distributor. Ordered 4 new B.F.Goodrich T/A's . Now with summer fast approaching now I've gotta order my headers cause I also wanna do the true dual thing. Now bear in mind that anything I deside on I have to order in cause I live at the end of the planet here. A local guy can order Dynamax headers (Ceramicoat) for about $500 Canadian. I can order Hooker Competition (Ceramicoat) for about $620. and Super Comps for about $1100. Now, what would be the best thing for me to do here. I'll tell ya that the Super Comps may be the best but are just not affordable enough for me. Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks all!
Indynut
Ok, I have a sorta stock 1979 Corvette with an L-48 and an automatic trans. Now stock it had about 195 horspower which I wanna step up and also still keep it driveable for my wife. I've picked up an Edlebrock Performer Intake and the Performer camshaft. I have a new double roller timing chain ready to go in at the same time. Ive done the recurve of the distributor. Ordered 4 new B.F.Goodrich T/A's . Now with summer fast approaching now I've gotta order my headers cause I also wanna do the true dual thing. Now bear in mind that anything I deside on I have to order in cause I live at the end of the planet here. A local guy can order Dynamax headers (Ceramicoat) for about $500 Canadian. I can order Hooker Competition (Ceramicoat) for about $620. and Super Comps for about $1100. Now, what would be the best thing for me to do here. I'll tell ya that the Super Comps may be the best but are just not affordable enough for me. Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks all!
Indynut
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
Supercomps will be too much header anyway and could cost you power - the Hooker comps or dynomax are both good products - there will be no noticable power difference between the two so I would go with the dynomax.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Troy IL
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
I have a stock L-48 Auto 79' as well. I'm going through the process of installing headers and a true dual exhaust kit from hooker. I picked the hooker comps because they went hand in hand with the hooker dual kit. So far I've only installed the driver side header due to a minor problem with the exhaust pipe on the driver side. The header on the driver side fit perfectly with no problems. I'm going to assume the passenger side will do the same. Alot of the C3 guys on the forum have dynomax headers and love them. Its more on a taste of preference I suppose. Once I get the whole project installed this weekend *I hope* I'll have a more experienced opinion for you. Till then I hope whatever product you decide to buy works out for you!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Florida
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
I have the Hooker Competition Headers on my '77 and can tell you they are very well made. Ceramic Coated of course. I just feel the Hooker's are better made than the Dynomax.
Just my $.02. Good Luck
Larry :seeya
Just my $.02. Good Luck
Larry :seeya
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
Are you going to insulate them with a wrap, to keep the heat down in the engine compartment? If so wrap them prior to installing them on the engine. It's a real pain to do when there on the car.
good luck :cool:
good luck :cool:
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Troy IL
Re: Headers for my '79 (utahrookie)
I've heard wrapping them is a "no no" I think even Hooker says do not wrap them as it could trap moisture in...something along those lines. Also I've heard the warranty is lost when you wrap the headers. I sprayed mine over with a nice red hi-temp paint. No idea if that'll help but I've been told to do it and figured it wouldn't hurt.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Re: Headers for my '79 (Phoenix79)
Moisture is a issue if your in wet climate. I'm a fair weather driver and keep the car in the garage during the wet season. But it gets hot hear in the summer and my A/C could not keep up. I tried the carpet heat barrier but it was still to hot. After wrapping the headers the engine compartment stays cooler and my feet stay comfortable. Is humidity a issue where you live?
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
Well thanks for the advise everyone. I ordered the Dynamax Headers today and they'll be here tomorrow along with a major snow storm. Another set back for my summer plans. Anyway, always enjoy all the opinions and keep up the good work! :seeya :chevy :seeya :chevy :seeya :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Concord Cal
Re: Headers for my '79 (Indynut)
Somethig to think about why not go with 2 1/2 in ram horns. They give no trouble and on a mild engine aren't a lot different than a good header. You can get repops at a real good price.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Maricopa AZ
Re: Headers for my '79 (oger)
I Just did the cerm. coated dynomax and they went in with no problem. I had no clearence problems at all. :D All fit real well. The rest I had done at A muffler shop. I had them install 2.5" exhaust and flowmaster 40s mufflers. They did a super job on my vette and welded it all together. I have no leaks at all. They also tucked the new mufflers out of site and used 90° turn downs. The hole thing sounds " :cool: "
