Who makes good fit and finish high quality C3 headers? Looked at a few and nothing really jumps out at me. It's for a '75 auto tranny C3 daily driver that's gonna get a very mild cam

 

I'm sure they're not the best of the best, but I was very impressed with the Summit headers I bought. Fit and finish was near perfect, and you can't beat the price.

 

Personally, I like Sanderson Headers, but whatever brand you decide to go with, spend the extra and get a coated set. It will pay long term dividends in longer life and appearance.

 

I did check out the Sandersons' but they made no reference to model & year application. The Doug Thorley pipes looked pretty nice, any one have experience with those?

 

Best i've seen in a while and a fair price for stainless.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ess-steel.html
They also make them for sidepipes.
I have had stainless sidepipe headers on my car for a few years now and they still look like new!
Sly!

 

I shopped around for a while and this is by far the best bang for you buck... I just bought a set myself and can't wait to get them in!

 

My ceramic Hooker"s fit like a glove on my sb '69

Body is on the car now - pass side collector fits a little tight underneath on the splash shield otherwise perfect

 

Hedman Elite Headers are what I have on my '74 with sidepipes. They go out to the sides for the pipes, but a back facing version could be bought. They look great and are coated so they wont rust!

Will

 

1956-1982
Tight Tuck headers are the solution to many problems associated with engine swaps in modern Vette Rods. Tight Tucks fit in the Tightest of engine compartments and clear all stock motor mounts.
Headers are manufactured from durable 16-gauge tubing and come complete with gaskets, and headers bolts.

Tight Tuck headers are available in metallic ceramic coating.

Will fit most angle plug heads (Except Bowtie), and fits D-Port cylinder heads including ZZ4 crate engines.

Note: These are not direct replacements for stock exhaust manifolds. You will need custom front pipes to fit these.

What finish is applied to a Patriot headers?
Metallic Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating (MCTBC) is simply the best header finish on the market and is available on all Patriot headers. MCTBC protects and extends the life of headers by creating a thermal barrier that significantly lowers under hood temperatures and protects the substrate metal from thermal fatigue. After MCTBC is applied, it is polished with a vibratory finishing process that produces a high luster aluminum appearance. The polishing process compresses and activates the coating, which increases the surface hardness to produce a finish that is 60% more corrosion resistant that an unpolished surface. This coating is easy to maintain and will last for years under normal operating conditions.
Note: Headers include Gaskets and Bolts





These are what I have with 69 style sidepipes

 

My advise for a set of QUALITY headers is Stan's. I haven't seen a set of the everyday brands like Hooker, Summit, etc. that are even in the same ball park as what this guy produces. Not to mention the Tri-Y design should help some with bottom end on a stock or mildly built engine. They are pricey but my 76 wears a set of them and I am extremely happy with my choice. I also had them ceramic coated at the vendor they recommended. Here's a link and pic.....http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm

 

Hooker Super Comp headers are still the best I have ever used. I have a set on my '79 and they fit perfectly, although I did have to grind the flanges a little to get a socket on the angle plugs on the Trick Flow heads.

 

These are on my 71 and they are back facing... They came with the car I just bought.. and I love them so far!

Mark

 

How do they fit, any issues? Have they improved only low end torque or can you see any mid to higher rpm hp gains? I will be using a very mild cam with a stock auto trans.

 

I run Hookers Ceramic coated, 1-5/8 on stock L-82

 

No fitment problems or issues what so ever. PLENTY of clearance for the plugs, steering box, etc. The ceramic coating is good to 2000 deg. Heavy tubing and flanges. Has a ball/socket collector. I used the graphite gaskets they recommended. If I remember correctly it cost me about $740 to my door, that was 2 yrs ago.

As far as performance gains.... I still have the stock L-48 motor/TH350 with a Lars tuned Q-jet, recurved (by me) dizzy, and a full length dual exhaust. It definitely has more pep than when I bought it, meaning it went from not being able to get out of its own way to a very nice running small block. Here's a couple pics.....not great but will give ya an idea from the top.

 

Yeah they're some good stuff, they definitely earn the Elite name, they're the best headers I've ever seen/used!

Will