What headers/exhaust on a 502?
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (Yellow75)
I have Hooker Super Comps on my 75 with 2 1/2" aluminized duals I bought from a local Vette shop for $400.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 1
From: VASS, NC, USA
Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (Yellow75)
Externally, any headers will fit a 502, as far as chassis space goes, BUT: The GM Perf heads on the 502 have slightly different dimensions, as far as casting goes on the outside. Therefore, some headers WILL NOT FIT.
Im living proof. Headman coated headers: The outside of the 502 head casting are slightly different from stock. I had to modify the bottom runners of the headers so they would fit the heads. Chassis room was not an issue. It was the slightly different outside shape of the heads. The bottom of the heads that the bottom runner of the headers bump into do not allow for a bolt up.
I can only speak for the Headmans Headers, and my stock exh manifolds has the same prob as wel. Im sure there are brands out there that will bolt right on, but not the above
Im living proof. Headman coated headers: The outside of the 502 head casting are slightly different from stock. I had to modify the bottom runners of the headers so they would fit the heads. Chassis room was not an issue. It was the slightly different outside shape of the heads. The bottom of the heads that the bottom runner of the headers bump into do not allow for a bolt up.
I can only speak for the Headmans Headers, and my stock exh manifolds has the same prob as wel. Im sure there are brands out there that will bolt right on, but not the above
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 1
From: VASS, NC, USA
Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (MELVIN)
Also, if you are running a manual tranny THERE IS NO boss for the clutch linkage pivot ball in the block. You must make a bracket.
I have heard GM perf makes them, but I sure cant find it
I have heard GM perf makes them, but I sure cant find it
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (MELVIN)
Would a machine shop be able to grin the heads or adjust them to allow the headers to bolt up? I find it hard to believe you can't run headers on a 502ci motor. :confused:
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From: Paducah KY
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St. Jude Donor '03
Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (Yellow75)
Adam - I have Stahl headers on my 502 in the 71. It was not without some fit-up problems (flange grinding and minor mods to the a/c box), but they will work. I custom built my exhaust side pipes, using twin 3" Moroso spiral flows on each side and then cover them with 69 style fiberglass covers. I know Mike (Massvette) has Hookers on his and I think he runs JCL's sidepipes from the headers back. He's got the best overall 502 setup around in my opinion.
Dave
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,563
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Re: What headers/exhaust on a 502? (Rolling Thunder)
Dave,
Thanks for the compliment! My headers are Hooker Super Comp side mounts, with JCL baffles in the Hooker side tubes. Puts out a lot of HP and sounds MEAN!
Melvin and you are right- the lower header flanges must be reground to fit the 502 oval aluminum-head head bolts. BTW, the clutch pivot bracket is available from Scoggins-Dickey Chevrolet in Texas. It bolts to the d/s bellhousing flange bolts, is nice and sturdy, and made of S/S.
:yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod:
Thanks for the compliment! My headers are Hooker Super Comp side mounts, with JCL baffles in the Hooker side tubes. Puts out a lot of HP and sounds MEAN!
Melvin and you are right- the lower header flanges must be reground to fit the 502 oval aluminum-head head bolts. BTW, the clutch pivot bracket is available from Scoggins-Dickey Chevrolet in Texas. It bolts to the d/s bellhousing flange bolts, is nice and sturdy, and made of S/S.
:yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod:
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