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Hedman Header fitting problems

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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 11:38 AM
  #1  
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Default Hedman Header fitting problems

I've got a 1977 Corvette with a big block, I purchased Hedman Header part number 68090, the engine has stock motor mounts, and aluminum
heads. The passenger side header went on fine, but the driver's side I'm
having a problem with it seems to interfer with the steering box. Has anyone got any suggestions, Thanks
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by jbrowncowboy
I've got a 1977 Corvette with a big block, I purchased Hedman Header part number 68090, the engine has stock motor mounts, and aluminum
heads. The passenger side header went on fine, but the driver's side I'm
having a problem with it seems to interfer with the steering box. Has anyone got any suggestions, Thanks
Usually its the other way around - it clears the steering box but hits the idler arm on the passenger side - leastways thats the case on small blocks.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 02:11 PM
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Is it possible that your stock mounts are old and worn?
I'm running those same headers in my 80 and they dont touch the steering box, or anything else.

I just noticed that you mentioned aluminum heads. Most likely they have raised exhaust ports.
If so, its time to get out your torch and hammer to do some reshaping unless you want to try a different brand of headers.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 02:18 PM
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Yes, you will have fit issues on the driver side, against the steering box. This is based on aftermarket heads. I have the hedman ceramic coated model. Those who use stock type iron heads do not seem to have problems. Aftermarket aluminum heads, many have raised exhaust ports which is what causes the problem. I had the same problem. BFH fixed the problem. Did not like it but it had to be done.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Rebelrob
I had the same problem. BFH fixed the problem. Did not like it but it had to be done.
How much beating did it take?
I've been considering aluminum heads for a while, but have been torn between the AFR exhaust port flow numbers and the Brodix exhaust port stock location.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by DRIVESHAFT
How much beating did it take?
I've been considering aluminum heads for a while, but have been torn between the AFR exhaust port flow numbers and the Brodix exhaust port stock location.
I helped a friend fit Hooker supercomp headers to his 496 equipped nova with raised port heads, those raised ports caused all sorts of problems, we even had to dimple the headers for clearance from the engine block!!
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 04:29 PM
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I really didn't want to take a hammer to them, but I thought I could cut
the head flange off then weld a new flange on and this should give me
about a 1/4" clearance around the steering box.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by DRIVESHAFT
How much beating did it take?
I've been considering aluminum heads for a while, but have been torn between the AFR exhaust port flow numbers and the Brodix exhaust port stock location.
I got AFR's and I had to beat the dog out of them. Maybe I just was not hitting it hard enough. As it was my first time beating on a shiny new product. AFR flowed better. There raised ports are not very much, but it does make a difference. Took several on and off fits before I was happy.
Here is a pic next to my newly rebuilt steering box.


[IMG][/IMG]
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:31 PM
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Default block?

Originally Posted by jbrowncowboy
I really didn't want to take a hammer to them, but I thought I could cut
the head flange off then weld a new flange on and this should give me
about a 1/4" clearance around the steering box.
Is the block a passenger car block, or tall deck? Tall deck requires modifications.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:36 PM
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I have GM iron oval port big block heads and Hedman Headers did not fit at all. For my car the issue was the passenger side. They did not clear the idler arm and the collector was aimed at the ground. For what it's worth the car has new motor mounts also. Keep in mind if you "ding" them you own them no matter what. There were several other fitment and quality issues with this pair of headers. Hedman tech line and customer service were no help at all. Once you have to start beating and rebending I think it's time to consider another brand. At one time Hedman Header fit was just about a sure thing but not so any more. Do a search in this forum using "Hedman" and you will find lots of reading. The older posts are very positive the newer posts not so.
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Old Sep 7, 2011 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 3JsVette
I have GM iron oval port big block heads and Hedman Headers did not fit at all. For my car the issue was the passenger side. They did not clear the idler arm and the collector was aimed at the ground. For what it's worth the car has new motor mounts also. Keep in mind if you "ding" them you own them no matter what. There were several other fitment and quality issues with this pair of headers. Hedman tech line and customer service were no help at all. Once you have to start beating and rebending I think it's time to consider another brand. At one time Hedman Header fit was just about a sure thing but not so any more. Do a search in this forum using "Hedman" and you will find lots of reading. The older posts are very positive the newer posts not so.
You might also want to mention that you are not discussing the same header part number that the OP asked about.
Your headers were side exit headers.
jbrowncowboy asked about part # 68090. Those are standard under car exiting headers.
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