C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Headers compatible with factory side exhaust

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 05:35 PM
  #1  
plbrand's Avatar
plbrand
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Lake Placid Florida
Default Headers compatible with factory side exhaust

Hey guys, I'd like to install headers on my '70 base model C3. I'll be installing a 406 my son built for me, so I'd like to add headers. The car has original factory side exhaust/covers, which I'd like to keep.

So, I'm looking for compatible headers - something like shorty center dump style.

Are there any out there? Has anyone else don this?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

PLBrand
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 05:45 PM
  #2  
scottyp99's Avatar
scottyp99
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Default

Whoever told you those side pipes were original told a fib, they only came on '69 'vettes, unless you mean that the side pipes themselves are real factory pipes, in which case you worded your post kinda weird. Anyway, take a look at these:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68280/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68286/

You could probably also just use block huggers and have a connector pipe fabbed up by a muffler shop.


Scott
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 06:40 PM
  #3  
plbrand's Avatar
plbrand
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Lake Placid Florida
Default Original

Scott, I can assure you that the side exhaust and covers are original GM parts - I've still got the receipt for them when I bought and I installed them on the car in 1975!

Neither of the Hedman sets you posted a link to would work without cutting the OE side exhaust. I'm looking for a set of short centerdump (downward facing outlets) that could mate with the OE side exhaust without any cuts/mods to the side exhaust.

In other words, I'd like to find headers that 'replace' the OE exhaust manifolds and mate directly to the OE side exhaust.

Fabing an adapter or something like that wouldn't be an issue, but I sure don't want to wreck those original side pipes. Heck, I've owned/driven the car for over 39 years!

Paul
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 06:50 PM
  #4  
scottyp99's Avatar
scottyp99
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Default

Originally Posted by plbrand
Scott, I can assure you that the side exhaust and covers are original GM parts - I've still got the receipt for them when I bought and I installed them on the car in 1975!

Neither of the Hedman sets you posted a link to would work without cutting the OE side exhaust. I'm looking for a set of short centerdump (downward facing outlets) that could mate with the OE side exhaust without any cuts/mods to the side exhaust.

In other words, I'd like to find headers that 'replace' the OE exhaust manifolds and mate directly to the OE side exhaust.

Fabing an adapter or something like that wouldn't be an issue, but I sure don't want to wreck those original side pipes. Heck, I've owned/driven the car for over 39 years!

Paul
Oh!!! Sorry about that, you want a bolt on replacement for the manifold. Now I understand. Check this out:

http://www.vetteheaders.com/servlet/...rvette+Headers


Scott
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 06:50 PM
  #5  
pawpaws toy's Avatar
pawpaws toy
Burning Brakes
Supporting Member
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 816
Likes: 11
From: lewisburg wv
Default

Originally Posted by scottyp99
Whoever told you those side pipes were original told a fib, they only came on '69 'vettes, unless you mean that the side pipes themselves are real factory pipes, in which case you worded your post kinda weird. Anyway, take a look at these:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68280/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-68286/

You could probably also just use block huggers and have a connector pipe fabbed up by a muffler shop.


Scott
From 1970-1975 Sidepipes were a dealer installed option.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 06:51 PM
  #6  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default

Originally Posted by plbrand
... I'm looking for a set of short centerdump (downward facing outlets) that could mate with the OE side exhaust without any cuts/mods to the side exhaust.

In other words, I'd like to find headers that 'replace' the OE exhaust manifolds and mate directly to the OE side exhaust. ...
Paul
It sounds like you want tubular manifolds. Real headers don't bolt in to replace manifolds.
Shorty headers would be better.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:00 PM
  #7  
7t9l82's Avatar
7t9l82
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Photogenic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 841
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

headman indeed makes long tube headers that exit pointing to the sidepipe inlet they have made. them for years and are still available. contact their tech line for a part number.
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:52 PM
  #8  
Lemans Blue 69's Avatar
Lemans Blue 69
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
Default

1969 L46 custom headers before installation. Please note the modification to the side exhaust inlet. Picture and sound of the car was before the engine rebuild. It was taken 3 years ago. Sound is much different now. The side pipes on the car are after market reproduction but I still have the original exhaust in storage. Mod was made for better breathing. Why install headers if exhaust becomes restricted entering the side pipes.

http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_5225.jpg
http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_5223.jpg
http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_5225.jpg
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 21, 2011 | 07:54 PM
  #9  
Lemans Blue 69's Avatar
Lemans Blue 69
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
Default

Forgot the car

http://s1219.photobucket.com/albums/...t=VETTEPIC.mp4
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2011 | 07:21 AM
  #10  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,197
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi lmb69,
It looks like you did a nice job!
What's the ground clearance like on the lowest tube of the header?
Regards,
Alan
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2011 | 10:23 AM
  #11  
plbrand's Avatar
plbrand
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Lake Placid Florida
Default

Nice car! Thanks for the info, guys, I appreciate your help.

PLBrand
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2011 | 11:40 AM
  #12  
CA-Legal-Vette's Avatar
CA-Legal-Vette
Race Director
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,690
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Lemans Blue 69


This is interesting. Did you have the whole muffler ceramic coated? Whas the whole muffler custom or just the flange?
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2011 | 11:44 AM
  #13  
CA-Legal-Vette's Avatar
CA-Legal-Vette
Race Director
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,690
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by plbrand
Hey guys, I'd like to install headers on my '70 base model C3. I'll be installing a 406 my son built for me, so I'd like to add headers. The car has original factory side exhaust/covers, which I'd like to keep.

So, I'm looking for compatible headers - something like shorty center dump style.

Are there any out there? Has anyone else don this?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

PLBrand
In answer to your original question, if you want direct replacement, shorty headers, these from McJacks fit the bill. Pretty expensive for what they are, but they will directly replace rams horns without further modifiation to the pipes.

http://www.vetteheaders.com/servlet/...orvette/Detail
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2011 | 06:58 PM
  #14  
Lemans Blue 69's Avatar
Lemans Blue 69
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
Default

Just the flange and pipe going into the muffler is custom. The muffler is orig. The headers are custom. Everything is ceramic coated. Cost me over $2000. Clearance to the ground from the lowest point of the headers is just over 8". If you looked at it, better than factory. Can access plugs with no problem. Headers and modification done right on the car then removed to be coated. Once the headers were built, we looked at the factory muffler and the small intake pipe to it and decided it would be restrictive. Blew it out to accomodate the header chamber.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2011 | 07:04 PM
  #15  
Lemans Blue 69's Avatar
Lemans Blue 69
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
Default

Will take video with sound next time I fire her up and post it. Everyone that heard it says thet it sounds like a big block.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2012 | 03:07 PM
  #16  
Coast2Coast69's Avatar
Coast2Coast69
Cruising
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
Default

Originally Posted by Lemans Blue 69
Please note the modification to the side exhaust inlet ... Mod was made for better breathing.
Hi LMB69, I love your set up and am in hot pursuit of a set of Hedman 68286's after reading this post. As for the flange mod on the muffler, is that a Hedman piece also or is it something that you had a local shop do? I have a fresh set of SS side exhaust from Ecklers that I'd have modded to fit those headers when they arrive.

Regards, Scott
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Headers compatible with factory side exhaust





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:02 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE