Lessons Learned from 700R4, Hedman Headers, DART Iron Eagle Heads
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From: anchorage ak
Headman headers suck on the vettes. I wont use them anymore cant run a 1qt oil filter and plugs to close to some tubes and idler arm and steering box and the collectors stop in a odd spot. I been using FlowTech coated headers for years everything about them is way way better.
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From: Chandler az
The FlowTechs are only about $300.00 they are nice for the money but limited to 1-5/8 primary's with 3in collectors. Thats big enough for most combos. I build 3in x-pipe exhaust system to help with flow so it works good for most of the projects I do. They just fit so good and so inexpensive its hard to beat the FlowTechs. I wish the Hooker super comps fit better they hang to low on the C-3s.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i used the OBX header side pipes and had none of those issues, none. i run a 2 quart filter no issues, some may not like the looks or noise but I'm keeping mine.
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From: Chandler az
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
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From: Tampa Bay FL
clicked on teh link and voila, it was one of my old threads from 12 years ago.
Funny, still running the Heddman's and the 700R4. Have since refreshed the DART heads. Pretty happy with the longevity of all three.
Funny, still running the Heddman's and the 700R4. Have since refreshed the DART heads. Pretty happy with the longevity of all three.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Hi Ted, some time ago you had a post discussing your installation of Headman Headers and issues with the exhaust being too close to the transmission pan. I have the same issues after installing a ZZ4 and 700R4 transmission in my 79. I think the fluid is getting hot from heat transfer as the water temp never goes above 160 but the transmission temp goes to 180 or more even when moving at highway speeds. How did you resolve it? I'm thinking a Thermo Tec clamp-on heat shield might work on the passenger side. The drivers side exhaust was modified by the muffler shop by slightly collapsing the pipe to allow more clearance between the exhaust and shifter linkage.
Thanks
Thanks
Back in 2002, I had the muffler shop bend the 2.5" pipes they welded to the 3" collectors slightly away from either side of the transmission. They look sort of odd but 12 years later, they look as good as new and no leaks. They could have tucked the pipes in rearward of the trans but instead ran them straight back to where they pass under the diff. Prolly saved a few $$$ on bends. System still works fine and no overheating or melting.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
They are 68301's that came with the A.I.R. tubes welded in place. You can install 68300's if AIR is not needed.
I will probably install a jet-hot set of 68300's sometime in 2015 as the collectors are showing their age from moisture seeping up through my concrete flooring past 12 years. Still, they lasted 10 years longer than the painted pair I had on my '71 Nova back in '80-82.
I will probably install a jet-hot set of 68300's sometime in 2015 as the collectors are showing their age from moisture seeping up through my concrete flooring past 12 years. Still, they lasted 10 years longer than the painted pair I had on my '71 Nova back in '80-82.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: anchorage ak
They are 68301's that came with the A.I.R. tubes welded in place. You can install 68300's if AIR is not needed.
I will probably install a jet-hot set of 68300's sometime in 2015 as the collectors are showing their age from moisture seeping up through my concrete flooring past 12 years. Still, they lasted 10 years longer than the painted pair I had on my '71 Nova back in '80-82.
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 13
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From: Aledo, TX
exhaust too close to transmission
Thanks for the update. I'll give the Thermo tec shield a try and if that doesn't work I'll try your approach. It's always something!
2014 Update:
Back in 2002, I had the muffler shop bend the 2.5" pipes they welded to the 3" collectors slightly away from either side of the transmission. They look sort of odd but 12 years later, they look as good as new and no leaks. They could have tucked the pipes in rearward of the trans but instead ran them straight back to where they pass under the diff. Prolly saved a few $$$ on bends. System still works fine and no overheating or melting.
Back in 2002, I had the muffler shop bend the 2.5" pipes they welded to the 3" collectors slightly away from either side of the transmission. They look sort of odd but 12 years later, they look as good as new and no leaks. They could have tucked the pipes in rearward of the trans but instead ran them straight back to where they pass under the diff. Prolly saved a few $$$ on bends. System still works fine and no overheating or melting.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 958
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
This is the reason I gave up on LTH HEADERS years ago. I have mcjacks shorties or you should go with corvette centrals magnaflow exhaust with block huggers. You don't need LTH on the street.
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From: anchorage ak
That's too generalized. On a stock engine sure, on a mildly modified engine not as much, on a built engine not at all. In my opinion shorties are better than stock manifolds but don't see them as being as benificial to a built engine and I also know that not every body has a built engine nor do they rev to 6200 rpm on a regular basis but some of us do and there are those who plan to, if your building an engine for power having the better flowing exhaust even for the street is a given. I don't dislike shorties, but if I'm buying headers and I'm going through the effort of installing them I'll go the extra distance and go long tubes even if it worth only a few horse power.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 958
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
That's too generalized. On a stock engine sure, on a mildly modified engine not as much, on a built engine not at all. In my opinion shorties are better than stock manifolds but don't see them as being as benificial to a built engine and I also know that not every body has a built engine nor do they rev to 6200 rpm on a regular basis but some of us do and there are those who plan to, if your building an engine for power having the better flowing exhaust even for the street is a given. I don't dislike shorties, but if I'm buying headers and I'm going through the effort of installing them I'll go the extra distance and go long tubes even if it worth only a few horse power.
Totally reasonable response. I just hate the hassles of the LTH, just me, getting old. I am building my L-82 up pretty well so I will eventually see what the motor will do with shorties, although no matter what I doubt I would go for LTH's on C3 with all the clearance issues, engine and road. To me not worth the extra ponies.
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From: anchorage ak
Totally reasonable response. I just hate the hassles of the LTH, just me, getting old. I am building my L-82 up pretty well so I will eventually see what the motor will do with shorties, although no matter what I doubt I would go for LTH's on C3 with all the clearance issues, engine and road. To me not worth the extra ponies.
Last edited by bluedawg; Apr 23, 2014 at 08:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
12 yrs, damn. Hedmans and Dart IE's been great with @ 30k or so on them. Broke a spring last fall so will send the heads off to the machine shop. They were ported by Curtis (MountainMotor) and make plenty of power. Wonder if they will last another 12 yrs. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: anchorage ak
I haven't reached that point yet(soon) but I thought that the super comps had the same geometery as the comps with the exception of 1/2" larger collector which would make them hang 1/4" lower? I seem to remember other members that have them and like them. So you had issues with clearance and fitment on them?
Last edited by bluedawg; Apr 24, 2014 at 03:04 AM.
