Header modifications
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
Header modifications
I am in the process of rebuilding my 1979 C3, which will involve a fresh 400HP SB 350 engine. I plan to install a set of tight tuck (block hugger) headers. Because of the steering conversion and the placement of the steering box (RHD in AUS) I would have to modify the headers to clear the steering box in order to use them. Can anyone tell me if it is critical to have both the LH & RH headers identical? Is it necessary to have each header pipe from each cylinder the same length, or can they be varied lenghts? What impact does this have on performance?
Any comments would be appreciated. Cheers.
Any comments would be appreciated. Cheers.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
I have the block-hugger headers on my '79. They made a nice improvement over the ram's horn manifolds. The speed shop that installed them had to modify the exhaust pipe on the right side and install a mini high-torque starter. I had long iridium plugs that had to be removed and replaced with standards. I don't think the shop would have made the modification if it would hurt performance.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
I have the block-hugger headers on my '79. They made a nice improvement over the ram's horn manifolds. The speed shop that installed them had to modify the exhaust pipe on the right side and install a mini high-torque starter. I had long iridium plugs that had to be removed and replaced with standards. I don't think the shop would have made the modification if it would hurt performance.
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 4
From: Gainesville FL
Here is a quick pic of the headers. Things are tight. You can't see the exhaust pipe, but they had to weld a small bend. The block-huggers are close to a bolt on replacement for the manifolds, but still some modifications may be necessary.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
Thanks for the pic. I think mine will require a litle more modification as when the LH to RH steering conversion was carried out the new steering box seems to be considerably closer to the headers than the standard box. I think I will just have to modify the headers and see how it performs.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
