Header Choice 78 L82
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 74
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From: Edgewater Maryland
Header Choice 78 L82
I want to install headers on a 78 Pace with an L82. In the past I have always used Hooker on my Camaro. I see McJacks, Headers by Stan.
Who do you guys like and why.
Who do you guys like and why.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
If you want them coated, you can arrange to buy coated from Summit/Jegs or have them send the painted headers to Jet-Hot (my preference) and then Jet-Hot will strip, coat and ship to you.
My Hedmann's are on their 12th year since Jet-Hot coating in 2000. Now way the painted headers would have lasted 1/3 that time.
Why Hedmann? They fit the engine compartment w/out any finesse. 1 5/8" tubes and made in the USA. Quality product for a small block chevy.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I only have experience with one set of headers on this car and it is the same ones Ted is talking about. I like pictures so I am going to post some for you.
These came on the car when I bought it. It was neglected and in a field and they had never been painted. There were some thin spots right by the exhaust port where they had become weak and developed holes. Because they fit and were good otherwise, I welded a patch over those spots and had them coated by http://www.cradin.com/ I am not advocating this guys coating over Jethot. Here is what they look like 2 years later though.
They fit without having to dimple them. However, on my car the power steering cylinder is close. I imagine it has been this close since they were installed. Sometimes I think about scooting the arm over an inch or so but it seems fine.
And I am not a fan of the 3 bolt header flange and gasket set up. I had my exhaust guy cut them off and weld on some V-band clamps which I am very happy with.
These came on the car when I bought it. It was neglected and in a field and they had never been painted. There were some thin spots right by the exhaust port where they had become weak and developed holes. Because they fit and were good otherwise, I welded a patch over those spots and had them coated by http://www.cradin.com/ I am not advocating this guys coating over Jethot. Here is what they look like 2 years later though.
They fit without having to dimple them. However, on my car the power steering cylinder is close. I imagine it has been this close since they were installed. Sometimes I think about scooting the arm over an inch or so but it seems fine.
And I am not a fan of the 3 bolt header flange and gasket set up. I had my exhaust guy cut them off and weld on some V-band clamps which I am very happy with.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 7
From: Wentzville MO
I had a set of Stan's on my 78 and they bolted right up no problem. The only issue was the ceramic coating didn't last for the price I paid for it. I can't say if they produced more power than any other as I never got around to dyno. Just sold the used set to a forum member.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I'm using the Hooker Competition headers with the ceramic coating. They were easy to install and fit great. No clearance issues. I didn't have to make any dents or dings in them to make them fit.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 9,433
Likes: 239
From: Powassan ON
HSC with steeroids. No need to dimple the header.
Some others will need dimpling.
If your looking at adding steeroids inthe future, check thier website for header clearances.
dodosmike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have McJacks. Not a fan of LTH on most cars for the street-Too many issues: Road Clearance, engine clearance, noise, heat rejection etc. The McJacks are great!
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Last edited by jb78L-82; Feb 7, 2013 at 03:41 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I don't think the factory 82's were 1 5/8 inch primaries. I have seen the factory tubular manifolds on the 81/82's and the primaries are much smaller. I replaced the factory ford tubular exhaust manifolds on my 94 Mustang GT Convertible a few years ago with BBK shorties and the 1 5/8 inch primaries on those shorties were almost twice as big as ford's. The power difference was noticeable on the street.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
I don't think the factory 82's were 1 5/8 inch primaries. I have seen the factory tubular manifolds on the 81/82's and the primaries are much smaller. I replaced the factory ford tubular exhaust manifolds on my 94 Mustang GT Convertible a few years ago with BBK shorties and the 1 5/8 inch primaries on those shorties were almost twice as big as ford's. The power difference was noticeable on the street.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Yes you are correct, no where near that size but looks identical. Those were only available on the 82 not 81. I right now have the tight tuck headers that are ceramic coated and 1 5/8 and didn't feel a difference at all. Who knows...Maybe it's because of my restrictive intake??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 15
I went to the web site and looked at them, extremely nice indeed but the ones they had for the 82 had the emissions in with it. Mine no longer have it.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
I went with the Hedman 68300 for my engine. I had them ceramic coated and then installed them on my Dart Pro 1 straight plug heads. Everything fit perfectly. Did not have to ding any pipes and it was quite easy to get to the header bolts to tighten them. 