header confused
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
header confused
going to rebuild engine, base model, not looking to hot rod but would like to add headers and maybe aluminum intake, so many header options, looking for exact fit, dont want to modify car or header, best looks that last, no sidepipes, any suggestions appreciated
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
This is what I used. I had no problems with fit, but I do have rack and pinion steering.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bi...ette/year/1973
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bi...ette/year/1973
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 3
I just recently replaced the 30 year old Hedman headers in my 70 base w/ac, of which fit perfect with my 400 TH trannie. Long story short the old headers did not clean up as well as hoped for ceramic coating so I purchased the new Hedman 68300' s that should have fit well but the new design swept much closer to the block and would not clear my trannie. Returned them and then I ponied up for the Doug's from the advice of the guys at Summit and these fit perfect!! Appear to be well made.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I know you dont want to hot rod the motor, but if you are going through the effort and expense to rebuild the motor and add headers and an aftermarket intake, then I would bet you a beer that there is an aftermarket cam choice out there that will add performance or mpg or something. There is 40 something years of technology in cams since then.
Are you looking for a block hugger header that will bolt up to the existing exhaust pipe or a long tube header that does not require any dimples or other mods? Adapting any long tube headers is going to require some cutting and welding to mate with your existing pipes.
I would not rule out a well thought out cam upgrade.
Are you looking for a block hugger header that will bolt up to the existing exhaust pipe or a long tube header that does not require any dimples or other mods? Adapting any long tube headers is going to require some cutting and welding to mate with your existing pipes.
I would not rule out a well thought out cam upgrade.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
thanks, theres something to smoke over, all of exhaust is going to be replaced so a long tube header would probably be my choice. the cam upgrade is probably a good idea too, nothing wrong with a little more power, better mpg would be bonus
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I have the hedman headers. I dont know if you have ever had headers before or perhaps its been long enough to forget about some of the issues they can bring. Here are some things to think about.
1. Heat- It can be hard on your starter. There are several ways to combat this but if you have never had a heat soaked starter, headers will help that...
2. Loose bolts- They come loose all the time. Again, several ways to combat this.
3. Fitment- Its why you posted. Just cause they fit in there doesnt mean its easy to do.
4. Leaky collectors- That 3 bolt collector flange can leak if it gets bent or as they get old.
They sound good and add noticable power. Here is a pic of how I fixed the leaky collector issue. Some header makers have other connection options. I had to use a sawsall and V-band clamps
Clamps installed just after crossmember for easy tranny removal.
1. Heat- It can be hard on your starter. There are several ways to combat this but if you have never had a heat soaked starter, headers will help that...
2. Loose bolts- They come loose all the time. Again, several ways to combat this.
3. Fitment- Its why you posted. Just cause they fit in there doesnt mean its easy to do.
4. Leaky collectors- That 3 bolt collector flange can leak if it gets bent or as they get old.
They sound good and add noticable power. Here is a pic of how I fixed the leaky collector issue. Some header makers have other connection options. I had to use a sawsall and V-band clamps
Clamps installed just after crossmember for easy tranny removal.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
without calling it hot rodding make your engine more effecient get your compression up and get rid of the silly .390/410 lift factory cam. compression and lift are both your friends for extra torque.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Feb 26, 2013 at 10:49 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
