Exhaust Headers
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: s a
Exhaust Headers
Hi, I'm Kathy, the partner of Aussie Ken B who joined your forum a couple of weeks ago, and I really need your help.
We are 'down under' in Australia and recently imported our 1972 Corvette Coupe from Simi Valley California. She is gorgeous but we are having trouble getting her past the inspection for road registration. We didn't pass inspection yesterday because it has exhaust headers fitted. I need to find proof that exhaust headers were supplied from factory as an option. The build date of ours is August 71.
I've heard that Thomas and Kustom are the two companies contracted to Chevy for supply of the exhaust systems.
I've also heard that Chevy supplied the headers sometimes in a burlap sack in the trunk and the dealer fitted them.
Someone said they were an option for LT1 and ZL1 and also for Z28 Camaros, so they must have had supplied them from factory for some vehicles.
You guys are a wealth of information so I would really appreciate any help or links you can provide.
Cheers, Kathy
We are 'down under' in Australia and recently imported our 1972 Corvette Coupe from Simi Valley California. She is gorgeous but we are having trouble getting her past the inspection for road registration. We didn't pass inspection yesterday because it has exhaust headers fitted. I need to find proof that exhaust headers were supplied from factory as an option. The build date of ours is August 71.
I've heard that Thomas and Kustom are the two companies contracted to Chevy for supply of the exhaust systems.
I've also heard that Chevy supplied the headers sometimes in a burlap sack in the trunk and the dealer fitted them.
Someone said they were an option for LT1 and ZL1 and also for Z28 Camaros, so they must have had supplied them from factory for some vehicles.
You guys are a wealth of information so I would really appreciate any help or links you can provide.
Cheers, Kathy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Hi, I'm Kathy, the partner of Aussie Ken B who joined your forum a couple of weeks ago, and I really need your help.
We are 'down under' in Australia and recently imported our 1972 Corvette Coupe from Simi Valley California. She is gorgeous but we are having trouble getting her past the inspection for road registration. We didn't pass inspection yesterday because it has exhaust headers fitted. I need to find proof that exhaust headers were supplied from factory as an option. The build date of ours is August 71.
I've heard that Thomas and Kustom are the two companies contracted to Chevy for supply of the exhaust systems.
I've also heard that Chevy supplied the headers sometimes in a burlap sack in the trunk and the dealer fitted them.
Someone said they were an option for LT1 and ZL1 and also for Z28 Camaros, so they must have had supplied them from factory for some vehicles.
You guys are a wealth of information so I would really appreciate any help or links you can provide.
Cheers, Kathy
We are 'down under' in Australia and recently imported our 1972 Corvette Coupe from Simi Valley California. She is gorgeous but we are having trouble getting her past the inspection for road registration. We didn't pass inspection yesterday because it has exhaust headers fitted. I need to find proof that exhaust headers were supplied from factory as an option. The build date of ours is August 71.
I've heard that Thomas and Kustom are the two companies contracted to Chevy for supply of the exhaust systems.
I've also heard that Chevy supplied the headers sometimes in a burlap sack in the trunk and the dealer fitted them.
Someone said they were an option for LT1 and ZL1 and also for Z28 Camaros, so they must have had supplied them from factory for some vehicles.
You guys are a wealth of information so I would really appreciate any help or links you can provide.
Cheers, Kathy
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
There were no exhaust headers available from the factory nor via GM-approved dealer-installed components. I'm not sure how you are to deal with such a situation. The exhaust manifolds were not really a component of the '72 car's emissions control system, so I'm not sure what the issue is "down under". It could be that Aussie Customs has taken the stance that the engines have to be in the same configuration/condition that was shipped from the factory, as that was what the EPA approved for production.
My "guess" is that you will have to ask for an 'exception' (if such a thing is available to you); or that you will have to find/purchase some factory-correct exhaust manifolds and have them installed and inspected by some Aussie 'official' before it can be licensed and put on the road.
You have my best wishes on a quick resolution.
My "guess" is that you will have to ask for an 'exception' (if such a thing is available to you); or that you will have to find/purchase some factory-correct exhaust manifolds and have them installed and inspected by some Aussie 'official' before it can be licensed and put on the road.
You have my best wishes on a quick resolution.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: s a
Hi and thank you to all who have replied. I think you may be right and I will have change it. It's not an emissions control issue, it's more that that only allow left hand drive vehicles here that are factory standard.
I suppose we can still buy the standard manifolds? I was told in stock form they may be very hard to find? I've heard they are the same as our Holden Statesman as well - a GM part?
Cheers Kathy
I suppose we can still buy the standard manifolds? I was told in stock form they may be very hard to find? I've heard they are the same as our Holden Statesman as well - a GM part?
Cheers Kathy
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Since the AIM only has the part number for the completed engine (it was 'supplied' by another division), the manifold part numbers will not be included in it.
You should check out the FOR SALE section of this Forum. Sometimes, such piece come up for sale.
One can buy "reproduction" exhaust manifolds, but the early 'base' engine model manifolds did not require the A.I.R. pump/tubes, so the manifolds don't need to threaded fittings at each outlet. Most of the repros have the A.I.R. fittings and expect the buyer to plug them. Probably not what you have in mind.
I would really look into the possibility of whether there is a route for an "exception" being made in your case. The headers (mounted to a completely stock engine, otherwise) have little effect on engine performance--except that the under'bonnet' temps will be higher.
You should check out the FOR SALE section of this Forum. Sometimes, such piece come up for sale.
One can buy "reproduction" exhaust manifolds, but the early 'base' engine model manifolds did not require the A.I.R. pump/tubes, so the manifolds don't need to threaded fittings at each outlet. Most of the repros have the A.I.R. fittings and expect the buyer to plug them. Probably not what you have in mind.
I would really look into the possibility of whether there is a route for an "exception" being made in your case. The headers (mounted to a completely stock engine, otherwise) have little effect on engine performance--except that the under'bonnet' temps will be higher.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Friends in Melbourne???
Kathy,
I'm a member of the 900-strong Chevrolet Car Club of Victoria Inc. and I'm sure that SOMEWHERE in Victoria we can dig up a set of standard manifolds for you. E-mail me on john@allvet.com.au or phone 03-9502-3227. I'll ask around.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
I'm a member of the 900-strong Chevrolet Car Club of Victoria Inc. and I'm sure that SOMEWHERE in Victoria we can dig up a set of standard manifolds for you. E-mail me on john@allvet.com.au or phone 03-9502-3227. I'll ask around.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
There were no exhaust headers available from the factory nor via GM-approved dealer-installed components. I'm not sure how you are to deal with such a situation. The exhaust manifolds were not really a component of the '72 car's emissions control system, so I'm not sure what the issue is "down under". It could be that Aussie Customs has taken the stance that the engines have to be in the same configuration/condition that was shipped from the factory, as that was what the EPA approved for production.
My "guess" is that you will have to ask for an 'exception' (if such a thing is available to you); or that you will have to find/purchase some factory-correct exhaust manifolds and have them installed and inspected by some Aussie 'official' before it can be licensed and put on the road.
You have my best wishes on a quick resolution.
My "guess" is that you will have to ask for an 'exception' (if such a thing is available to you); or that you will have to find/purchase some factory-correct exhaust manifolds and have them installed and inspected by some Aussie 'official' before it can be licensed and put on the road.
You have my best wishes on a quick resolution.
I seem to recall that "Kustom Tunnel Tube Headers" (sidemounts) were indeed mentioned in one of the GM high performance "preparation manuals" for the C-3s, but I'm not sure if they were assigned a factory part number, making them legal for A and B production, SCCA racing.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 610
Likes: 167
From: Vancouver B.C.
Headers were not a factory option. But a part number exists where the dealer could order headers and dealer install them
I had headers on my car when I attempted to acquire Collector Plate status for my car. Speed equipment options were a no no. But I convinced the DMV that the car could be bought from the dealer with factory headers - dealer installed. They agreed with my reasoning. I think they took it as a grey area not encountered before.
I will try and find this GM part number in my files. Hope I still have it. MAybe someone has an old parts manual with the number still.
I had headers on my car when I attempted to acquire Collector Plate status for my car. Speed equipment options were a no no. But I convinced the DMV that the car could be bought from the dealer with factory headers - dealer installed. They agreed with my reasoning. I think they took it as a grey area not encountered before.
I will try and find this GM part number in my files. Hope I still have it. MAybe someone has an old parts manual with the number still.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
That is ridiculous. Having mufflers and or cats should be all you need for emission control for your exhaust. I would take it to a different shop, different city maybe.
Follow up with gingerbreadman1977 he is down under as well and he has a hopped up 81 and I know he has headers and as well as other go fast parts.
Follow up with gingerbreadman1977 he is down under as well and he has a hopped up 81 and I know he has headers and as well as other go fast parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Getting good documentation that such headers could have come on the car upon initial delivery to the customer might satisfy Aussie Customs. But, if they are going by the EPA certification documentation for 1972 SB C3 engine, I don't think that will fly, either.
In the US (in 1972), once the car was sold, the owner could do about anything he/she wanted to do to it....except in CA. But, the EPA engine certification requirements were very specific and GM could not alter those. The dealer could...at the customer's request, but not the factory.
I think Aussie John has the right 'tack' on the problem.
If someone can find the documentation for dealer installed headers, that might work for the OP if there is any avenue for an "exception" to the Aussie Customs requirements.
In the US (in 1972), once the car was sold, the owner could do about anything he/she wanted to do to it....except in CA. But, the EPA engine certification requirements were very specific and GM could not alter those. The dealer could...at the customer's request, but not the factory.
I think Aussie John has the right 'tack' on the problem.
If someone can find the documentation for dealer installed headers, that might work for the OP if there is any avenue for an "exception" to the Aussie Customs requirements.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: s a
Hi, and thank you all so much for your help. What you're saying is what I've heard, it's just finding something concrete to prove it. It sounds like the documentation or GM part number would be the answer.
The issue is not with customs in Australia, we had no problem importing it. And the emission control is not a problem either. It's getting past the road-worthy test so you can get it registered to drive on the road. To do that they only pass vehicles that are factory standard or fitted with factory options.
Fingers crossed we can find some proof of that, so thanks again for helping out.
Cheers, Kathy
The issue is not with customs in Australia, we had no problem importing it. And the emission control is not a problem either. It's getting past the road-worthy test so you can get it registered to drive on the road. To do that they only pass vehicles that are factory standard or fitted with factory options.
Fingers crossed we can find some proof of that, so thanks again for helping out.
Cheers, Kathy
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Don't waste another moment looking. There were no factory headers in 1972.
As mentioned in your other post on the same subject, stock manifolds and exhaust are very easy to come by.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
The CaL. 1980 & all 1981 & 1982 are the only C-3 that came with factory block hugged headers, but they also had AIR pipes welded into them for the EPA. I don't think you will have a problem getting a set of Cast Iron manifolds. Good Luck to Ya. Gene
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 610
Likes: 167
From: Vancouver B.C.
Again not a factory option in '72, and not dealer accessory option.
But part numbers existed for side mount headers. Dealer could install them. You would really have to do a sales job on this one with DMV, but you never know.
P/Ns: Made by Kustom Muffler, last 4 digits of P/Ns usually stamped on headers.
Corvette headers:
3977971 Left 350
3977972 Right 350
3960709 Left 427
3960710 Right 427
collector (side pipe)
3960713 Left 350,427
3960714 Right 350,427
header gaskets
3977970 350
3960712 427
header bolts
3960711
mufflers
3977899
Good luck.
But part numbers existed for side mount headers. Dealer could install them. You would really have to do a sales job on this one with DMV, but you never know.
P/Ns: Made by Kustom Muffler, last 4 digits of P/Ns usually stamped on headers.
Corvette headers:
3977971 Left 350
3977972 Right 350
3960709 Left 427
3960710 Right 427
collector (side pipe)
3960713 Left 350,427
3960714 Right 350,427
header gaskets
3977970 350
3960712 427
header bolts
3960711
mufflers
3977899
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
Again not a factory option in '72, and not dealer accessory option.
But part numbers existed for side mount headers. Dealer could install them. You would really have to do a sales job on this one with DMV, but you never know.
P/Ns: Made by Kustom Muffler, last 4 digits of P/Ns usually stamped on headers.
Corvette headers:
3977971 Left 350
3977972 Right 350
3960709 Left 427
3960710 Right 427
collector (side pipe)
3960713 Left 350,427
3960714 Right 350,427
header gaskets
3977970 350
3960712 427
header bolts
3960711
mufflers
3977899
Good luck.
But part numbers existed for side mount headers. Dealer could install them. You would really have to do a sales job on this one with DMV, but you never know.
P/Ns: Made by Kustom Muffler, last 4 digits of P/Ns usually stamped on headers.
Corvette headers:
3977971 Left 350
3977972 Right 350
3960709 Left 427
3960710 Right 427
collector (side pipe)
3960713 Left 350,427
3960714 Right 350,427
header gaskets
3977970 350
3960712 427
header bolts
3960711
mufflers
3977899
Good luck.
This discussion got me off my "dead azz" last evening, and I went into my "archives", to look at the GM race preparation manual I have, which was printed up about 30-35 years ago. They mentioned "headers", but simply as an aftermarket part.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: s a
Hi guys, and thanks again for your support. Dino '72 and leadfoot4 - you must have a library of information, I'm impressed!
We will see if we can find the part numbers on the headers and then we might have a case.
I was reading somewhere yesterday that to buy aftermarket manifolds and fit them, you still have to make some modification. That still won't bring it back to 'stock' form so I wonder how they view that.
Thanks again to you all. Much appreciated.
Cheers Kathy
We will see if we can find the part numbers on the headers and then we might have a case.
I was reading somewhere yesterday that to buy aftermarket manifolds and fit them, you still have to make some modification. That still won't bring it back to 'stock' form so I wonder how they view that.
Thanks again to you all. Much appreciated.
Cheers Kathy