best headers for small block?

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Oct 23, 2014 | 05:35 PM

chevyfiftynine

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 178

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From: York UK

best headers for small block?

Hi Guys,

I just had new Magnaflow mufflers fitted to my '69 350 manual but they still don't sound great at low speed. I'm still using the original ramshorn manifolds, and I wondered if headers would give the proper V8 sound. I've got 2 and a half pipes. What's the best to buy - Hooker or Hedman? Will they make any difference and will they fit the car - there's no air con or power brakes. Any advice on the best headers to buy? I'm in the UK so I'd buy them here if I could.

Thanks,

Barry.

Oct 23, 2014 | 06:38 PM

TX-Techman

Racer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 413

Likes: 22

From: Justin TX

I have a 69 with 350 and Turbo 400. I put a set of coated Headman on her and love the sound. I like the way Headman connects to the exhaust pipes, you never have to worry about flange gasket leaks.

The only issue is that on the passenger side where the idler bolts to the frame you will have to bend the tube to clear it. I bought mine used and wondered why they were bent. I straightened it up then had to re-bend them to clear. Not a big deal but just an FYI. I would have the check the precise part number but they were the correct ones for the car according to Headman. You would think after 40 years they would be fit without modification but they are not.

I have heard of similar issues with other brands so assume this is typical. This is my first set so I was not expecting an issue like this.

Oct 23, 2014 | 10:15 PM

gjohnson

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 1,803

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From: Denver CO

I have Ceramic coated Hooker Competition long tubes w/2 1/2 on mine.Tight fit but no mods needed.Nice rumble at idle w/flowmaster series 40. Killer sounding when you get on it!A little more giddy up compared to ramhorns.

Oct 24, 2014 | 08:26 AM

gkull

Team Owner

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 21,953

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From: Reno Nevada

2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified

Get coated headers or stainless steel. I had the Headman headers for years and then switched to the bigger 1 3/4 primary size Hooker Super comp.

I tried various locking header bolt ideas. I use ARP studs, but these work.

FelPro blue steel header gaskets are the best. I think this is what you need on stock heads.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fe...make/chevrolet

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...Header%20Bolts

http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...5%2B4294849860

Oct 25, 2014 | 08:56 PM

pauldana

Race Director

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 10,956

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From: California

BEST?????? Kooks stainless steel ceramic coated

Oct 25, 2014 | 10:24 PM

Solid LT1

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 5,727

Likes: 38

From: Fremont CA

I have a set of Stainless Works 1 3/4 headers for a SBC C2/3, they are nice but, I decided to go LS......$650 if anyone is in the market......

Oct 26, 2014 | 08:55 AM

3JsVette

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 14,889

Likes: 3,324

From: NYC NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauldana

BEST?????? Kooks stainless steel ceramic coated

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solid LT1

I have a set of Stainless Works 1 3/4 headers for a SBC C2/3, they are nice but, I decided to go LS......$650 if anyone is in the market......

You did say best. You may want to talk to Solid LT11.
Just a thought.............