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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 11:26 AM
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Default Header Sugestions

Thinking about installing headers on my s b 71. Basically looking for some ideas that others have done. Basic set will do. No sidepipes. I have straight baffled pipes on car now which I would like to re use.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Vettesic
Thinking about installing headers on my s b 71. Basically looking for some ideas that others have done. Basic set will do. No sidepipes. I have straight baffled pipes on car now which I would like to re use.

If your C3 is used strictly to go from point A to point B you'll see little (if any) gain in performance at the lower rpm range. I suggest sticking with the extremely durable cast iron manifolds.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 01:36 PM
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Mines a BBC but I went with Hedman headers. Non coated.

I had them coated inside and out for less then Hedman charged for outside coating.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 02:04 PM
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Headers are the single best upgrade for a C3... then the rest of the exhaust...
you will show improvement in the bottom, middle and upper end... along with a MPG increases.

Get ceramic coated tuned pipes with a good sized flange by the head.. headman and hooker are not so expensive..and ok-good


if ANYONE tells you headers won't make any improvement they are just plan full of $^!*
I run Kooks, but they may be more $$ than you want to spend at around $1000.00

Last edited by pauldana; Dec 11, 2015 at 02:05 PM.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Vettesic
Thinking about installing headers on my s b 71. Basically looking for some ideas that others have done. Basic set will do. No sidepipes. I have straight baffled pipes on car now which I would like to re use.
If you're not planning any major head, cam and carb upgrades I'd look for a Tri-Y header design. You might not need full length four in one headers unless you're building a heavy breather. I've used the Tri-Y with noticeable success on small V8s in the past. Noticeable above 3800 rpms anyway.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Silvertone
If you're not planning any major head, cam and carb upgrades I'd look for a Tri-Y header design. You might not need full length four in one headers unless you're building a heavy breather. I've used the Tri-Y with noticeable success on small V8s in the past. Noticeable above 3800 rpms anyway.
I've had the tri-y on a bone-stock engine and noticed power gains from idle all the way up.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 04:29 PM
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I am using the 2456 Hooker Headers in the black ceramic coating. Very easy to install. Fit is great. I love 'em.
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Street Rat
I am using the 2456 Hooker Headers in the black ceramic coating. Very easy to install. Fit is great. I love 'em.

Same as yours?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers...456-1/10002/-1
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Old Dec 12, 2015 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Vettesic
Yes. Except mine are the 2456-3 which are black ceramic coated.
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 06:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Vettesic
Thinking about installing headers on my s b 71. Basically looking for some ideas that others have done. Basic set will do. No sidepipes. I have straight baffled pipes on car now which I would like to re use.
Suggest that you look at Stan's headers. http://www.stans-headers.com/ They are a Tri-Y design that will give you more torque on the street, they are incredibly well made, and they are gorgeous. They are also a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 11:14 AM
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Thanks all. Will orig a/c unit be in way of header?
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Vettesic
Thanks all. Will orig a/c unit be in way of header?
I was working on a Vette with header installation and we had to buy a alternator mounting bracket that mounted over the header flange. So you used longer bolts on the first two exhaust bolts
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 11:30 AM
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I love my Hedman headers.
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 11:46 AM
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What do you have to complete 5he systems from the headers back...How standard are headers from one brand to another.....How close to the ground are they?...I don't see how different brands can match up with existing OE exhaust pipes, principally those between the headers and mufflers

Not everyone has a Ben Pierson............
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Old Dec 13, 2015 | 01:11 PM
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Dont let all the science confuse u. Until u learn more just install a economical set of long tube ceramic coated headers and u will be far ahead of stock cast manifolds and ready for most other performance improvements.

U can stay late up for months reading all the different header design improvements and what they do. Until u really know what u need for your displacement, cam, intake, type of racing and driving save your $$$. A set of coated headers from Jeg's or Summit will get u most of what u want for now. Yes Hedman and Hooker (heck even PaceSetter) makes a good header for the money but Jeg's or Summit will sell u their copy cat header for less $$$.

Remember your corvette is a Chevy, u dont have to spend like a Ferrari to make it fast and fun.
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Old Dec 14, 2015 | 07:59 AM
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I pulled the trigger and bought a set of brand new painted Summit headers off a member for a really good price. After that, I had to buy stripper, primer, paint and clear coat, AC bracket, upgraded gaskets and header bolts, etc. By the time I had bought everything I needed to "do it right", I could have bought a set of coated headers and saved the aggravation, and the labor involved. Buy coated headers. Skip the painted ones. I anticipate keeping my painted ones on for a year or two, then upgrading to SS. If your going to do it, do it right.

Last edited by Redhook98; Dec 14, 2015 at 01:43 PM.
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Old Dec 14, 2015 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by toobroketoretire
If your C3 is used strictly to go from point A to point B you'll see little (if any) gain in performance at the lower rpm range. I suggest sticking with the extremely durable cast iron manifolds.
I completely disagree here steve.

Op:
Reguardless of which brand you'll need to cut the exhaust and weld flanges on that meet up with the Header flange. Not completely difficult but takes a little mock up of the exhaust pipes once the headers are installed. Look for headers that have the thicker 3/8" head flanges and some headers have a ball flange at the collector to eliminate leaky collector flanges
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Old Dec 14, 2015 | 03:56 PM
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I just installed Hooker ceramic coated full length headers and I'm well pleased.
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