1975 Big block swap
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1975 Big block swap
I have a 1975 that I am doing a pro street build on. I have a short deck BBC in it but I am struggling to find a header that clears the steering gear box. Does anyone know of a header that clears, or has anyone done a similar swap and had to switch to a non-power box?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
First, the non power box is same as power. I used Hedmans on my '66 BB. Just had to dimple the tube passing by the box, and a little at the idler arm, no big deal!
This was for under car, out the back exhaust
This was for under car, out the back exhaust
Last edited by mikem350; Mar 5, 2016 at 12:02 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 583
Likes: 61
From: USA
i was using the hedman headers on my 78 BBC conversion, under the car out the back exit. dimpled by the steering box and by the idler arm (dent-tuning), as mentioned by mikem350. very straightforward.
it had power steering, until i got tired of the never-ending leaks. then it became a manual steering car.
it had power steering, until i got tired of the never-ending leaks. then it became a manual steering car.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Hooker will never change it's jig for making headers. I designed small block headers based on the Hooker design and while it took a few protypes I was able to make the headers fit with no clearance issues.
You would think a big company like Hooker would have the resources to make a few small adjustments they are well aware exist but they don't. The header design is probably 30 years old and I don't understand why they won't budge from their original design, can't cost that much.
You would think a big company like Hooker would have the resources to make a few small adjustments they are well aware exist but they don't. The header design is probably 30 years old and I don't understand why they won't budge from their original design, can't cost that much.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 154
I didn't have to dimple my super comp hookers on my 427.Food for thought,when I pulled my engine I must have switched left to right motor and I got 3/16" clearance.When I pulled engine years later and put new mounts in the clearance got smaller,so my thought is play around with motor mounts.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 7
From: Orlando Florida
Summit and Jegs both sell them. The 3 1/2 collector headers are special order, but are worth the extra money. Lemons will build you a slip on collector set of headers for your car. They cost around 1400.00 for those. The Hookers cost me just under a grand with Coating.
Good luck,
Joe