SHADRACK

I have a 1980 Corvette with a 427 and a 6-71 blower. I purchased ceramic coated big block Doug headers and side pipes for it but before installing, I looked up the specs on the World Merlin 2 heads I have and the exhaust port is .600" higher than stock. Anyone out there install these before and if so, were there any clearance issues with the frame since they are almost 5/8" higher? Thanks

MotorHead

Don't forget the heads are on an angle, it's not like the exhaust port is 5/8' higher straight up, when you factor in the angle of the heads it will be less than 1/2" to 3/8" higher than stock. And in my experience it doesn't really make any difference for the exhaust port to be a little higher than stock when using headers .

SHADRACK

That's a great point! I just know there is not a lot of clearance to begin with so just wanted some other opinions before I spent a lot of time yanking the rusty Hedmans off, try to install these, have them not fit and waste a ton of time for no gain. Really appreciate the help.

MotorHead

If you have rusty old headers with no holes in them you can get them ceramic coated and they will come back looking better than new. That what I did a few engines back.

SHADRACK

Thanks. Actually the Hedman headers have about 100 miles and 7 years on them but they started rusting as soon as I started the fresh motor. I do like the side pipe look and going to attempt getting them on. Wish me luck! Those Doug Headers look very stout and very well built so I believe I will be happy with them. If you are wondering why I only have 100 miles on the car in 7 years, had a number of rear end issues- stuff I purchased from Van Steel gave me so much grief, I walked away from the car for a long time to regroup. Actually bought a 2003 Z06 to fill the void for my need for speed. Back working on the '80 again. Will be on the road, with side pipes in June.