Headers
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,305
Likes: 8,110
From: Napa Valley California
Headers
I'm looking at several header options for my 73 big block 496.
I came across Sanderson Headers which are a 3/8" flange, 16ga mild steel ceramic coated header.
I'm also looking at Hedman and Hooker super comps.
Hooker and Hedman are long tube headers and I'm worried about ground clearance.
The Sanderson's are a short tube header but I'm wondering if there is any benefit running a short tube header?
I came across Sanderson Headers which are a 3/8" flange, 16ga mild steel ceramic coated header.
I'm also looking at Hedman and Hooker super comps.
Hooker and Hedman are long tube headers and I'm worried about ground clearance.
The Sanderson's are a short tube header but I'm wondering if there is any benefit running a short tube header?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 653
From: Thunder Bay
I have Hooker Super Comp headers on my '79 small block and they are not the lowest point on the car. I know that's no guarantee that the Hooker product for a '73 big block will be the same, so take it for what its worth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
On a 496, you should be running at least a 2" primary tube. Headman and hooker have been around long enough, that they will have a header that will fit the car well. Is your car going to be the factory ride height/ or have you dropped the car at all with lower profile tires etc.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,305
Likes: 8,110
From: Napa Valley California
On a 496, you should be running at least a 2" primary tube. Headman and hooker have been around long enough, that they will have a header that will fit the car well. Is your car going to be the factory ride height/ or have you dropped the car at all with lower profile tires etc.
I am worried about ground clearance, that's why I'm considering going with the Sandersons because they are not a long tube header.
If I can find the right header that won't hang down too low, that would be best.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,305
Likes: 8,110
From: Napa Valley California
One of the biggest issues is finding anyone who make a header for corvette big blocks. Small block headers are easy to find.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
The Hedman 2” headers definitely have the best ground clearance. They are perfect for a 496. You can buy them directly from Jet Hot already coated if you want.
I have the 1 7/8” Hookers and the ground clearance isn’t bad, but the orientation of the 3 bolt flange puts one bolt at 6 o’clock, right where you don’t want it.
The new style 2 bolt “ball” flanges are the way to go but. I haven’t see any available for big block C3s.
Eventually, I’ll be replacing mine with the 2” Hedmans.
I have the 1 7/8” Hookers and the ground clearance isn’t bad, but the orientation of the 3 bolt flange puts one bolt at 6 o’clock, right where you don’t want it.
The new style 2 bolt “ball” flanges are the way to go but. I haven’t see any available for big block C3s.
Eventually, I’ll be replacing mine with the 2” Hedmans.
Last edited by ajrothm; Feb 19, 2018 at 03:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,305
Likes: 8,110
From: Napa Valley California
Thanks. I was worries about the 2" tubes and clearance issues near the Borgenson steering box.
I'll give Hedman a call and see what they say and asked if they will be manufacturing two bolt ball flanges for the big blocks any time soon and report back.
I'll give Hedman a call and see what they say and asked if they will be manufacturing two bolt ball flanges for the big blocks any time soon and report back.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 346
Likes: 33
From: OKC OK
Flowmaster makes an exhaust kit that has the 2-bolt flanges. Would be relatively easy to cut off the 3-bolt flange and weld the new on. There is also a ball flange kit for about $80 less that maybe an option. Either one could be done at home with a small mig and cutoff wheel in a grinder. I modded a set of headers with 3/8 flanges, merge collectors and v-band flanges and it wasn't that difficult.