I just got a set of Headmans for my '76. I got them only because I needed a smog legal set .... :smash: :smash: :mad

We stock Thorley and Doug's Headers both at work (http://www.thedynoshop.com) but neither one makes a smog legal header and they don't guarentee fitment on anything that is not a direct fit from their catalog. So I didn't want to buy the ones they list for the '74 - and they wouldn't have been smog legal anyway.

So I'm looking at my new Hedmans. Yep they have the smog fittings. Yep they are ceramic coated :rolleyes: :seeya and look great. But the flanges are only 1/4 inch or so!

Thorley's claim to fame is their thick flange, and we never have a problem with them warping and leaking. I'd like to hear from other Hedman owners about leaks/warpage from the flange up by the head. AM I JUST BEING :smash: PARANOID? OR WHAT?? :cheers:

 

I have the Thorleys with thick flanges, no leaks and I think they're awesome. My.02


[Modified by Surfer69, 2:29 PM 11/1/2002]

 

I have the hedmans - for almost 6 months now - never a leak yet. and I'm using cheap paper gaskets :eek:

I did retighten after 1 week just to be sure - none really needed it.

 

I am using Hedman Sidemount ceramic coated header. They have been on a 74 vette for 3 years with "No" gaskets. No leaks.
Ed

 

I used Thorleys on my 68 BB Chevelle, they worked great, never leaked in 2 years I had it. Just my little experience.

 

I won't voice my low opinion of headman 'off the shelf' crap yet again on theis forum.

Oops! :rolleyes:

 

:confused: , I must have missed that post.

 

Headman ( and Hooker ) can and do make good headers. But mostly they make these awefull 'O-ringed', non-equal length, thin wall, horribly fitting pieces that give headers a bad name.

And no supercomps arn't good headers. they are oversized bad headers.

 

Hello Paul,
You should have called Thorley Headers to inquire what so different with '76 vs '74.
I purchased Doug Thorley headers with A.I.R. smog pump fittings through Summit for about $350. They had to be made on order as Summit and Thorley were both out of stock. Call Doug Thorley directly for the right part number (THY-350-S) and get a secound dealer address to compare prices - Summit will price match with no state tax and usually free shipping on orders>$100.
You'll also need the GM part number for the tubing branches (or what ever thier called) from Thorley and you can purchase the tubing branches from gmpartsdirect.com. With just minor tweaking the tube branches should bolt right up. May want to use grafite tape to help sealing though. I even got an A/C compressor bracket from Thorley. If you really have the need, Thorley headers are made nearby in Corona, CA.
I haven't installed mine yet but used Thorley headers on my '90 sb pickup for about 4 years with no problems. They are thick flanged and thick tubed and are good looking with just the normal industrial chrome finish. You can request them unchromed - bare - for ceramic coating later but I don't see the need. The Thorley headers used on my pickup blued very little and never corroded.
Good Luck and Keep'm Run'n ;)

 

Hello Paul,
You should have called Thorley Headers to inquire what so different with '76 vs '74.
I purchased Doug Thorley headers with A.I.R. smog pump fittings through Summit for about $350. They had to be made on order as Summit and Thorley were both out of stock. Call Doug Thorley directly for the right part number (THY-350-S) and get a secound dealer address to compare prices - Summit will price match with no state tax and usually free shipping on orders>$100.


Well, if Thorley had told me that I'd have bought them direct. I am a stocking dealer for them at The Dyno Shop. in San Diego. But they insisted they didn't have a legal header for the '76. Also tried good ol' Doug's headers (yep he still makes headers) because we are dealers for him too. :cool:

 

It's probably less about the headers and more about CARB numbers!
76's had Catalytic converters, 74's didn't