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You are correct only two options for long tube big block headers for C3's.
I purchased a set of Hedman P.N. 68096 for my 496 project.
2" primary tubes, 3" collector, ceramic coated, with ball and socket style collector flanges.
The Hookers only have a 17/8" primary tube which would be ok for a 454 but was marginal for my 496.
It was a toss up between the Hedman's and Hooker's but I heard Hooker was having some quality issues lately so I went with Hedman.
I did have a set of Sanderson short tube headers originally and their quality was the best I've ever seen on a header.
I called Sanderson who told me they would custom build a set of long tube headers for my 73, but the cost was through the roof so I had to pass.
Last edited by OldCarBum; May 14, 2019 at 11:50 PM.
You are correct only two options for long tube big block headers for C3's.
I purchased a set of Hedman P.N. 68096 for my 496 project.
2" primary tubes, 3" collector, ceramic coated, with ball and socket style collector flanges.
The Hookers only have a 17/8" primary tube which would be ok for a 454 but was marginal for my 496.
It was a toss up between the Hedman's and Hooker's but I heard Hooker was having some quality issues lately so I went with Hedman.
I did have a set of Sanderson short tube headers originally and their quality was the best I've ever seen on a header.
I called Sanderson who told me they would custom build a set of long tube headers for my 73, but the cost was through the roof so I had to pass.
Thanks for the reply! I have a 454 that is being built right now - 550-600hp. The alum heads I am using have rectangular port exhausts, I noticed the Hedmans have round exhaust ports. Also didnt seem to find them without the socket style flange?
I called Sanderson several times now and can't seem to get a call back - apparently don't need my business.
Have you heard of anyone using the Doug's headers with success?
Call and ask to speak to Donna at Sanderson.
She is the header guru and has been their since the 70's when I was buying headers for my boats.
She will give you great advice and customer service.
I have edelbrock bbc heads with the D-port exhausts and Hedman Headers. No issues there but we did have the massage the passenger side pipe closest to the frame.
Unless things have changed (always possible), Hooker has 2 long tube headers for BBC C3's. The 1 7/8" fit well. The 2 1/8" are more race oriented and have ground clearance issues.
It's been a while since I got my Hooker 1 7/8" set, but at least back then the ceramic coating was garbage. If I got a set today I'd get them bare and have them coated by someone that does quality work. I had mine re-done after the factory coating flaked off. This is what they look like recoated.
I've had both, the 2" Hedmans and the 1 7/8" Hooker Super comps. The Hedmans fit better, with virtually no massaging, although mine does occassionaly bump the steering box. The Hookers needed a good bit of "dinging" to clear the idler arm. Also, the Hedmans are pre-clearance'd on the flanges to clear the head bolts, whereas the Hookers, you'll be grinding notices in the flanges to clear the head bolts.
The Hookers are equal length tubes and the Hedmans are not...Collector design of the Hookers seem like it would make more power. Primary tube lengths and collectors are longer. I think power wise, its probably a wash between the two, maybe leaning towards the Hookers.
The Hedmans are cheap, have ball collectors and install very easy. Can't go wrong with either option, but neither is perfect.
You could have Lemons build you a set for about $1500 if you're really building something trick.
I've had both, the 2" Hedmans and the 1 7/8" Hooker Super comps. The Hedmans fit better, with virtually no massaging, although mine does occassionaly bump the steering box. The Hookers needed a good bit of "dinging" to clear the idler arm. Also, the Hedmans are pre-clearance'd on the flanges to clear the head bolts, whereas the Hookers, you'll be grinding notices in the flanges to clear the head bolts.
The Hookers are equal length tubes and the Hedmans are not...Collector design of the Hookers seem like it would make more power. Primary tube lengths and collectors are longer. I think power wise, its probably a wash between the two, maybe leaning towards the Hookers.
The Hedmans are cheap, have ball collectors and install very easy. Can't go wrong with either option, but neither is perfect.
You could have Lemons build you a set for about $1500 if you're really building something trick.
Thanks for the great info! IRONICALY I just got off the phone with Lemons and the gentleman really didn't seem interested and told me that ACP header could help me better??
I have alum square port heads so I think the oval Hedmans are out unless I want leaks.
Unless things have changed (always possible), Hooker has 2 long tube headers for BBC C3's. The 1 7/8" fit well. The 2 1/8" are more race oriented and have ground clearance issues.
It's been a while since I got my Hooker 1 7/8" set, but at least back then the ceramic coating was garbage. If I got a set today I'd get them bare and have them coated by someone that does quality work. I had mine re-done after the factory coating flaked off. This is what they look like recoated.
Those are beautiful - what did they set ya back for recoating?
Call and ask to speak to Donna at Sanderson.
She is the header guru and has been their since the 70's when I was buying headers for my boats.
She will give you great advice and customer service.
Spoke to them today finally and they told me they don't have big block headers. Directed me to Lemons. Called them and he told me that he can't help me due to his headers not clearing the clutch linkage (negates his advertised custom work?) and directed me to ACP - who doesn't make big block headers.
I am in the same boat as you...called Lemons and ACP with no luck. Stainless works made some nice looking headers but the early ones didn't fit well (I spoke with a member here who sent his back). I'm not sure if they have improved or not, but I may give them a call. I find it hard to believe that none of these companies makes a long tube under-car big block header for C2s or C3s.
Those are beautiful - what did they set ya back for recoating?
I had them done locally. Think it was $290 for the set. Under $300 in any case. They charged a bit extra because they had to do a chemical dip to get the remains of the old coating off. If I had given them bare headers it would have been about $250. I'm very impressed with the new coating. Under hood temps are way down. I'm amazed when I pop the hood after a drive.
Call Mike at American Racing Headers. They don't show bbc C3 headers on their webpage, but they made have already made a set and still have the specs. Maybe Kerry Hitt bought Stahl's under car jigs when he acquired the side exit jigs.
Don't feel bad, you are going through all the same frustrations I recently went through regarding big block headers.
As I stated above I went to Hedman because they had the best reviews from forum members regarding fit and quality.
Good luck!
Big block header options - only 2?!
cheers fellas!
