What is the best fit headers “shorty or long” and brand. For a 73 l 48 automatic with air.
It has the stock manifold and 2” pipes.
Just trying to decide do I keep original or is it worth it to go to a header set up with bigger pipes.
engine is totally stock.

 

I have a great set of StainlessWorks 1-5/8 inch long tube headers for sale in the Classified section, upgrading to big inch motor, these worked great on my 350. Headers make a difference in power, but if you are completely stock, not sure what gains you will have. If interested PM me.

 

Thanks. I’m looking for information on best fitment.
around starter, steering box ect.

 

I have installed both Hedman Elite and Stainless Works 1-5/8 inch headers on my 77, and the clearance was great on everything. I would say the Stainless Works had the most clearance. I even have a heavy duty idler arm, which is bulkier than a stock, and it cleared that as well.

 

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.

 

First question. Are you going to have to meet emissions? If so you’ll have to make sure you have something that is CARB compliant with AIR injection.

 

Been through many exhaust changes with both 1977 & 1978 (Both L-48) Vettes.
Made changes to only 1-car at a time then tested against each other.
Going to genuine duel-exhaust without the cat yielded increased performance with both (recurved HEI)
Going to 2-1/2" exhaust manifolds & larger exhaust pipes made a tiny-bit of difference.
Once engine modifications were done on the 1978 the exhaust modifications were then a needed positive.
A few notes: Some Shorty Headers can heat damage the motor mount rubber.
Remember Corvette underhood area is much smaller compaired to a Camaro - Chevelle - Pickup Truck.
Thus heat control is more difficult.
Some Good Header Brands are named in the above post.
I have also been impressed by STAN's Tri-Y Design fitment on C2/C3 Small Block Corvettes.
If You are going to leave the L48 Stock You probably will not notice much performance improvement from headers?
A true duel exhaust / No Cat or modern free flow cats if necessary / Headers can't hurt & sound cool.
Gaskets at the heads can be a pain with headers - there are solutions with enough time & money.
Just My Humble Opinion (JMHO) Happy 2020

 

I ran the headman ceramic coated headers on my 72. They were full length and were part number Hed-68306. I had no fit issues and had no issues mounting the collectors to a stock style exhaust.


Same car

 

Do not waste money on shorty headers.......
If you do decide to change it out....a set of Hedman's (ceramic coated) and a premium 2.5" exhaust will yield great benefits when combined with a distributor curve....and proper timing setting.
I have Hedman's on my 72'....they fit perfect.
Also watch out as most performance exhaust systems for C2 and C3 Vette's have a 2" outlet at the muffler regardless if the system is 2.5" or not.....and this talk about "well the exhaust gasses are cooler back there and it doesn't matter" stuff is pure Bulls%&t.......if you plumb a water pipe at 2.5" inches and then weld a washer with a two inch hole in it...the pressure goes up and the volume decreases......A guy at Corvette Central tried to tell me this BS about 5 years ago and I laughed and hung up on him......this hobby has enough fairy tales in it and teaching your employees to tell this to customers is a joke.
Pypes makes a really nice true 2.5 system......
Anyway...you will notice the difference.

Jebby

 

While my response may be self serving, I do have these 1-5/8 inch Stainless Work headers for sale, and Stainless Works makes a great stainless mandrel bent 2-1/2 exhaust system that connects directly to my headers for sale, and go into what they call Turbo S mufflers, that have a nice rumble without drone. and will provide the exhaust system that you need.. Check them out on their website. You can save money by buying my headers, but the rest of the system is still pricey, but the quality and fit is outstanding. I highly recommend it.

 

Would you happen to know if those Hedman headers will fit with a Borgeson power steering system?

DC

 

I have some of the "early" style hooker ones that fit pretty good and really wake up a modified engine. I don't know if you can get them anymore and shipping is probably cost prohibitive. If you can find some local they work really well. Shorty are a waste of time and money for anything except for a really space restricted engine compartment. Don't waste your money on them.

 

It is hit and miss regarding clearance issues between all headers and the steering box on Corvettes OEM and Borgeson.
Some header brands with the same part number will clear the box on one persons Corvette but the same brand and part number will need to be dimpled on another Corvette.
Dimpling a header tube will make no difference in performance and will be unnoticeable if done nicely.
There are many threads on this issue and there is a great U Tube video from Engine Masters where they smashed several headers and ran Dyno tests.
Some people have had slight clearance issues and got the clearance they needed just by loosening the engine and trans mounts and pushed them slightly over.
Purchase a good quality header, with the proper primary tube diameter for you performance needs and make sure they are ceramic coated.
Another thing to consider when installing a long tube header is ground clearance if you have or are considering lowering you car.
Headers are a pain in the but to install, however once they are in the performance gains make them well worth it.

 

These are the ones I'm talking about that I have, although they are now made in Mexico, so I don't know that quality control is what it once was.. May have to ding a pipe here and there.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hooker-Head...EAAOSwT7Nd1YV~

 

OP 7D
First, put your state in your profile because anytime you ask about change which might affect emissions testing, it matters what Jurisdiction you're in.

Compared to '75-up C3, '73 L48 already has a decent True Dual OE exhaust. Installing headers is Not so difficult but someone (T$E) does have to cut / weld them in.

With Both its carb & distributor tuned for performance, an otherwise OE '73 L48 probably makes some 260-280HP on engine dyno WITH HEADERS & NO Mufflers.

IMO, a performance upgrade of headers ALONE are Not worth the expense & trouble on a < 280HP street motor; JMO.

Happy, Healthy New Year for all.

 

Hedman and Hooker full length headers fit will. They are not a problem around the starter. They can be tight around the idler arm sometimes.