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Greetings. There's no substitute for experience, so I'm asking what headers you have found to work well in the C3 small block cars, specifically regarding clearances (ground, spark plug, etc). May install a 700R4 down the line, if that matters.
Thanks!
Last edited by Greaser69; Jan 11, 2020 at 09:49 AM.
I have the Hooker Super Comp headers on my '79. No modifications required to make them fit. They have been on this car with a TH350, 700R4, and a Tremec TKO600 with no clearance problems. I am now running a set of AFR 220 cylinder heads with the raised exhaust ports - they still fit. The only issue has been the angle plug heads. Replacing spark plugs is more of a challenge, but it can be done. I have had these headers for well over 20 years and I have heard that more recently Hooker has had some quality control issues, but I can't really speak to that. If I were to do one thing differently, I would either buy them coated, or get them done before installing them. I fought with painting and touching them up for many years before I yanked them off and had them ceramic coated.
I have used both Hedman Elite and Stainless Works headers on my 77 Vette 350. Both have adequate clearance, but the Stainless Works cleared better, had more ground clearance, and clearly are better quality.....although they cost more. Extremely high quality welding, fit, and thick mounting flange for no warping. Really nice. I currently have my Stainless Work headers for sale in the forum classified, as I need to go bigger for my new engine. Highly recommend.
Those are some nice headers, but afraid too far away and a bit pricey on top of the engine build and transmission overhaul.
Looking at these to get her up and running, and can always change out later. These being short, long tube can be added later with plenty of exhaust pipe to work with.
Those are some nice headers, but afraid too far away and a bit pricey on top of the engine build and transmission overhaul.
Looking at these to get her up and running, and can always change out later. These being short, long tube can be added later with plenty of exhaust pipe to work with.
$95 for stainless steel headers?? Forgive me if I am skeptical. I am reminded of the old saying "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." If you elect to go with these, please keep us posted. I would love to be wrong.
Those are shorty headers and not long tube headers with small collectors and even smaller collector reducers, <2.25 pipes more like 2 inch pipes. Are they better stock manifolds? Yes! Are they better than LTHs? NO. And yes I would not expect much quality for $95. I would expect them to warp easily and quickly over time.
The Hedmans and SSW's headers are very nice.
If you are looking for big tube primaries for a small block, then these headers are a deal. I have them on my L-82 355, had them ceramic coated, all in about $500, for the headers and ceramic coating done locally.They still look this way today:
Dunno 'bout those specific $100 amazon headers ... but do recall some on CF complaining about their $100 stainless vette headers which fit motor well enough but hung WAY down ... pics were posted and they look like sh7t.
Ya know, lotsa folk order parts ... they open box and they look great ... then they post a positive review based on quick delivery and great looks ... later they find the part's bad.
Here's some hookers they fit good but close to oil filter
Here are the summit brand cheap but same thickness as hooker but fit way better
And full size starter clearance
Probably the best fitting headers I've ever had and the cheapest .
i bought some cheap stainless header off ebay just to get my project running, marketed as c3 corvette headers, and they went too low, too close to the ground. Complete waste.
I ended up buying Flowtech headers that are coated. No fitment issues and give enough ground clearance. Stainless is good, but without a coating you're looking at a lot more heat under the hood. You could spend money on a wrap, but I would say they don't look as good and the wrap is expensive. Also not as good as a header coated inside and out.
Flowtechs were the cheapest coated header I could find.
i bought some cheap stainless header off ebay just to get my project running, marketed as c3 corvette headers, and they went too low, too close to the ground. Complete waste.
I ended up buying Flowtech headers that are coated. No fitment issues and give enough ground clearance. Stainless is good, but without a coating you're looking at a lot more heat under the hood. You could spend money on a wrap, but I would say they don't look as good and the wrap is expensive. Also not as good as a header coated inside and out.
Flowtechs were the cheapest coated header I could find.
I ran these stainless uncoated headers for 16,000 and had no problems with heat at all. I think its a myth.
Very good. And better then the hookers which isn't bad ether. I cut one full coil off my car and no issues.
Do you recall the sku of the summit headers? I am looking for a pair, as my current Hedmans are waaay too low. I want to lower the car but the headers are already dragging speedbumps at factory ride height....
😂
Header suggestions - small block
