Hey guys I’m looking for suggestions on which header will fit and perform well on my 1982 C3. I am installing a Blueprint Engines 383 with aluminum heads and the original 700R4 trans and as you know I’m limited on space. Any help appreciated!

 

Sidepipes!!!

 

Are you changing out the trans crossmember as well? That seemed to be the biggest limiting factor. Even a 79 or earlier 2-hole version would help with exhaust routing, if it fits that trans, or look at one of the aftermarket versions that leave a wider gap.

 

I like Hedman headers , I have their rear exit headers and their side mount headers for the 1969 style side pipes and covers . Hedman uses a Ball flange on the collector that eliminates the collector gasket and fits good , if you go rear exit exhaust G Force makes a cross member for 1974 style true dual exhaust system.

 

Hi JMatt.

Call Blueprint Engines tech support. You can't just slap any 'ol headers on those Blueprint heads.

I also have a Blueprint Engines crate motor that I purchased recently for my '69 4-speed vert. I bought the dressed 396 SBC stroker, so mine already has the intake, but they recommend a dual plane if you just have the long block. If I had only bought the long block, I would have gone with a RPM Airgap, as it is kick @ss, IMO, which clears my BB hood (non-L88), but not sure what the clearance is for an 82 hood.

Keep in mind that the heads you have should be the 8002K which are Vortec style and have raised exhaust ports (.005 over OEM), so you can't just use any headers. They'll need to be dimpled to clear the spark plugs. My 396 stroker uses different heads than your 383, but the exhaust ports are also raised, so I have the same issue.

Honestly, finding compatible headers is fairly slim pickins. Sanderson makes shorty headers that are dimpled (CC158), but I want long tube headers. BPE recommended calling Hedman/Husler out of Alpharetta GA (not Cali) , and they didn't have anything.

I kind of paused that search, as I just haven't gotten to the point to where I need to worry about that yet, as I recently finished a full chassis swap, and am now prepping for a repaint/color change - so the car is largely dissembled. I will have to deal with it in the next couple of months though, when everything is back together, and the car is ready for me to install the engine and muncie.

 

Do all Vortec heads have raised exhaust ports? I have Vortecs, and I used, I believe, OBX side pipe headers. I got them new second hand but I don't think they are any different than standard SBC headers.

P.S. The Airgap manifold for Vortec heads did NOT clear my stock '74 hood.

 

Thanks Corvette ZL1.
I’m aware that Sanderson has all specs for those BPE heads. I also wanted mid or long tube. Boy that original steering box sure is close so it will definitely be a limited choice on headers. Thanks for the input. The search continues……

 

There are a bunch of aftermarket variations of the Vortec-style head in various port configurations - BPE being one of them. But 'stock' OEM Vortec 062 and 906 (non-GMPP) castings do not have raised exhaust ports.

 

Sounds like you'll have this worked out before me, so please do update this thread when you've found a compatible set of long tube headers that (hopefully) clears everything without having to beat them up. I was running Hooker Performance long tube headers on the original setup in my '69 (I am now crating and storing as the original motor as it is numbers matching), and they cleared the steering box just fine. However, the 396 with those raised exhaust ports and long tube headers I suspect is going to be a tight fit.

 

I have a Blueprint SBC in my 82, I'm running Hedman long tube headers, car has Steeroids so no steering box issue. I have a dual plane intake and after I added a spacer to the carb for percolation issues I had to get a low profile air cleaner and cut that fresh air induction setup out of the hood.

A word of caution, you will need the correct set up for the TV cable, the geometry needs to be spot on or you will do in the trans, I went with Bowtie overdrives. Also, you will want some sort of torque converter lock up system or the trans will get hot.

60

 

Do you happen to have the part number for those Hedmans?

 

Why is everyone so panic stricken over a few dents in the header,. Doesn't hurt a thing

 

haha. That's right. I watched an episode of Engine Masters called 'Header Bash' (S1 Ep4) where the beat the heck out of the headers, and in one test, the engine made MORE power! I think it's just more of a cosmetic thing - certainly is for me, and who wants to dent a new set of headers, especially if they are ceramic coated.

Which BPE engine do you have, and do you happen to have the part number of those Hedman headers?

 

Sorry, I looked, no number.... but they are the type talked about above that don't use a gasket where ihey meet the exhaust...


60.. Good luck...

 

Hello everyone I just wanted to post an update to this topic. I finally found the header necessary for fitment with my 1982 and the 383 BPE in it. When Corvette-ZL1 said it’s slim pickings he wasn’t kidding. I literally was only able to find one manufacturer that’s making it and would guarantee fitment. They are Sanderson headers. Model C32. These are the only long tube headers I found in my search. Plenty of options if you’re ok with shorty headers but I wanted long tubes. I must point out these are designed to use with straight not angled plugs. If your plugs are angled there are other options.
Again my set up is a 383 Stroker BPE. 700R4 trans. 1982 C3. Installation from the bottom was easy. They fit tight like a glove. They hang about even with the bottom of my trans oil pan. I bought the raw metal ones as I will have to heat and dimple the two center tubes on each to assist with spark plug removal. I will send out for ceramic coating lastly.
I hope this helps someone else who may have a similar situation.

 

Wow sorry I should have answered sooner Send those back. How much where they? What is your limited space? The best header fit and price and quality is the regular summit racing. Yep no ****

 

Why did Summit tell me they didn’t have anything that would fit when I called them…twice??

 

Make no sense . They fit my 64 like a glove they even fit my 58 perfectly

 

Read through this thread. Another vote for Summit, it seems.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...or-1981-a.html

How are you solving the transmission crossmember problem?

 

I am using my original 700R4 with new trans mount. There are many suppliers who make dual exhaust kits for these.
As far as the Summit headers they appear to look a lot like the Sandersons but I do believe they would have to be dimpled also. I have an older BPE that has 4” spacing on the center plugs. Looks to me like left center tube would have to be dimpled if you were wanting to get a socket on that plug with the Summits.