Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 10
From: dallas TX
Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned??
I have purchased a set of Hedman Ceramic coatd headers for my 1971 BB Vette. If anyone has installed, I would be interested in special steps needed, for instance, having to remove any accessories or having to unbolt the motor mounts and lift the engine etc. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (kfede1)
Since mine's a 69 there may be a few subtle differences but the installation was pretty simple for my Hedmans. It's been years since I did it but I'm pretty sure the starter had to come out. Other than that you just have to wiggle them in. The passenger side went in from below as I recall but I'm not sure about the driver's side. I suggest that you spend a few extra $ on the Mr. Gasket copper gaskets between headers & heads(or similar made by others). It's worth it to know that if you develop a leak you only have to retorque them & you're good to go, because they don't blow out like paper gaskets. The only problem I had with fit was a slight intermitant contact with the frame on the passenger side- Hedman tech told me to heat the pipe and put a gentle bend at that spot. It just took a little bit to do the job and he said the warranty would not be affected. Hope this helps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle PA
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (kfede1)
You'll have to remove the dipstick tube on the passenger side as a previous post mentioned.
On the driver side, I was dealing with a 4 speed setup, so your going to have to remove the z-bar setup, and some clutch linkage pieces.
It's very straight forward and shouldn't present you with much of a problem.
BTW, your plugs will be very close to the headers on #1 and #3, recommend that you get Taylor covers/boots to protect the plug wire at the plug.
Have fun!!!!!
On the driver side, I was dealing with a 4 speed setup, so your going to have to remove the z-bar setup, and some clutch linkage pieces.
It's very straight forward and shouldn't present you with much of a problem.
BTW, your plugs will be very close to the headers on #1 and #3, recommend that you get Taylor covers/boots to protect the plug wire at the plug.
Have fun!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (70PurpleLS7)
You'll have to remove the dipstick tube on the passenger side as a previous post mentioned.
On the driver side, I was dealing with a 4 speed setup, so your going to have to remove the z-bar setup, and some clutch linkage pieces.
It's very straight forward and shouldn't present you with much of a problem.
BTW, your plugs will be very close to the headers on #1 and #3, recommend that you get Taylor covers/boots to protect the plug wire at the plug.
Have fun!!!!!
On the driver side, I was dealing with a 4 speed setup, so your going to have to remove the z-bar setup, and some clutch linkage pieces.
It's very straight forward and shouldn't present you with much of a problem.
BTW, your plugs will be very close to the headers on #1 and #3, recommend that you get Taylor covers/boots to protect the plug wire at the plug.
Have fun!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (Les)
I fought the plugwires for a long time, and wht I learned is that accell wires are junk. They would arc through a boot protector sleeve. I had to replace 2 wires every 3 weeks. I switched to borg warner select (spiral core) and have had no problems since. I use boot protectors on the wires that are closest to the headers.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 74
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (kfede1)
Before my Hookers, I had Hedman headers on my BB. I had to dimple
the tube near plug1 and also where it was too close to the steering box.
My brother heated the area with a torch and very skillfully put the indents
in with a small ballpeen hammer.
the tube near plug1 and also where it was too close to the steering box.
My brother heated the area with a torch and very skillfully put the indents
in with a small ballpeen hammer.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 10
From: dallas TX
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (GWilliam)
I finished getting the Hedman headers installed. Both sides slipped in easily from below, once the exhausts and the power steering bracket were out of the way. I did not have to bend or dimple, luckily. I was worried that those operations would take the ceramic coating off.. Hedman sort of hosed me a bit, as they shipped the wrong gasket set. I have no idea what they included was for, but it was not a BB Chevy. Also, they ship 2 1/4" reducers on purpose . The corvette exhaust is 2 1/2", so I ordered the correct reducers from Summit, and am waiting, so that I can hook up the exhaust system. The "kit" that Hedman supplied had to be completely tossed, and replacement parts cost about $35 delivered. I talked to Hedman today, and they did offer to replace the gaskets (A bit late, I already purchased since I did not want to wait a week). They said that the reducers should have been cut up the cone at the 2 1/2" mark and then welded. Maybe, but I will start with the right reducer to start with...
I am happy with the installation and the basic headers, but a little irritated with Hedman. They should know better on both points.
I am happy with the installation and the basic headers, but a little irritated with Hedman. They should know better on both points.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (BB wowbagger)
Remember that you have to start the engine with just the headers on there,its a unspoken law.. :cheers: :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: LIC NY USA
Re: Headers - Big Block Chevy - Lessons Learned?? (Les)
Remember that you have to start the engine with just the headers on there,its a unspoken law.. :cheers: :cheers:
Absolutely...Best done after midnight ;)
Absolutely...Best done after midnight ;)
