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!

 

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.

 

Don't forget to remove the dipstick tube!

 

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!!!!!

 

You make a good point about the plug wires- I forgot to mention that. I would add that, even w/ heat resistant boots(Jacobs & Accel 300+) & heat sleeves, I still burn those 2 boots. The only sure way to avoid that is to spend the $$$ on a set of Jacobs wires with ceramic boots. I have a set waiting to go on & have heard nothing but good about them. Talk to Chuck Harmon if you have any doubts.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 ;)

 

early sunday morning is best :jester