Borgeson vs. Smog Pump & Headers
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Westtown, NY
Borgeson vs. Smog Pump & Headers
I have tried for years to keep my 74 L82 4 speed 57K mile car all original. The only departure from that was a complete SS chambered exhaust system - specifically chosen to bolt to the factory exhaust manifolds. That was done as when I bought the car the original owner had replaced the correct 2 1/2” exhaust with a 2” exhaust.
After many years and much effort and silly money to keep the original steering system from leaking, I gave up. With much research - I opted to go with Borgeson. I am still committed to that. However I have just discovered the smog system has to go. The Borgeson steering box will not fit with the air rails on the factory exhaust manifolds.
As I am crossing into mods I thought I would never make…. If I need to remove the air lines from my manifolds - I am considering headers - but they need to bolt onto my existing exhaust and clear the Borgeson box. I know I can remove the air lines from the factory exhaust manifolds - but ar this point - why?
So my question, Any suggestions on headers that fit those parameters? They need to bolt to my existing exhaust - the same as the factory exhaust manifolds, and obviously clear the Borgeson box.
Does such a header exist?
thank you.
After many years and much effort and silly money to keep the original steering system from leaking, I gave up. With much research - I opted to go with Borgeson. I am still committed to that. However I have just discovered the smog system has to go. The Borgeson steering box will not fit with the air rails on the factory exhaust manifolds.
As I am crossing into mods I thought I would never make…. If I need to remove the air lines from my manifolds - I am considering headers - but they need to bolt onto my existing exhaust and clear the Borgeson box. I know I can remove the air lines from the factory exhaust manifolds - but ar this point - why?
So my question, Any suggestions on headers that fit those parameters? They need to bolt to my existing exhaust - the same as the factory exhaust manifolds, and obviously clear the Borgeson box.
Does such a header exist?
thank you.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 735
From: Youngstown Ohio
First off, no headers bolt directly to the stock manifolds......not just on Corvettes, but on any car I know of. Not a problem,though, any exhaust shop can add a small custom pipe to attach them. That said, I have a Borgeson on my '69 and also headers. Large ones, 1 7/8" tubes on my small block. Plenty of room, no fitment issues.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Westtown, NY
Appreciate the response. I think you are saying no header bolts to a stock exhaust? I may have misspoke. I used the term ‘header’ for after market exhaust manifolds. I’m not looking for long pipes. Rather something that will fit in the same space as the factory exhaust manifolds. I don’t want to even try to remove the air lines from my original manifolds. I know I could just plug those holes but I know the air lines would not come out intact and I do want to save the whole smog system to keep with the car. So all I am looking for are ‘exhaust manifolds’ that will bolt in and retain my stock exhaust connections. If there is an option that will help me breath any better - I’m listening!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 278
Likes: 104
77 with a small block with headers and no clearance issues. Guys with big blocks and headers have gotten them on. And if you run into a problem, nothing a ball peen hammer can't fix
Only issue I had was the return line (low pressure hose) was slightly short... almost "kinking" behind the reservoir. I cut the crimped hose connector off with a Dremel cut off wheel. Advance Auto sold me a slightly longer hose. Purchased a 90' fitting because I never could stop the leak on the Borgenson unit. The adapters they include are dumb. It's an adapter to an adapter for the wrong fitting. I just deleted it and got the right fitting for $10.
I'd purchase the flex plate to stiffen up the frame.
Only issue I had was the return line (low pressure hose) was slightly short... almost "kinking" behind the reservoir. I cut the crimped hose connector off with a Dremel cut off wheel. Advance Auto sold me a slightly longer hose. Purchased a 90' fitting because I never could stop the leak on the Borgenson unit. The adapters they include are dumb. It's an adapter to an adapter for the wrong fitting. I just deleted it and got the right fitting for $10.
I'd purchase the flex plate to stiffen up the frame.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
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