header install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 0
From: Canton Ohio
header install
I have come across a used set of small black chevy headers and I am not even sure they will fit my Vette but what is all involved in installing headers. Do I have to remove anything other than the exhaust manifolds?
Since I dont even know if they fit I dont want to go through a bunch of trouble just to test fit them.
Thanks Guys
Dan
Since I dont even know if they fit I dont want to go through a bunch of trouble just to test fit them.
Thanks Guys
Dan
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by danboback
I have come across a used set of small black chevy headers and I am not even sure they will fit my Vette but what is all involved in installing headers. Do I have to remove anything other than the exhaust manifolds?
Since I dont even know if they fit I dont want to go through a bunch of trouble just to test fit them.
Thanks Guys
Dan
Since I dont even know if they fit I dont want to go through a bunch of trouble just to test fit them.
Thanks Guys
Dan
look on your exhaust manifolds any accessories like AC brackets or other brackets will have to considered... heat riser valves will be tossed and the engine end of your exhaust will have to be modified for the collectors...we did my buddies 79 with no ac in a saturday..... not technically hard but cutting exhaust and getting leak free exhaust takes time....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
The only way to tell is to try them. If they don't fit, then bolt on the old parts or just buy a set that are made to work on a vette. New headers are not that expensive and with a good exhaust system will net you 50hp or more. No matter what mods you plan on the exhaust will have to be changed and is one of the first things to be done for a mid 70's vette.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
You have to remove the clutch linkage too. Make sure you get some good brackets for the alternator, compare some at parts stores before buying.
It really isn't worth the trouble to test fit unknown, unlikely-to-fit headers, even if they are free. New ones can be had for $100 or so, if you don't get coated ones. My headers on the '67 had a fitment problem, so I had to modify the collectors. They were used Vette headers I bought from a guy on Ebay. Glad they weren't coated, because they tell me you can't clean that stuff off and weld the metal. Now they're modified to fit, and painted VHT high temp white. Local shop offers ceramic coating for $100-150.
It really isn't worth the trouble to test fit unknown, unlikely-to-fit headers, even if they are free. New ones can be had for $100 or so, if you don't get coated ones. My headers on the '67 had a fitment problem, so I had to modify the collectors. They were used Vette headers I bought from a guy on Ebay. Glad they weren't coated, because they tell me you can't clean that stuff off and weld the metal. Now they're modified to fit, and painted VHT high temp white. Local shop offers ceramic coating for $100-150.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 0
From: Canton Ohio
thanks for all they replys!
I think I'll give it a shot once I get my exams out of the way. I dont want to buy new ones because I am planning on running hooker side exit headers into side pipes but since those are more expensive than I can afford, I thought I might give the old used ones a sht just to give me the extra boost in hp and that cool sound!
Dan
I think I'll give it a shot once I get my exams out of the way. I dont want to buy new ones because I am planning on running hooker side exit headers into side pipes but since those are more expensive than I can afford, I thought I might give the old used ones a sht just to give me the extra boost in hp and that cool sound!
Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
Likes: 1,054
From: Virginia USA
I've found that if you put thecar up on jack stands and install them from the bottom it goes a lot smoother and faster. I've done that on my car a couple of times and on a buddies 1975 with all options without any hassels.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by theandies
I've found that if you put thecar up on jack stands and install them from the bottom it goes a lot smoother and faster. I've done that on my car a couple of times and on a buddies 1975 with all options without any hassels.
way up in the air and they rotate in from the front to the rear
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,352
From: Santa Ana CA
Originally Posted by L79vette
Glad they weren't coated, because they tell me you can't clean that stuff off and weld the metal. Local shop offers ceramic coating for $100-150.
These Doug Thorley headers were originally chrome plated, but I had a local shop strip and ceramic coat the set for $150 (Anaheim, CA). They mainly do aerospace and formula cars. These have looked like the day I reinstalled them after coating about 10 years ago. The chome had turned blue in the first 1,000 miles.
Last edited by toddalin; Dec 6, 2004 at 11:59 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
I wouldn't consider anything but coated headers because they resist rust, reduce heat in the engine bay besides looking great and cleaning easily.
Another consideration is the bolts you use. I have tried several types and until I find something better, Stage 8 is the way to go. They have a locking system that keeps the bolts from backing out. If you don't keep others tightened on a regular basis, they will come loose creating leaks and blown gaskets.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...79&prmenbr=361
Another consideration is the bolts you use. I have tried several types and until I find something better, Stage 8 is the way to go. They have a locking system that keeps the bolts from backing out. If you don't keep others tightened on a regular basis, they will come loose creating leaks and blown gaskets.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...79&prmenbr=361
