RME1993

Hey Guys,

I'm getting ready to be in the market for a good pair of Headers for my 1985 Corvette with an L98. Currently I'm running stock shortys but I wanted to replace them for better airflow. Does anyone have any recommendations for quality headers that will fit my L98 that's reasonably priced?

Also, Would it be recommended to run a new downpipe?

Thanks in advanced,

FAUEE

Really depends on budget. Exotic Muscle and Stainless works make great headers.

Your car doesnt have a down pipe. Those are on turbo cars.

vader86

TPiS ceramic coated or Hooker 2149. 2151 if you want to get rid of all emissions stuff, all ceramic coated. 16720 Y pipe for the Hookers.

TPiS I know will work with the 85's plug angle without an issue.

aklim

How much is "reasonable"? You want good exhaust flow but what else is "Make or Break", "Important", "Nice to have"?

65Z01

I'd always liked TPIS because they are ceramic coated AND they provide excellent spark plug access.

That said I once had ceramic coated headers on an '86 IROC-Z. Though they really lowered under-hood temps the coating failed before I sold the car.

These days I like the idea of full SS exhaust. Again good spark plug access is a must for me.

I think 1 5/8" is best for typical enhancement; 1 1/2" if going wild on HP.

RME1993

Reasonably priced is around $250 for me. Basically, I'm running factory shorty headers on aftermarket TFS Super 23 heads and after doing research, it looks like my factory shorty headers don't have a ton of airflow. So basically, I'm looking for something around the $250 range that will increase performance and efficiency on my L98.

RME1993

Has anyone here ever ran Hedman Street Headers 68440?

aklim

Save your money. Not going get much unless you're super lucky and someone is throwing out their good used unit.

RME1993

So no need to get headers for a built L98/350? Or are you saying I need to cough up more cash for better headers?

aklim

More cash. If it is built up, might as well go near $1000,give or take a few hundred dollars to get something that lasts and you can grow into as opposed to growing out quickly.

vader86

More money.

Yes there is a real need for the headers. L98 manifolds are very restrictive.

RME1993

I've noticed. It's very difficult to find headers that will bolt on and be plug and play for my car.

RME1993

Alright, I found my Headers. Thanks guys

https://www.ebay.com/i/182887466283?chn=ps

mako41

Be careful that looks like cheap made in China crap. May not be what your looking for??

aklim

Wait. You mean you can't get it BOTH cheap AND good?

FelixP

I used the 68440 headers. They fitted perfectly and made a noticeable difference along with my dual exhaust I had made.

C4Newb

I hope you are ready for some fab work and have a tig welder. I bought those, supposedly for an LT1. I knew full well the air injection tubing would need changed for an LT1, but thought if they fit then that's pretty easy for the price.
Drivers side fit pretty good but had to be porta powered towards the center of the car a few degrees. Passengers side was a nightmare. Front tube ran right into the control arm, back tube ran right into the heater box. Had to cut a section out of each and reweld. Had to dimple a tube for starter clearance (this could have been avoided with a mini starter).
The good: The tubing is 40mm so a little bigger than 1-5/8 and is good quality stainless. Sparkplug access is pretty good. Rectangular ports are big enough to work with LT1 D ports.
The bad: The flanges aren't stainless only plated to look like it. The fit sucked. Only one 02 bung (LT1's need 2)

FAUEE

I just bought the lt1 headers for my car. Hopefully I dont har as many issues. Mine have an o2 bung on each side. They appear to be ok.... not great quality, but just ok.