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So when i built my 383 (gen I block) , i used straight plug heads. realizing too late that its next to impossible to find a set of 1 3/4 headers for straight plug heads that will fit my vette. i used a cheap set of 1 5/8 to break the motor in, i am still in need of a set of headers that will work. Has anybody seen any 1 3/4 or know where i can get them? this is the only thing holding me back from finishing my car.
If the 1 5/8" are long tube Headers, you won't gain anything unless you're over 450+ HP and around 7000 RPM. It will probably even lose some bottom & mid-range TQ. Just sayin'...
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Originally Posted by raisinbran
exotic muscle
Also, TPIS, Hooker, Stainless Works, and Melrose are worth contacting. EM, TPIS, and Hooker make 1 3/4" for vette. Who know about fitment with straight plugs....Reps at all the companies can say if they think they'll fit. Or,,, one or two of those companies MIGHT be able to custom make a set.
How do you fell about installing platinum plugs, then r/r the headers when you need to change them?!?!
well the engine will make about 500 hp. are you saying that 1 3/4 will actually be too much? 383's love to breathe so i figured 1 5/8 would be restrictive
Last edited by texasedirpvette'91; Jul 25, 2010 at 11:03 PM.
If the 1 5/8" are long tube Headers, you won't gain anything unless you're over 450+ HP and around 7000 RPM. It will probably even lose some bottom & mid-range TQ. Just sayin'...
I disagree, but to each their own. On my 383, I made gains with 1 3/4 over 1 5/8" I had heads flowing ~285cfm so that may be part of it. But it sure as heck wasn't at 7k. I also had 0 losses.
As for the back pressure argument...
"Literally. If you have ever heard that an engine needs a little backpressure, you might want to ask yourself why an engine would want an exhaust system that literally pushes exhaust back into the combustion chamber rather than sucking it out. The simple answer is, it doesn't. "
The only reason for smaller tube headers being scavenging and I just don't believe that a mild 383 can't take advantage of 1 3/4", based on solely my experience.
I've got straight plug heads with Hooker 1 3/4" on my 406 and they work fine. Have to wrap some of the wires and boots because of the close fit, but otherwise they are fine.
On a 383, I would definitely run 1.75" headers. EM, TPiS, Hooker, etc. Only thing I would call and ask about is fitment with the plug angle.
TPiS I know works with the straight plug, and I thought Hooker made some (at one time) with a straight plug angle. I would expect to possibly burn up some plug wires though, depending on how well the fitment works out. You may not find a perfect fit.
what kind of heads/intake/cam are you going to be running to make 500hp? sounds like a hell of a build. PICS!!!
patriot 2.02" 1.60" 58cc heads, edelbrock performer w/ edelbrock 750 carb, 230/236 cam, 1.6 rockers... i guess i should have said 500-ish. probably be closer to 450 though. and ill get them as soon as i finish rebuilding the engine... again. i think the block is cracked... damn stupid machinist
Originally Posted by USAsOnlyWay
I disagree, but to each their own. On my 383, I made gains with 1 3/4 over 1 5/8" I had heads flowing ~285cfm so that may be part of it. But it sure as heck wasn't at 7k. I also had 0 losses.
As for the back pressure argument...
"Literally. If you have ever heard that an engine needs a little backpressure, you might want to ask yourself why an engine would want an exhaust system that literally pushes exhaust back into the combustion chamber rather than sucking it out. The simple answer is, it doesn't. "
The only reason for smaller tube headers being scavenging and I just don't believe that a mild 383 can't take advantage of 1 3/4", based on solely my experience.
thats good food for thought. and yea, i wont be flowing quite like yours do.
Originally Posted by engle1147
Would "shorty" style plugs work with the bigger tubes in place?
i was thinking exactly that already. i was considering using a header spacer and run shorty plugs too with 90 degree wires. may help them not get so hot. i was burning through wires quick just during break-in, and even had the headers wrapped, but then again, i had a HORRIBLE (understatement) tune...
Originally Posted by 383vett
I've got straight plug heads with Hooker 1 3/4" on my 406 and they work fine. Have to wrap some of the wires and boots because of the close fit, but otherwise they are fine.
you got a part number? i would call like vader says to do, but im army, and work from 0530 to 1800 everyday. kinda hard to find time to make a phone call during work hours.
Last edited by texasedirpvette'91; Jul 27, 2010 at 01:07 AM.