header install on 84
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Salem Indiana
header install on 84
Hey guys, I'm looking to put some headers on my 84 in a few weeks over spring break. I tried the search function but had no luck. What all goes in to this install? I m aware that the a/c bracket needs to be modified and I'll need a new starter but what all else do I need or will I need to do? Chances are I'm just going to stick some Hedman street headers on it until I can afford nicer ones. Any input/opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
waiting for a bit warmer weather for me to do the same. Headmans are in the pic for an 86 vette.it should be the same when I ask this question...and if you do a search..most,if not all, questions will be answered.Good luckI live very close to the drag strip in Brownsburg/Indy. We shoild get a bunch of us CF guys and our vettes to do aday there some sunday.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I put the cheap Headmans on my '84 without too much of a problem. The engine in mine is not an '84, but it does have, at least, most of the '84 front brackets and belt. It does have the crossfire manifold system, but it's on a 1976 block. I don't believe there is much difference between the blocks. I do know that the oil dipstick is on the driver's side, not the passenger's side. I did not have to change the starter, and the front brackets were not attached to the exhaust manifold when I got it. Maybe that's why I have this scrap piece of metal with some holes drilled into it that the A/C bracket is attached to. 
For me, the biggest part of the job was modifying the exhaust piping. With the long tube headers, I had to cut the front Y-pipe coming from the exhaust manifold and going to the cat. I welded in flanges on the cut Y-pipe after installing a new O2 sensor bung.
For me, the biggest part of the job was modifying the exhaust piping. With the long tube headers, I had to cut the front Y-pipe coming from the exhaust manifold and going to the cat. I welded in flanges on the cut Y-pipe after installing a new O2 sensor bung.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The header install should be pretty straight forward. Remove the spark plugs, the temp sensor, oil dipstick tube, and the starter.
The starter doesn't need to be changed but it does have to come out. Raise the right side header up from the bottom and use a couple bolts to loosely hold it in place. Then re-install the starter. With the header bolted in place, the OEM starter won't fit between the tubes and the block. You can get and install a mini-starter if you want but it's not really necessary. These small starters may require some wiring work and you may have to swap out the battery cable for a longer one.
The A/C rear support bracket will have to be tweaked to get it to line up with the bolt. I'm not sure about the rear alternator support bracket on the '84, but my '87 has one that will have to be modified. These brackets do need to be retained as they provide support for the aluminum accessory brackets.
Get a new O2 sensor bung and cut a hole in the reducer and weld it in. You can also get a reducer from Summit Racing with the bung already installed.
Get some heat protectors for the spark plug boots. The heat from the tubes will eventually cook the spark plug boots.
The starter doesn't need to be changed but it does have to come out. Raise the right side header up from the bottom and use a couple bolts to loosely hold it in place. Then re-install the starter. With the header bolted in place, the OEM starter won't fit between the tubes and the block. You can get and install a mini-starter if you want but it's not really necessary. These small starters may require some wiring work and you may have to swap out the battery cable for a longer one.
The A/C rear support bracket will have to be tweaked to get it to line up with the bolt. I'm not sure about the rear alternator support bracket on the '84, but my '87 has one that will have to be modified. These brackets do need to be retained as they provide support for the aluminum accessory brackets.
Get a new O2 sensor bung and cut a hole in the reducer and weld it in. You can also get a reducer from Summit Racing with the bung already installed.
Get some heat protectors for the spark plug boots. The heat from the tubes will eventually cook the spark plug boots.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
I also have ceramic headders on my vette(L98) 1" 5/8
The one thing that MAY be a pain is the dipstick, i couldnt somehow get over mine, i tried going over it didnt work, i broke it and had another inch an a half in the block, had to drop the oil pan and tap it out for a good hour
. i recommend if you are gonna do this, get the headder wraps they make to control the heat comming off them, it does help.
my advice is use a lift, cut out the old exhaust and save n buy a whole new y pipe n mufflers
The one thing that MAY be a pain is the dipstick, i couldnt somehow get over mine, i tried going over it didnt work, i broke it and had another inch an a half in the block, had to drop the oil pan and tap it out for a good hour
. i recommend if you are gonna do this, get the headder wraps they make to control the heat comming off them, it does help.my advice is use a lift, cut out the old exhaust and save n buy a whole new y pipe n mufflers
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
These can be fitted without modifying brackets, but it will cost you for the research and development that went into them.
You can buy some on Ebay at more than half the price but will need work to fit them.
http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/57
You can buy some on Ebay at more than half the price but will need work to fit them.
http://www.tpis.com/parts/view/57
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
The Headman Elites are a good bang for the buck mod and fit well.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...te-videos.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...te-videos.html
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