1977 C3 longtube headers
 

Hey everyone

I thought the original exhaust would hold up a little longer but no...Yesterday my exhaust broke apart because of rust (it was completely rotten).
So now that I'm taking off the exhaust pipes, I'm thinking of finally going for a true dual with H-pipe.

But first things first ofcourse and that are longtube headers!
- My budget is between 250 $ and 350 $.
- I want a set that will fit in with no problems.
- My engine is an original L48 (I'll only install a Performer intake that I have laying around upcoming winter). So I understand that the primaries may not be to big?
- I'm just a street driver, so ground clearence is important.
- I don't care about the brand. They just have to be good price/quality.

- I would prefere a ceramic coating on the inside and outside (Quality coating!). I have read about ceramic coated headers, and it seems that the factory coating is only on the outside... Is that true?
Because of that I'm thinking of buying a steel set and let a shop in Belgium put a ceramic coating on them. I may even go stainless if it is possible to put a ceramic coating on it that holds up...?.


What do you think?
Sorry guys, I know that these are a lot of questions, but understand that I'm from Europe and I want to buy a product that has a guaranteed fit and is of good quality (Headers+shipping+import tax are expensive!).

For that money I'd be looking at EBay, but I don't know how the shipping would work out for you.

You might consider a set of shorties vs longtube if fitment is primary.

What was the product number?

The rusted exhaust that was on was also very very low to the ground (especially in the rear), but I didn't have any problems on the streets with it.
I'd rather go for longtube headers.

I got some prices for coating here in Belgium, but it's just to expensive they ask about € 800 to put a ceramic coat on a set of headers....

So I will buy a set that is already coated.
Lets say for ceramic coated lth, my budget is around 350$. What can I get for that? What will fit in easy and hang not to low?

How big should the primaries of the headers be for an original L48 (with performer intake as future upgrade)?

Here we go again: Shorties vs Long-Tube.
Some say shorties are just a notch better than those crappy old iron exhaust manifolds.

One thing to look for regardless of long-tube brand, is on a three bolt header collector flange that one of the "points" of the triangular flange, is not facing down on the collector. Unfortunately on mine that point is the only part of the exhaust that scrapes speedbumps, low curbs, dead cats, etc. Note in the picture above the points are horizontal or parallel to the ground. Makes a big difference. (good job Croaker)

Not sure about prices in Europe but ceramic coating in the U.S. would fetch well over $400 for a set, plus the exhaust system needs. Without the coating you would be back to square one in a few yrs with rusty, narly looking headers. Ceramic is an excellent long-term investment.

And tube size of 1 5/8" will do just fine on the primaries.

What about Summit headers? Are they 'good' (I'm not a pro racer, so I don't want to spent 'a fortune' on just headers (I think there are other upgrades and resto's that are more worthwile).
If so what headers will fit?
I found these ones:
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/sum-g9101

Check out Eastwood company for a ceramic coating in aerosol cans. They have a tube that let's you coat the inside too. Go with long tubes.

Just found out that the headers from the link won't fit Corvettes in general.
What about Flowtech? https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/big-31106flt
I couldn't find Dynomax headers on Jegs or Summit... Also not on Ebay. Are they still making headers?

Not sure Dynomax got into making headers. They make a good muffler though. Perhaps you mean Dyno-Tech. Try another search at Summit but enter your make, model, yr, first under the exhaust / header category. Price was right on the others, but . . . . . . .

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...256e20339d.jpg

I have a 1979 and also wanted to go for longtube headers hoping to squeeze out every bit of horsepower I could, so I decided to go with $200 ebay headers because I had heard of clearance issues and didn't want to run into the same problem but as you can see not drivable. My car is lowered also but don't risk it with ebay ones

That's a shame. Nice lookin' pipes. I also see low ride sidewalls too? But at least the collector flange is movable to any position.

FWIW, I put on new Patriot Tight Tuck Headers with dual exhaust on my 79. Purchased from CorvetteCentral.com. I've only been running them for about a month but like them and the clearance they provide.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...1bcc38f0ec.jpg

Exhaust pipes connected to Patriot Tight Tuck Headers (Shorty Headers)

Do not waste money on short headers unless it is the only alternative. It is a myth that they work better anywhere than a long tube header.
The long tube headers direct pulses into the collector and these pulses scavenge other cylinders. Headers on a bone stock 350 are worth as much as 50 ft/lbs. torque down low at 2000-3000 rpm......this is power you can feel. Team this with a low restriction exhaust and fine tuning on timing and jetting and many a L-48 have been surprisingly woken up by these simple mods........
I like Hedman....but there are many high quality units out there. Do your research. The intake will make a great compliment to everything else when you are ready. Do not listen to the nay-sayers......the intake is worth 15-20 horsepower over the stock unit..........it you get brave and bolt a set of Comp 1.6 rockers on (roller tip style)......you will see even more.

Have fun,
Jebby