mtloafer

I'm doing a resto-mod on my 1973. I purchased a 383/435 hp engine, and want to have the best exhaust for the money. Previous cars I've owned with headers were always a pain in the ***, pardon my language, & I am hoping there are better ones out there for performance that don't have all the problems I've noticed before.
My experience has been collectors always leaking at the collector. can't get to plugs easily, wires getting burned, & not looking good very long because of how hot they get.
I'm half tempted to just use the stock exhaust manifolds, because they are at least not going to leak, and cause other issues, but I'm concerned about it hindering performance.
Any insight will be appreciated.

JoeMinnesota

I have a 1970 4-spd car with a 355 and run Doug's Headers (model D350). Awesome quality and fit, great plug access and clearance for starter and clutch, no burnt wires/boots and ceramic coated. Be prepared to pay - they're a bit more than the Hooker and Hedman pairs that I sent back, but best header fit I've ever gotten after a number of other motors.

Mine are 1-5/8 so you may want to research their p/n for 1-3/4 primaries on your 383. Mine are supporting 400hp just fine, but you might want that extra breathing.

gkull

Headers can be a life time purchase if they are ceramic coated or stainless

I have 1 3/4 hooker SC headers that might be 20+ years old

if you have aluminum heads us ARP head studs

terrys6t8roadster

Paper gaskets burn out, never could get copper gaskets to seal. Local speed shop has a vendor make gaskets that look like OEM exhaust gaskets. 4 years now no leaks. T

fede

I have a very similar engine and settled on the Doug's D334. Like the D350 metioned above but with 1 3/4 primaries. I got them with the ceramic coating.

cv67

most headers today have nice thick flanges and dont leak.
A basic felpro header gasket lasts just fine

Putting stock manifolds on a healty motor is a waste. Air has to get in. and out.

1-5/8" can support plenty of power. Get what fits the car and your budget.

mtloafer

Thanks all for the reply's! I will definitely check into Doug's headers.

Dennis Tapp

jb78L-82

Obviously, the folks with the Doug's Headers really like them.

Personally, I would use 1 3/4 inch headers at the very least for a 400+ Gross HP SBC regardless whether a 350, 355, or 383+.

I used these 1 7/8 inch LTH headers on my 425+ Gross HP 355 with AFR heads :

http://www.xs-power.com/chevrolet-headers-4.htm

and had them ceramic coated locally for heat rejection for $200. All in was $520 for me at the time for the pair AND they are stainless steel to boot.

I double up all my header gaskets (usually Felpro Blue's with red hi temp sealant between them) and NEVER have header gasket leaks anymore. I used this technique also on a severely warped shorty headers and they sealed perfectly when none of the fancy aluminum, copper, Percey's even touched sealing the leak.

mtloafer

These from blueprint engines:
Cylinder Heads

• BluePrint Performance aluminium
• Hardened retainers and springs
• 2.02 swirl polished intake valves
• 1.60 swirl polished exhaust valves
• BP Aluminum Head Part# H8002K

I'm not building it myself, instead went with a crate engine.

mtloafer

How are these as far as getting to the starter, and changing plugs? Any interference with anything?

jb78L-82

I have AFR heads which are slightly different than stock. With that stated, I did have to SLIGHTLY dimple the tube near the passenger side idler arm which I did BEFORE ceramic coating them. I did have to loosen the starter to get the passenger side on header on since the primaries are so large. No clearance issues with any spark plugs. I also can use the 1 qt truck oil filter with these headers with no clearance issues like I have done for over 30 years.

Karol on this forum also has these headers on his bone stock 78 L-82 with Stock 882 heads and he had zero clearance issues on his motor.

The AFR's caused some minor modifications for fitment. These XS Power headers are probably the best value deal out there AND the biggest primaries you can find for a SBC from just about any of the manufacturers.

3X2

If you want the best and want side exits, go with Stahl/ACP headers. Not exactly street friendly due to how low they are and may/may not fit a/c and power steering, but they are the best for power.

jhayes1

mtloafer - what headers did you end up going with? I also have a 73 resto-mod that I'm currently working on and also using the Blueprint 383 stroker engine with the H8002K aluminum heads. What do you recommend?