Post about your Small Chevy headers=likes/dislikes

[HAFROD]

I know there's always discussions on headers and you could spend hours reading. I would like to know what headers you have on your SBC with AUTOMATIC trans, hows the fit, your dislikes, etc. Also long tubes versus short tubes. I will be lowering my car and am worried about ground clearance with long tubes. Not everyone can afford $700 set of headers (me included) so the inexpensive ones would be best on the feed back. I usually run shortys because of ground clearance but would love a bit more torque from long tubes. Also ball and socket versus the standard 3 bolt flange. I'm going to build a custom crossmember with thick walled round steel pipe pieces for exhaust passages so I can line that all up with the headers during mock up.

 

[Injectedcutty]

I ran hooker 2451 long tubes for years. They suck installing, had to be dented in a couple spots, and plug changes were an absolute nightmare!

When i cleaned up the engine bay during resto-mode (still ongoing waiting to get painted), i switched over to hedman #68600 mid length pipes. I was able to install them from the topside, bolts still require a little fanangling, no denting necessary, and have the ball & socket flange. Hell, i think i kept 5 or 6 plugs in when bolting them up....i do use accel shorty plugs.

The hedmans came black, i had them coated, but baked the 1st bend on all tubes on 1st fireup a couple years back. That was a fuel supply issue (dumb me forgot to change 3 year old fuel filters on my A1000 pump !!!)

Btw, they are for sell now as I'm changing directions on my engine build. Pm me if interested.

 

[L67ss]

X2 on agreeing on hedman fitting great

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I have the discontinued Edelbrock TES headers which are direct fit for V8 Monte Carlos or any G body with a SBC. Good points are easy install, better power, and emission legal. Bad points, pita to change plugs, they get hot (especially if the engine is running lean), O2 sensor cools off faster, and plug wires cannot touch the headers,

 

[Longroof79]

I have been using Blackjack headers, which have been discontinued for years. I've been more than satisfied with the fit and construction. Plus I really like the O-ring designed flanges, which I find not all header manufacturers use.
I do use a shorty plug, too, for better access.
If I'm not mistaken, Dynamax had taken over Blackjack. Dynamax no longer makes headers but still makes mufflers.

Btw, I really like the ball flange design compared to the typical 3-bolt flange...no leakage issues like the old school flange.
If I were to go with new headers, it would either be Flowtech or Hedman.

 

[Bar50]

The Hedman shorty headers on my Aero Coupe have leaked since new. I tried shorty headers on my previous Malibu and never could get the collector to not leak.

I have had several sets of the Flowtech 11104 long tubes, new and used and have never had an issue. I believe that is what is on the T-top car you got from me.

I put new ones on my daily driver Malibu and never had any issues short of making an A/C spacer to make up the difference in the thickness of header versus manifold.

I have also ran the super comps that are slip tube and wrap around the frame. They require solid motor mounts.