Big Block headers?
 

Alright ladies and gents I am swapping a 454 in my 70 C30 I'm running a 465 with a NP205. My question to you guys is what headers are you running? Its a Gen IV 454 any suggestions or part numbers would be greatly appreciated

Re: Big Block headers?
 

camaro/chevelle work good, slight modification needed, but fit tight and high

Re: Big Block headers?
 

I ran chevelle headers on a truck I built, only issue I had was the hyro slave cylinder. I had to shim it out to clear the primary. But they tucked nice, couldn't see them below the frame. Plus a million times cheaper than truck headers or others.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Sanderson Headers shorties on mine. High and tight and no interference with hydraulic clutch stuff.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Awesome! Thanks guys.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

With the above saying Chevelle headers, I will add that I used Hedman Elites on my 67 Chevelle with big block. Fit like a glove. I personally have no experience though with these headers on our trucks

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Im assuming you have a stock old RV 454 engine you are asking about only because you didnt list any performance 'enhancing' goodies to consider in your question....

With that said you can probably get away with putting any of the chinese $79 1.25" primary tube header kits available out there from any of the ebay providers.

BUT - if you want that motor to really breath and give you the performance a tuned header system should give you then you should open it up and find a good header that has the right size primary for your mods. The shorty headers and mid lengths are for a single purpose and they rob BB's of horsepower, nuff said. I wouldnt put anything less than 1 7/8" primary on a 454 to begin with, no matter what type head you have. These are readily available. If you want to go 2" primary then you have a bit less to chose from. But Patriot is a brand that has them in 2".

2 1/8" and 2 1/4" are typically custom but check out Mad Dog and Mikes

http://maddogheaders.net/products/chevy

http://www.mikesfabshop.com/header-sizing.html


Good luck to ya.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Also, be sure you have access to all of the plugs, the starter, and the oil filter. Before I switched to the Hedman Elite, I had some cheap Summit Racing headers. I had to losen the headers just to get the oil filter off. Also, it looked as if removing the starter would have been a bigger challenge. I have easy access to the above mentioned items with the Hedmans. Just something to consider

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Thanks for all the info and advice guys,this makes my decision much easier. t
Thanks again

Re: Big Block headers?
 

I see a lot of people saying to use chevelle headers but i have not seen where anyone has put what year chevelle header works best.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

This is the set I went with. Hooker seems to be doing a much better job of offering our era specific headers. Granted there are Chevelle headers that do work well, there's not as much guess work now.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-2463-1hkr

Based off this design you'll be able to modify your search function with Summit to find headers with different size options.

Good luck.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

here is the set I used. at $200 bucks for super comps, its a steal..

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers/520/2455/10002/-1

Re: Big Block headers?
 

I just purchased these as well. I'm having issues with the drivers side. Running into interference with the motor mount and the lower control arm. Wayyy more modifying than I would like. I may just sell these and try a different brand.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

I used some Headmen longtubes off ebay, work fine so far. I wrapped them in fiberglass.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

I ended up using the Hookers I bought. A ball pein hammer made pretty quick work of the interference problems.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

When replying they work or fit for your particular
application it would be nice to add year and
2wheel or 4x4(c10,c20,k10,k20). I would assume
in this thread we are all talking about 4x4 but
someone mentioned lower control arms.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

My mistake. My truck is a 1968 short fleet 2WD. I was just replying to the big block header inquiry.

Re: Big Block headers?
 

Im using a 73 K20 chassis under my 57 with a 454, and I used Hedman 68610 headers. They are a 3/4 length header and are for a Chevelle application. The driver side fit perfect, and the passenger side fit perfect except I had to clearace a small area on the top frame rail to clear one of the header tubes.