Header help

[jesse49]

hello everyone im new 2 the forum , an the whole hot rod scene as well. I recently came across a 49 chevy prostreet project truck if taken quite an interest in. I just put a 406 small block in it 2 replace the 350 it had the old motor had a set of center dump manifolds on it an id hate to reuse them but clearance seems likes it going 2 b an issue. ive looked @ a few block hugger shortys and am interested in the sandersons. i hate to buy a set that doest fit does anyone have any advise???????? i have a mustang 2 rack with manual steering as well. thanks 4 your help

[vjjack04]

I too have been asking about this. No one seems to want to reply. I have a 55 Chevy 3100 but cannot find any specific made long tube headers. I think it might be that there is so much room many headers will fit........I wish you well with your project, it sounds cool.

[solidaxel]

Have you looked at the rear dump Camaro or pick up cast iron stock units, they fit everything steering and frame, you lose a bit of HP but gain in cost and fitment.

[jesse49]

Thx solid axel , i was considering something like that, but i fear there going to be too restrictive, i spent alot of coin on a high hp motor an wana make sure she can breath

[samdjr74]

Hi Solidaxel,

Do you have any pics of the other side of the engine bay showing the header/steering column clearence?

Thanks,
Sam

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Have you looked at the rear dump Camaro or pick up cast iron stock units, they fit everything steering and frame, you lose a bit of HP but gain in cost and fitment.

[pgf545]

I probably can't help you on a small block but I have a few pictures of big block hugger headers on my build thread.

Bernie

[spikey]

54 with a 350 small block

[jesse49]

spikey thats what im talkin about!!!!!!! what r u doing with the inner fender wells? and are u just running open headers if so bad ass!!!!!!!!

[vjjack04]

Those fender well headers are nice. However does someone make long tubes that will fit inside the fender wells?

[solidaxel]

These are the best pic I have during the build, but everything works great now that it is on the road.
You may have to port match the headers but You wont notice anything below 5000 RPM.
I drive my truck everyday and for the street and you won't notice the difference with cast iron Vs. tube headers

I did have to move the column down in the firewall a bit over 1" but everything clears the frame and exhaust header and the motor mount, with only 1 U-joint

[raycow]

Solidaxel, those manifolds look great. What do you have them coated with and how well does it hold up?

Ray

[solidaxel]

There is a polisher here that does all the polishing for the local chrome company, Don Jose, I take the raw camaro exhaust to him and he makes the cast iron look like chrome!!
The first set I had him do for me on the Black 55 have been coated for 5 years and they are a little dull but the ceramic (sp) coating still looks great. This set on the green truck is the same process ground smooth and finished then I send them to Phoenix and the company Affordable Powercoating makes them look like chrome with there ceramic coatings. It keeps the temp down and doesn't stain or blue like chrome.
I did have to port match the manifolds with the aluminum ZZ-4 D-port heads on both trucks but I do NOT have trouble with headers, or changing spark plugs or overheating the starter !! I gave up fighting headers 40 years ago when I quit drag racing.

[raycow]

Thank you for the background and the lead on Affordable Powdercoating. I will definitely check them out.

Ray

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by raycow

Thank you for the background and the lead on Affordable Powdercoating. I will definitely check them out.

Ray

You can also check with the Jet Hot Coatings Co. for a price

[samdjr74]

+1 on Jet Hot, nice guys to work with, great prices and fast turn around times

Originally Posted by solidaxel

You can also check with the Jet Hot Coatings Co. for a price

[mylow53]

heres some dougs headers in my 53
GT

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by mylow53

heres some dougs headers in my 53
GT

These were made for the truck; I mean not custom/uniquely made....?

[mylow53]

nope off the shelf dougs long tube headers. and yes it's really tight in there but no rubbing.
GT