Headers or Manifold?

[Branman1971]

I am cleaning up the motor and tranny for paint and I am considering replacing the crappy looking exhaust manifolds with some headers but they seem hard to find a set that will go on a 350 and clear the crossmember on a 61. There are many affordable sets out there though. I see a bunch of you guys have them so can anyone recommend a set that will bolt on my 350 and not set me back too much $$$? Thanks.

[LVPhotos]

I used Patriot shorties on my '62. Could use mid length as well.

[LVPhotos]

[MisterC]

Look at the Speedway motors manifolds. Dino uses them on all of his builds and swears by them.

[Branman1971]

Thanks guys. I will check em out!

[Branman1971]

I don't think that my old manifolds are usable. Each manifold is missing at least one bolt. I think they are pressed in because the bolt holes do not go all the way through. I am still looking for some used headers but I wanted to ask you guys if I am correct. Thanks!

[1963c-10]

hedman headers HED-69620 $179 new in the box through SUMMIT for sbc trucks

[Branman1971]

Thank you. Do you have them? Do headers affect the sound or just performance?

[1963c-10]

Im in the process of a big block build right now. Just happened to have the Summit catalog open to exhaust as I've been debating header wrap or not...they show a hedman header for 55-65 chevy trucks 283-400 sbc 1 1/2" od 3" collector. I don't know how they'll modify your exhaust tone, but they are louder than most stock manifolds, flow better and you will notice a difference in the performance of the engine if its all running right. Im using Hedman headers on by bbc build and I have used them in my 69 chevelle SS and a prior 63 c-10 I had. Ive always liked the quality of them.

You should be able to get online and find a video of them in a similiar set up for sound.

If you have any question on fit, I'd contact the tech's at Hedman...they advertise it to fit so they should guarentee.

[Branman1971]

Great! The price is right too. I had Blackjack headers on my 69 Chevelle but never heard it with manifolds. I think those are more pricey if I remember right. Thanks guys!

[Branman1971]

And made in the USA to boot!

[Reyals Bemus]

I run the Speedway Motor's Tru-Ram manifolds. They are outstanding! All the reliability of cast iron manifolds, with the flow of shorty headers, minus the tinny sound that some headers can have. They are not cheap. $300 for the reg. iron manifolds, $400 for unpolished stainless, and $500 for polished stainless. You get what you pay for though. I bought the regular cast iron ones and coated them with KBS XTC high-temp paint. Total nuclear longevity now.

I can get a pic of them in my truck if anyone is interested. Clearances are perfect around everything.

[Captainfab]

Those broken studs in your manifolds are not pressed in, they are threaded. However with old rusty and crusty manifolds, the broken studs can be a real pain to get out. They usually require the heat of a torch and sometimes a welder to get them out.

Originally Posted by Branman1971

I don't think that my old manifolds are usable. Each manifold is missing at least one bolt. I think they are pressed in because the bolt holes do not go all the way through. I am still looking for some used headers but I wanted to ask you guys if I am correct. Thanks!

The part number for the Hedman headers you need are #69260's

[davbowen]

just installed Summit Racing G9006-9 Headers. ceramic coated. fit like a glove.

[Branman1971]

Do you have a 350 Davbowen?

[davbowen]

yep. 350 w/th350 in my 63. headers clear motor mounts by a least 1/2". they do hang below the frame some, but i'm not slammin it. have 4.5"/7" drop when done.

[NEWFISHER]

Originally Posted by reyals bemus

i run the speedway motor's tru-ram manifolds. They are outstanding! All the reliability of cast iron manifolds, with the flow of shorty headers, minus the tinny sound that some headers can have. They are not cheap. $300 for the reg. Iron manifolds, $400 for unpolished stainless, and $500 for polished stainless. You get what you pay for though. I bought the regular cast iron ones and coated them with kbs xtc high-temp paint. Total nuclear longevity now.

I can get a pic of them in my truck if anyone is interested. Clearances are perfect around everything.

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