Which Headers? 72 SBC 350/Manual Trans

[elks]

I have been running a set of hooker block hugger headers. They are a pain in the ass, no matter what I do I can not keep them sealed at the collector. Special washer, red lock tight, double nutting, after a few weeks of use they loosen and leak.

So what options are you running? 72 Chevy blazer manual trans. I am thinking that I need to go with long tube headers.

Also I wheel my blazer a lot and get body flex etc. Is there a way to build some flex into the exhaust so it can flex? I feel as if part of the problem is flex allowing the bolts to work loose.

[lks dcvn]

Why not the center dump stock ram horns or upgrade to 2.5" center dump ram horns - no leaks - no issues and plentiful to locate?

[simicrintz]

I have always had good luck with Sanderson block huggers. That said; I am running ram horns on mine.

[elks]

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

Why not the center dump stock ram horns or upgrade to 2.5" center dump ram horns - no leaks - no issues and plentiful to locate?

Do you have a good part number to look them up? Any particular ones better than others? Dorman? Or How do they sound? I was looking at the Thorly headers. Price is not a huge deal, just want it to stay sealed.

[hemi43]

Headers belong in the trash bin. Unless you're running a race engine, you will never gain anything using headers on the street. Get yourself some nice free flowing cast manifolds. No more leaks , excess heat and noise under the hood.

[Mike C]

If I was going to run headers, I would get Heddmans which were the only thing I could find that worked well with stock clutch linkage.

But I switched to the repro 2 1/2" rams horns almost 20 years ago and recommend the same.

Speedway motors is a good source IME.

[Greasey Harley]

Stan's Headers makes some really nice units.
I would use stock manifolds.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I have a '71 GMC Jimmy K/1500 w/ 350 V8 and a 4-speed SM465. I use Heddman headers. Z-bar does not interfere with exhaust.

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by hemi43

Headers belong in the trash bin. Unless you're running a race engine, you will never gain anything using headers on the street. Get yourself some nice free flowing cast manifolds. No more leaks , excess heat and noise under the hood.

There are two types of headers...ones that leak......and ones that are going to leak...
unless they're equal length tuned headers, and you plan on turning high RPMs, there is only very little gain in performance.....and adding mufflers kills most of that.
Years ago the first thing I did was to put headers on every vehicle I bought...now the first thing I do is take them off if it has them...

[simicrintz]

Here's a thought that may not have been posted: on my Jeepster I am running headers, which allowed me to clearance the steering (I converted from a sold shaft manual steering to power steering and needed room). Initially they were on the original engine (225 Buick) and they are now on a 4.1 (252) Buick. Same headers, taken off one engine (after a couple of years) and put on the new one. No leaks. Sanderson block huggers for reference. They solved a clearance issue and were not intended for performance gain or to be cool

Just my .02