Speed Engineering LS Swap Headers Findings

[PhilistineAu]

I'm going to get a set for my install in December (using the Tejas motor and transmission mount). I've emailed Speed and got a response very quickly (some would say... "speedy").

Not sure yet on whether to go with the shorty headers or the long headers. Shorty has v-band and I am installing in a C10 longbed... and maybe could repurpose them for a turbo install later. However, long headers might be better overall/top end, are closer to equal length, look fancy... and I may never go turbo and should just forget about pipe dreams.

Decisions, decisions.

[racecougar]

I'd choose the "best of both worlds" route and weld V-bands onto the longtubes.

[PhilistineAu]

Mine arrived today. Unfortunately the box was beaten up and one of the collectors has a dent in it. Not irreparable but not necessarily something I wanted to do either.

They need to improve their packing it seems.

[racecougar]

Been there.

[PhilistineAu]

Methinks it is time for them to invest in some polystyrene donuts. I got off lucky compared to your box. That's a beating.


Update: I heard back from them and they told me to fix it with a crescent wrench. Not a big deal, but perhaps an offer of free shipping or discounted v-band flanges would have been nice. For now, I would avoid ordering from them until they get their packaging situation fixed OR unless you are willing to pay for headers that will probably have some sort of damage when they arrive.

[71Charlie10]

Those longtubes look great! Im stuck between the mid length and the longtube for my ls swap in my 71. When you get time can you post a pic of the longtube where it hangs below the frame, but a little farther away from the truck. Trying to get an idea what they look like from a distance.

Nic

[PhilistineAu]

Absolutely. My engine won’t go in for at least another month though, but I will get you the photo. When I talked to them they assured me the long tube headers should clear the 6L90e, but using the Tejas Steelworks mounts which lift the engine may create some spacing issues.

[gringoloco]

Here’s my fitment with Dropmember version 7, super happy with these:

[19SIKtySix]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Here’s my fitment with Dropmember version 7, super happy with these:

Just curious which style you went with, I have a 66 C10 and plan to bag it in the future. It'll be lowered for now, but don't want any fitment issues down the road.

Nice looking setup by the way!

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by 19SIKtySix

Just curious which style you went with, I have a 66 C10 and plan to bag it in the future. It'll be lowered for now, but don't want any fitment issues down the road.

Nice looking setup by the way!

They are the C10 specific (same part number as Chevelle) LS swap long tubes. The reason they work so well is due to the dropmember raising the engine. Stock engine location, I think the collectors will hang down 1.5” or so, too much for a heavily lowered or bagged truck, in my opinion.

[Macdaddy1]

I ordered a set of the long tube headers and when they arrive i will post some pics. 65 c10 with 5.3 using speed engineering motor mounts.

[racecougar]

Originally Posted by Macdaddy1

I ordered a set of the long tube headers and when they arrive i will post some pics. 65 c10 with 5.3 using speed engineering motor mounts.

I posted pics of that same setup above.

[gringoloco]

Eyeballing, they look like 3/8” flanges. I imagine they are Asia-built, but very nicely done

[slowcpe]

Looks like I may have to order a set for my Level 1 DM truck. For once I don’t have to buy the most expensive piece out there.

[RockhoundII]

Here they are in my 79 Blazer. They clear the frame just fine, but require cutting on the passenger side of the 4l80E bellhousing. I had the same packaging issues some other people have mentioned, my driver side collector is damaged. I've had them bolted up to an LS3 with a 6L80E in the same truck and had no clearance issues whatsoever.

[michael bustamante]

update. installed mine last weekend in my 67 with a 4-6 drop, 5.3 dbw with 4l60. fit perfect, no trimming, no cutting no fabbing. nada... cleared the tranny and the starter no problem.
only part that sucked was I had to remove my brake master cylinder and booster to get the driver side in, now I gotta re bleed em again.

[bs46488]

I bought a set of the long tube 1 3/4 based on this thread.

5.3 with 4l65e and 3/5 drop in the truck.

The box showed up a little banged up but I just grabbed a crescent wrench and straighten things out.

The headers fit with no issues. I reused the factory trans cooler hard lines, so I needed to make some "adjustments" to the line to get them not to touch.

I installed the passenger side from the top. Drivers side from the bottom.

[1971Stepside]

I purchased the upgraded gaskets with mine, but not sure which gasket goes against the block and which one goes against the header. Haven't looked at them that closely, but it dawned on me while looking through this thread. Anyone have a pic or explanation on how I should install them? Thanks,

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

I purchased the upgraded gaskets with mine, but not sure which gasket goes against the block and which one goes against the header. Haven't looked at them that closely, but it dawned on me while looking through this thread. Anyone have a pic or explanation on how I should install them? Thanks,

You should not have 2 gaskets between the head and the header flange.

If you got sent 4 gaskets, then the upgraded ones should be the multi-layer steel versions. Without seeing what you have, The multi-layer gaskets should not have a specific side that goes against the head or the header flange...Just use one multi-layer gasket between the head and the header flange.

[1971Stepside]

Thanks aggie. I hadn't seen a two gasket set up, so I was confused. I guess they just sent the standard ones and the upgraded ones.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Thanks aggie. I hadn't seen a two gasket set up, so I was confused. I guess they just sent the standard ones and the upgraded ones.

That was my guess that they sent the standard ones and the upgraded ones too.

[62chevy302]

Are the upgraded gaskets gm stock manifold mls gaskets?

[cornerstone]

Originally Posted by 62chevy302

Are the upgraded gaskets gm stock manifold mls gaskets?

I am wondering the same thing. I ordered a set last night and added on the "upgraded gaskets". When they arrive I will post pics of theirs VS. stock GM.gaskets, although I am running a 5.3 LT from a 2014 truck, so they may be different than yours anyway... I dont know what setup you are going with.
Brian

[62chevy302]

Ok i will be waiting on your reply

[crakarjax]

Has anyone used the f-body long tube speed engineering headers on a C10? I have an fbody oil pan and want to find longtubes that don't have below the pan much if at all.