Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Hey all, I have decided to go with Sanderson headers for my 1967 C10 Pickup - 350 engine. I had planned on getting shorty headers, but when I see the difference between those and the block huggers, I really prefer the block hugger look to the shorty. However, with straight plugs, and the starter location, it seems like I may have some modifications to do. Has anyone ran into this issue?

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Welcome to the board.

I'm no header guru but it seems like I remember reading that there is a problem with the block huggers and the engine cross member. Hopefully others will chime in on this....

LockDoc

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

There is not a member on here that has not had some sort of "issue" when installing headers, it comes with the territory. The more measuring/planning you do up front prior to purchasing, the better. Here are a few things that might be helpful:

1. Will your exhaust system hang below the frame or are you trying to get it tucked up and hidden (between frame rails)? This will help determine best place for the collector to sit and join the exhaust and what header style you go with.

2. Block hugger, shorty, 3/4 length? depends on your answer for #1 above as well as other things, for example, what is in the way in the engine compartment? (steering, starter, transmission etc). These are all things you have to work around and it will help determine which header style you go with. Sparkplug sets/boot styles can easily be changed to accommodate header type.

3. Header type - Ceramic coated, stainless, painted, raw? This is a personal decision depending on your preference, setup etc.

I recently replaced my entire exhaust system, I went with ceramic coated 3/4 length headers from Sanderson and I could not be happier with them. My entire exhaust system is tucked up and hidden between the frame rails by installing cross member cutouts.

Hope this is helpful.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Southcity
How did you deal with the emergency brake cables?

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Thank you LockDoc and Southcity! I will go with the ceramic coated. I do plan on lowering the truck a bit, but not full slam. I was hoping to tuck it more in the frame. I will measure tomorrow where I think the collector should land, that info was very helpful! I think I may just stick with the shorty's for now and once I can actually redo the engine, I will go with something more sexy! :lol: I drive this truck often and am just beginning a slow restoration process.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

A fair question Accelo. My setup allowed a few things, starting with a flat and low trans cross member (700R4) which gave plenty of room on each side for the exhaust to sit up high in the frame rails. I ran the emergency brake cables underneath this cross member. The cables do touch on the cross member but I ran some rubber hose on the cables at this area and everything works well.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

I just pulled the trigger and ordered the Sanderson silver ceramic coated block hugger headers. I thought why pay almost just as much for them to look like manifolds! :lol: The measurements seem to work and I am optimistic that it will clear the starter. I am replacing my exhaust system as well (rusted a good bit), so there will be no issues trying to connect to the old system. I appreciate your help!!!

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Congrats Anetz67! those are the same headers I purchased from Sanderson though mine were for a big block. I drive my vehicle hard and daily and I am very happy with the way these headers are performing and holding up. If it's helpful, I did replace my starter with a mini starter that can be clocked in a few different orientations. They work extremely well, provide plenty of clearance options when running headers.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

That is a great tip.....thank you! I didn't realize they made such a thing!

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Indeed they do but I don't want to turn your header post into a mini starter post :). I can tell you there is a ton of helpful info here on mini starters, I've been using them for years, they work really well.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

I've got the Sanderson Shorty's on my 350 and they've worked well. I also replaced the starter to a High Torque Mini in the stock orientation and it's been a wonderful upgrade.

I made the terrible mistake of getting uncoated headers with plans to wrap them later. Either get them coated or wrap them BEFORE you put them in.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Use Stage 8 fasteners on the headers. They are worth it.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Any problem with oil filter clearance on the big block Southcity? I’ve been looking at mine with the Sandersons, and it’s going to be tight. What size pipes are you running? I was thinking about running 4” all the way just for S&G’s, but I think I would definitely have to relocate the filter.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

No issues with oil filter clearance. I'm even using an filter adapter to run oil cooling lines to the front of the truck. The Sanderson header collector I'm using terminates near the oil filter but provides plenty of clearance in my setup. I'm running 2.5 inch pipe so no clearance issue anywhere. Wow, 4" exhaust is going to be a challenge for any installation unless you were running some kind of custom aftermarket frame. Curious to hear how this goes when you get to it, good luck!

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Thanks. The exhaust installer will probably laugh, who knows..

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Do you have pics of your setup by the filter by chance?

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

I'll do my best to try and snap a few today and post them up.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

I appreciate it.

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Here you go:

Attachment 2183233

Attachment 2183234

Attachment 2183235

Re: Header feedback - Shorty or Block Hugger
 

Definitely helps, thanks,