What is different about the '85-'86-'87 trucks?

[86swb]

I found some nice new stainless steel headers a company is selling on ebay but will only fit '73 up to '84 C-10 trucks and will not fit the '85-'86-'87 years. They say on the site that something is different and that is why these years will not work with the headers. Here is their address:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...QQcmdZViewItem
What is different on these trucks??

[Slonaker]

I can't think of anything that would make headers fit an '84 but not an '86. I suspect they are just misinformed, but I can't say for sure. I say this because their ad says that '86 pickups are fuel injected. You and I both know that is wrong.

I don't run headers on any of my vehicles, and never have. I may not be your best source of information...

Slonaker

[grinch4om]

85-87 had AIR tubes on the manifolds? the headers will physically fit, just may not accomidate the emission stuff

[86swb]

That would not be a problem with me. All the emission stuff is off my truck. We do not have checks for that stuff here. The PO took all off. Edlebrock intake, carb etc. now. Thanks guys.

[piecesparts]

If it fits a 73 Chevy truck, It will fit an 85. 86. or 87 Chevy truck. the only real difference is the smog garbage and in most cases, it was removed by a Previous Owner.

[swb85]

If anyone buys these headers, please post up what the quality is like and how they fit. I'm shopping for new headers too and that seems like a smokin deal for stainless!!!

[84slopwaggin]

Seems to me they have them priced just below dynomax and headman headers. If stainless is what your looking for, go for it.

[lolife99]

Not to hijack the thread,... but what about a Big Block part # for the same trucks? Anyone?

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Not to hijack the thread,... but what about a Big Block part # for the same trucks? Anyone?

For BBC, I would get the Sanderson Headers:
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/prod...products_id=33

I have pics of them installed on a motor in the frame if you want to see them...

Originally Posted by prauk

There was something mentioned about the lower control arm being bigger and in the way on '85, '86, '87.......
I don't know if this is true.

It's is not true. Suspension wise the trucks were the same from 67-91 for 4x2 and 73-91 for 4x4. Typically some headers hit the driveshaft on 4x4 applications.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

It's is not true. Suspension wise the trucks were the same from 67-91 for 4x2 and 73-91 for 4x4. Typically some headers hit the driveshaft on 4x4 applications.

Actually, 63-72 suspensions are different from 73-87s.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed;

Actually, 63-72 suspensions are different from 73-87s.

What he is referring to is the A-arms being in the same location not causing any clearance issues.

[Captkaos]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Actually, 63-72 suspensions are different from 73-87s.

I was referring to the front suspension, and I put 67-91, not 63-72.
The 67-91 are identical in crossmember, control arms and spring. I have cut a few down, the biggest difference is the number of bolt holes retaining them.

[C&C Chevy]

I thought 2x4's and 4x4's needed different style headers?? They say that their header fits both.

[prauk]

There was something mentioned about the lower control arm being bigger and in the way on '85, '86, '87.......
I don't know if this is true. Hey you guys with multiple trucks.... go out and look to see if this is true. Thanks.
They do seem like a good deal, has anyone purchased them???? How about angle plug heads????

[68Stepbed]

I think I can clear all of this up. When i put new exhaust on my 86, I tried to change to 350 manifolds from 305 manifolds. The rear most exhaust port mounting holes were offset just slightly, but enough that the 350 manifolds wouldn't work. I don't know if 350's had a similar issue. I think because of this, they are just covering their butts by stating that they will not fit. I think as long as you still have the original 305 in these trucks, they won't fit, but if you have any other small block, they would work.

As far as I know, there are no chassis or suspension differences that would be an issue here.

[Curly86]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I think I can clear all of this up. When i put new exhaust on my 86, I tried to change to 350 manifolds from 305 manifolds. The rear most exhaust port mounting holes were offset just slightly, but enough that the 350 manifolds wouldn't work. I don't know if 350's had a similar issue. I think because of this, they are just covering their butts by stating that they will not fit. I think as long as you still have the original 305 in these trucks, they won't fit, but if you have any other small block, they would work.

As far as I know, there are no chassis or suspension differences that would be an issue here.

I was told that if you get a 350 manifold that the exhaust comes out at the back and points down at an angle of the manifold the 350 manifolds will work.I have a 86 i just put a 400 in it and i am in need of one of these manifolds

[grinch4om]

I personally love my Hookers, have always used them from my FE Fairlanes to my rat infested pickup!

[lolife99]

Captkaos,... If you have time,... post some pics of those BB headers. Thanks, lolife99.

[Captkaos]

[lolife99]

Thanks for posting pics!

[Captkaos]

No problem!

[86swb]

Man, that pasenger side header is close to the frame.

[Captkaos]

Where? I could put my finger around all of the tubes with it installed. I think you are looking at the top down photo. If you look at the behind photo you can see it sits above the framerail.

[86swb]

Originally Posted by Captkaos

Where? I could put my finger around all of the tubes with it installed. I think you are looking at the top down photo. If you look at the behind photo you can see it sits above the framerail.

Yep, you are right Capt.

[gmcman7202]

isnt the 85 the first year gm went to metric bolts and crap?