Summit Headers

[salazar44]

I think I asked this question before... But has anyone tried the summit brand headers? Im looking to pick some up real soon but dont know which ones to get. I have a 65 with a 350 sb. Im looking forward to headers with no clearance issues if anyone can suggest some! Thanks. Oh... and did I mention inexpensive???

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by salazar44

I think I asked this question before... But has anyone tried the summit brand headers? Im looking to pick some up real soon but dont know which ones to get. I have a 65 with a 350 sb. Im looking forward to headers with no clearance issues if anyone can suggest some! Thanks. Oh... and did I mention inexpensive???

VIC:
There is a header thread down below with some specific recommendations, including pics. I highly recommend the Hedmans.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286578

Don

[salazar44]

Thanks Don! From a budget standpoint, I am interested in these particular headers:
Summit Headers SUM-G9006

Anyone use them?

[Mykul]

Originally Posted by salazar44

Thanks Don! From a budget standpoint, I am interested in these particular headers:
Summit Headers SUM-G9006

Anyone use them?

I'm diggin' them! Let me know what you find out.

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by salazar44

Thanks Don! From a budget standpoint, I am interested in these particular headers:
Summit Headers SUM-G9006

Anyone use them?

I'm wondering why those would fit 66 but not 64 or 65. Could there be a mistake in the catalog? Also, if you have a clutch, those look iffy to me for clearing the z-bar.

[salazar44]

Yes Don! Im wondering the same thing! I have an automatic and now Im looking at these flowtechs that i can pick up locally at kragen today. They are only $99 after $5 off coupon. They also state the 66 thing.

[protrash64]

Ihave posted this numerous times in different threads.....I used a shorty header for 88+ chevy pick -up w/ small block. Part # was sometning like 9016.

I had to weld up the o2 sensor hole but fit no problem......Im low so I couldnt go w/ the long tube. I think Dinos63 uses shorty's for early 90's Camaro and Firebirds w/ the same results.

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by salazar44

Yes Don! Im wondering the same thing! I have an automatic and now Im looking at these flowtechs that i can pick up locally at kragen today. They are only $99 after $5 off coupon. They also state the 66 thing.

Vic:
The 66 thing has always puzzled me... maybe someone else knows the story of why a 66 is different than other 60s in terms of its header requirements. Whatever you buy, make sure there is a good stout mounting flange... esp. for the full length headers. Some newer models have also gone to a ball and socket type collector outlet, which means you don't need a gasket!

Also please post your installation experience on the header thread! PT64's point is well taken about numerous postings... but IMO a clearly labeled thread with proven part numbers and pics would really be useful to members.

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by salazar44

Yes Don! Im wondering the same thing! I have an automatic and now Im looking at these flowtechs that i can pick up locally at kragen today. They are only $99 after $5 off coupon. They also state the 66 thing.

I put those on my '64. They fit fine, but I had to temporarily remove the oil filter and starter to squeeze them in. That and a Z-bar modification.

[salazar44]

Hmmm... well this is my first header experience, so I am not keen as to what is a good mounting flange and what isnt. I think it was good but I suppose only time will tell.

Most threads are not specific enough. If you noticed I asked about the summit brand headers. Although now I will be talking about my experience with the Flowtechs. Oh well!

Flowtech 11500FLT is the model I purchased from Kragen.

So far I only had time to get the driver side in. The only clearance problems were undoing a grounding wire strap and the oil filter. Luckily I didnt loose too much of that precious oil.

I also had to remove all the spark plugs to safely get them in without damaging anything. I was able to leave the temp sensor in.

I will continue info with my passenger side install today!

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by salazar44

Hmmm... well this is my first header experience, so I am not keen as to what is a good mounting flange and what isnt. I think it was good but I suppose only time will tell.

Most threads are not specific enough. If you noticed I asked about the summit brand headers. Although now I will be talking about my experience with the Flowtechs. Oh well!

Flowtech 11500FLT is the model I purchased from Kragen.

So far I only had time to get the driver side in. The only clearance problems were undoing a grounding wire strap and the oil filter. Luckily I didnt loose too much of that precious oil.

I also had to remove all the spark plugs to safely get them in without damaging anything. I was able to leave the temp sensor in.

I will continue info with my passenger side install today!

Vic:
The issues you describe with plugs oil filter etc. are just normal installation notes, not real problems with the functioning of the header. On the passenger side you will almost surely have to remove the starter (and plugs) to get the headers installed. This would be the case with almost any full-length header. Two main functional problem areas tend to come up with full-length headers: 1. flimsy thin mounting flanges that prevent the header from sealing well with the exhaust ports (note that these bolts support the front of your exhaust system) and 2. getting the collectors to seal well with the exhaust pipes... where gaskets tend to fail pretty often and allow leaks. You may have to experiment with gaskets to get ones that give you the best service life. Another issue that sometimes comes up is just the bends at the top of the headers allowing enough room to get a header bolt in and tightened down well.

It sounds like your installation so far is routine, but like you said it may take a while to see if problems develop and persist in the two areas I mentioned. Do the headers burn out gaskets and stay sealed over time is what it amounts to.

I agree that many posts to threads aren't specific enough... mostly because people give incomplete info : "a buddy of mine uses the Schmidlaps and likes them...." But before long you will have valuable information on the specific Flowtech header you bought and should be able to report whether or not it installs and functions reliably in our trucks. And is it known to fit only automatic tranny or both auto and manual... stuff like that. People seem to value specific information like that. I do anyway. Heck I'm also just curious as to how it comes out for you AND I love pictures.

[NF65Fleetside]

hurry up already! guh...slow poke! hehehe, nah Im stoked for you...now we just gotta finally get both our rides running at the same time! hehehe

[salazar44]

I do realize that removing plugs is standard, I just mentioned it cuz it is what I did. Anyhow, got the passenger side in just now and it went in pretty easy. I just had to re-route some starter wiring but again... no big deal and to be expected. Same with the plugs on passenger side. Fortunately I did not have to drop the starter to get it in! As for the sound... It was pretty sweet! Its a MONSTER right now and I love it. But I will be taking it to finish off my piping and add flowmaster 40's.

Here is a link to the audio of my startup. Its headers only and I think the sound is distorted from the cheap mic in my digital camera.

Video link to startup

[billydonn]

Vic:
Well done! And beware of open header induced euphoria! Post a pic of the headers when you can. The real long term test will be whether or not the headers develop leaks at the mounting flanges or the collector gaskets.

[magooster]

That was a cool video! sounded sweet! I'm diggin the bullet shifter

[protrash64]

Totally *****in' sal44..........dig the vid!!!!!!!!!!! I almost had to look and see if you were sitting in my truck!!!

[salazar44]

haha... thanks guys! Im headin down in a bit to finish the piping. Gonna add some flowmasters 40's!

[NF65Fleetside]

yeeeeew! thats awesome Vic, fawk cant wait to get my ride back today (hopefully)....ill try and make a clip of the lakes for you

[64GMCHorsepower]

Originally Posted by salazar44

I think I asked this question before... But has anyone tried the summit brand headers? Im looking to pick some up real soon but dont know which ones to get. I have a 65 with a 350 sb. Im looking forward to headers with no clearance issues if anyone can suggest some! Thanks. Oh... and did I mention inexpensive???

I went ahead and got the Summit Brand headers to try....

Ordered last Wed, they showed up on Thursday!

I installed them Friday nite. Very easy, and I have to say they sound AWESOME!

of course I scraped paint off of them putting them in, but for only $ 88.00, you can't expect perfection!!!

For what I am doing, and for the price, I am very satisfied with them!

Now I just need mufflers!


Chad

[Mykul]

Originally Posted by 64GMCHorsepower

I went ahead and got the Summit Brand headers to try....

Ordered last Wed, they showed up on Thursday!

I installed them Friday nite. Very easy, and I have to say they sound AWESOME!

of course I scraped paint off of them putting them in, but for only $ 88.00, you can't expect perfection!!!

For what I am doing, and for the price, I am very satisfied with them!

Now I just need mufflers!


Chad

Sweet! One more thing I need to buy.

[salazar44]

yeah... i scrapped paint also.