I need help with picking out a big block header before I lose my mind!

[ts71281]

I've put similar posts out like this before and have never gotten a straight shootin' answer. I just need some help here from someone who has done this ahead of me.

My truck is a '70 C10, using factory correct engine perches and motor mounts from a '70 C10. The motor fits great, everything lines up as it should so on and so forth.

Here's the problem. I cannot for the life of me find a set of big block headers for my truck that meet 2 criteria.

1. It must fit on both sides, not just 1. (I'm on my 2nd set from hedman now)
2. I am running a 4 speed Muncie, so I want to retain my factory mechanical clutch linkage hardware. Every dang header has the #7 primary in the way of my z-bar.

Is there anyone out there that can say "Hey, I used X header with my big block truck that has a manual transmission and it fit perfectly!" ?

Money isn't even an issue, I'd pay a grand right now to get a premium set that fit like a glove. The flowtechs I had were junk, I threw them away. The hedman's fit fine on the drivers side, but both headers they've sent me keep hitting the frame rail on the passenger side. I don't want to cut away at my frame. They've got all the space in the world under these trucks, and they move the collector way to the outside in outer space. If they swung it in an inch and up a 1/2 inch, it'd fit perfect.

PLEASE, anyone who can give me insight it would be greatly appreciated. I'm sick of working on this thing and want to drive it. I'm about >< that far from putting manifolds back on.

[geezer#99]

Just a thought!
Is the centreline of your output shaft on your tranny dead centre between the frame rails.

[ts71281]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Just a thought!
Is the centreline of your output shaft on your tranny dead centre between the frame rails.

Yup! At least the best I can tell. My transmission mount on the tailshaft is dead smack lined up perfect on the crossmember.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by ts71281

Yup! At least the best I can tell. My transmission mount on the tailshaft is dead smack lined up perfect on the crossmember.

That might be your problem with commercial built headers fitting.
Your tranny should be offset 1 inch. Maybe your tranny should be up or down too.

[ts71281]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

That might be your problem with commercial built headers fitting.
Your tranny should be offset 1 inch. Maybe your tranny should be up or down too.

Interesting, so how would I measure that? I'm using factory big block engine perches, same with big block motor mounts. I removed the bellhousing mounted crossmember and replaced it with a tailshaft mounted crossmember for this swap. I didn't have to shift anything around to get the rear mount to line up. Would this mean everything was misaligned from new?

Raising the motor up an inch even wouldn't allow the headers to fit. They would still rub on the frame. I can post pictures to show you. They either need to go towards the drivers side or they won't fit.

[Tom Vogel]

OK... heres what I did. Custom Headers from Lemons Headers here in Paso Robles. I have a five speed and used the stock factory Z-bar setup. These headers fit that , are full length and fit up between the frame rails and dont hang down. You wont like the price, but maybe Dan still has the specs and can duplicate you a set. Other than that, maybe you could go with a hydraulic clutch setup.

[ts71281]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

OK... heres what I did. Custom Headers from Lemons Headers here in Paso Robles. I have a five speed and used the stock factory Z-bar setup. These headers fit that , are full length and fit up between the frame rails and dont hang down. You wont like the price, but maybe Dan still has the specs and can duplicate you a set. Other than that, maybe you could go with a hydraulic clutch setup.

Tom, this might be the big break I need! I have no problem dropping money on headers if they fit like a glove, let me run my z bar and yup, that's pretty much all I require

Can you tell me how long ago you had these built? Do you recall about how much they cost? I will give Dan a call on Monday. Can you tell me about when you had these built? Can I use you as a reference?

[scoots71]

you used the lemons headers for a 73 up ? what size tubes did yo run

[IIGW]

70 chevelle work nice, but you might have to cut one or two tubes and modify them. which is really easy, if you have a welder. if not, get a six pack and a piece of cardboard, write on the cardboard free beer for welding services, sit you the curb and youll get plenty of guys willing to land a hand..

[ts71281]

Here are the pictures:

[geezer#99]

You'd need a factory spec for where the tranny output should be. I don't have that.
I have always measured them before I start swapping.
If your tranny output is dead centre, what about the front of your motor?
Headers look a bit big.
What size of primary pipes are those?

[ts71281]

Just 1 3/4 primaries. They're the hedman 69170 designed for our trucks. Before anyone tries to state the obvious, I refuse to cut or trim back my frame. I shouldn't have to do that when there's a mile of clearance between the engine and collector. For the record, these headers install from the top like a manifold.

[geezer#99]

Have you looked into shorty headers like heddman elites?

[ts71281]

I havent. Is there a certain part number you had in mind?

[geezer#99]

Upon further research heddman only has full length headers for your truck.
Search on summit for shorty's or midlength headers.
Sanderson makes some.

[ts71281]

Sanderson does make some, however from what I've seen they will not work with a manual clutch linkage setup.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by ts71281

Sanderson does make some, however from what I've seen they will not work with a manual clutch linkage setup.

These are Sanderson big block long tube block huggers on a 67 with a turbo 400. As you can see, the flanges will be VERY close to your Z bar but they might fit. A quick call to their tech line will sort out whether they fit or not. If you use them you will have to go with a remote oil filter.

[geezer#99]

If you can't find headers that fit you could put the stock ones on but have them 'extrudehoned' first. Make them flow as good as headers.
http://www.extrudehoneafm.com/

[IIGW]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Make them flow as good as headers.

stock manifolds honed, extruded, coated or whatever will never flow "as good as" aftermarket headers.