2 1/8" Header options

[BossHogg69]

So I've got a 532" BB in the works - (Dart block 4.6" bore x 4.0" stroke) and I'm looking for a set of headers to go along with it. And before anyone questions the need for a 2 1/8" header, the motor with be around 775-800hp (N/A) & 7,000+ rpm, so I really don't want to comprise with a 2" primary. I am running factory stock inner fenders and the truck is lowered 5" in front, so any low hanging stuff is out of the question. On the 468" that I blew up a few months back I was running a set of Hedman Elites that were listed for a Chevelle/Monte Carlo/Camaro (68-72) and they fit well, but were only 1 3/4" primaries. Does anyone have any experience with something like this in a stock type chassis? I called Lemon's Headers (supposedly 'custom') but they don't do anything in 2 1/8" for the 67-72's, only 73-up. Most of the listings on Summit & Jeg's for BB headers (1 3/4") show the application listing from '67-87, so maybe the Lemon's 2 1/8" for 73-87 will fit, but I dont' want to drop $1400 to find out, since I can't return them. Another option would be a couple 2 1/8" listings I found for 68-72 Chevelles and 67-69 Camaros, but again, I don't want to waste time and money only to figure out they won't fit. I do plan on getting whatever headers I decide on in raw steel, so if they aren't perfect, I can make some 'adjustments' before having them coated.

Any insight is appreciated, sorry for the lengthy post.

edit: I'm running the '72 clamshell style motor mounts and have already trimmed them to fit the Chevelle headers I was previously running.

[gomeez63]

Mad dog headers

[BossHogg69]

All of their C10 listings are fenderwell exit, and I'm running stock inner fenders as stated above. I will give them a call and see if they do any custom stuff - I'll post any findings here.

[Blue Rat]

Keep us updated. I will be watching.

[pistonbroke800]

I'm running Chevelle headers on my '81 with 2'' primaries. Only modification needed was to the trans crossmember to let the exhaust pass through. I think if I needed 2 1/8'' that same style header would fit with very little modification. Maybe something for you to consider. The part number of mine is Hooker 2455.

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by pistonbroke800

I'm running Chevelle headers on my '81 with 2'' primaries. Only modification needed was to the trans crossmember to let the exhaust pass through. I think if I needed 2 1/8'' that same style header would fit with very little modification. Maybe something for you to consider. The part number of mine is Hooker 2455.

I was already running Hedman #68198 A-body/Chevelle headers on my 468", had the exhaust tucked up also. They fit like a glove. The Hooker 2455's are known to fit C10's too. The only problem is that most, if not all of the Chevelle 2 1/8" primary headers have one tube that goes out and around the framerail on both sides. I've found a few listings for 2 1/8" headers for 67-69 Camaro's that are all in the framerail, but I don't know if they will clear the clamshell motormounts I'm using. I had to trim the driver side engine bracket to clear the Hedmans, which was no big deal, but now everything is powdercoated and 'finished' so I'm really not into re-fabbing anything on the frame or crossmember.

Lemon's makes a 2 1/8" primary w/3.5" collector for 73-87 trucks, I just don't know for sure if the frames are that similar that the headers will clear everything on inside the frame. I know the front suspension crossmembers are the same, I'm just not sure about anything else.

Here is what I'm working with.

[Blue Rat]

BossHogg69.

Are we talking full length headers only?

[BossHogg69]

Yes, prefer full length. I believe I would be leaving quite a bit of tq/hp on the table if I used shorties.

[Captainfab]

As far as I know there shouldn't be any fitment difference between the frame rails with a '69 frame as compared to a '73-'87 frame.

[BossHogg69]

I think I may move forward on the Lemon's 2 1/8" primary with 3.5" collector. They are shipped in raw steel, so I can make some minor adjustments if needed before I send them out for coating, I have a welder and everything needed to do this. I had even considered getting a 'builder' kit and fabbing up my own, but I'm pretty sure I'd end up scratching the paint all to heck trying to get everything fit up. That would just delay the engine install even more.

Thanks again for the info Captain Fab. If anyone else has any info or even pics underhood of a '73-87 C10 Squarebody, that would be great.

[RICKSRAT]

Mark at Maddog made me a set of 2 1/8 X 4 and turned out nice.

[68racer]

I run the 2 inch Hooker 2455 headers. I thought that if I needed a bigger pipe I could cut them off after the first bend and create a stepped header by slipping a bigger pipe on.

[BossHogg69]

The Dynatech's are 2 1/8", they're gonna fit whether they want to or not! When the motor was dyno'd I didn't have these headers yet, so it was dyno'd with a 2" header w/3" collector. It made 785hp/705tq. Builder & dyno operator concur that the 2" pipes cost me anywhere from 15-23hp, That's why I was pretty set on finding some 2 1/8" x 3.5" headers and making them work.

[BossHogg69]

After messing with the Dynatech Camaro headers for a couple days, I got the passenger side to fit by extending the length of each tube a couple of inches and pulling the collectors over a bit, but the driver's side was a total no-go, so I ended up taking the truck to Custom Craft to get a set of headers made. I took them the mufflers so they could ceramic coat all of it - I will take them the tailpipes and tips when I'm finished with those. The oil filter and starter access is good. Tubes are 2 1/8", collectors are 3.5" x 13". I plan on taking them back off and getting rid of the RTV red silicon they used on the heads, so I'll get more pics then.

[BossHogg69]

couple more

[Steve Cole]

That thing is going to be a monster!! Holy crap! The new headers look incredible. Are you ditching the side exit exhaust?