Header question

[03BlkZ]

Ok so I am looking at headers for my 70 C10 and have a question. My truck kiss a 3 on the tree with a 350 and I'm wanting to put long tubes on it since I am nearing the end of my restoration. I mainly want them for looks. This will be a cruiser and car show truck. My only problem is the only ones I find that seen to say work with 3 on the tree are ceramic coated. Thats fine but I still need to do my initial engine break in process. Every one says that the break in process will ruin the coating. I found summit has an uncoated set that I like but they are out of stock and estimate 4/22/21 before being available. Am I good to just use the ceramic ones? Here is a pic of the engine. Oh and ignore the wheels . I will be using the 15x8 6 lug Ralley wheels.

[SIXTY9]

If you have a old pair of exhaust manifolds rig them up to do the break in and then install your new headers.

[03BlkZ]

Originally Posted by SIXTY9

If you have a old pair of exhaust manifolds rig them up to do the break in and then install your new headers.

That is probably what I will need to do. Just don't want to spend extra money for nothing on the exhaust. I have the old rams horns but I will need gaskets and bolts.

[Mike C]

If you are just breaking it in, buy the cheapest set of headers you can find and some collector mufflers to do that. Then put your coated headers in and hook up all the neccesary clutch linkage when that is finished. You certainly don't want to buy a GOOD set of uncoated headers and then have to get them coated.

Heddman was the only header I could find that really did work with my Jimmy and the SM465.

But the Corvette rams horns are a better solution if you are less than 400 hp...

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Mike C

But the Corvette rams horns are a better solution if you are less than 400 hp...

The Corvette rams horns drop straight down near the crossmember and there's no room to connect head pipes. As I recall, the exceptions are trucks that mount the engine farther back, such as 69-72 4WD trucks and 67-68 2WD and 4WD trucks..

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by MikeB

The Corvette rams horns drop straight down near the crossmember and there's no room to connect head pipes. As I recall, the exceptions are trucks that mount the engine farther back, such as 69-72 4WD trucks and 67-68 2WD and 4WD trucks..

A good exhaust shop can make it happen, but you are right, moving the motor back to the 6 cylinder spot allows for maximum clearance. Also improves the weight balance of the truck. But requires lots of work and a new driveshaft.

[Grumpy old man]

Originally Posted by MikeB

The Corvette rams horns drop straight down near the crossmember and there's no room to connect head pipes. As I recall, the exceptions are trucks that mount the engine farther back, such as 69-72 4WD trucks and 67-68 2WD and 4WD trucks..

The 2 1/2" straight drop rams fit in the stock V8 position in a 2 wheel drive .

[SIXTY9]

Let me check with one of my buddies and see if he has a old set of headers. Probably just postage to get them there.

[03BlkZ]

Originally Posted by SIXTY9

Let me check with one of my buddies and see if he has a old set of headers. Probably just postage to get them there.

Sounds good

[SIXTY9]

Sorry no luck on the headers. He got rid of a bunch of stuff and the two sets of headers went too.

[BigBird05]

Not trying to hijack the thread but what exhaust manifolds were stock on a 72 C-10? Straight down or angled back.

[Tomchev]

They were angle on both sides.

[03BlkZ]

Thanks for all the advise. I decided yesterday that I will reinstall the original manifolds for the initial break in then worry about the headers at a later date.