Which Headers?

[1972c10pu]

72 c10 383 stroker with a high torque starter. Anyone know what headers fit in there nice ? The flowtechs i have now we had to heat them up and dint them to fit around the starter.

[ghackett1]

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...1&d=1703432248

My Hooker Headers spec’d for my 68 C10 SBC slipped right in from the top.
2840 HKR

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by ghackett1

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...1&d=1703432248

My Hooker Headers spec’d for my 68 C10 SBC slipped right in from the top.
2840 HKR

How far below the frame do they hang and is spark plug access okay?
I've been looking for long tubes with 1 3/4" primaries for a bit.
Do you happen to have an under truck pic of where they land?
Thanks for the great post most helpful!
Merry Christmas!

[ghackett1]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

How far below the frame do they hang and is spark plug access okay?
I've been looking for long tubes with 1 3/4" primaries for a bit.
Do you happen to have an under truck pic of where they land?
Thanks for the great post most helpful!
Merry Christmas!

I’ll need to get a pic of that for you. They don’t hang down low but like I said I’ll post a pic.

[Cal10]

I can’t speak for a small block, but I used Hooker comp headers on my big block swap and the cleared everything just fine, even mechanical clutch linkage. Plus they bend the tubes in a way that still lets you get a starter in and out with them installed. Spark plugs are easy too, better than the manifolds.

[ghackett1]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

How far below the frame do they hang and is spark plug access okay?
I've been looking for long tubes with 1 3/4" primaries for a bit.
Do you happen to have an under truck pic of where they land?
Thanks for the great post most helpful!
Merry Christmas!

Pics of both sides showing the installed headers discussed above.

MAYBE SOMEONE CAN ROTATE THE PICS FOR ME-THANK YOU

[tim_mc]

I have Summit's stainless full length headers with no fitment issues. P/N SUM-G9006-SS:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g9006-ss

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

I have Summit's stainless full length headers with no fitment issues. P/N SUM-G9006-SS:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g9006-ss

Those look great but the primary tube is only 1 1/2".
The 383 needs 1 3/4" primaries which the 2840HKR Hookers provide.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

The 383 needs 1 3/4" primaries which the 2840HKR Hookers provide.

Depends on the engine components and max RPM. I once had a mild 383 that would turn >5500 RPM with 1-1/2" primaries headers left over from a 350. I had planned to replace them, but never did.

Sometimes larger 1-3/4 tubes can cause spark plug and header bolt access problems.

I used these Hedman USA-made stainless headers. Welds and fit are top drawer. But they use 1-5/8 tubes and are not full length, so probably wouldn't work for you.

Hedman #62010

Edit: My truck has a small AC Delco permanent magnet starter.

[MySons68C20]

Originally Posted by MikeB

Depends on the engine components and max RPM. I once had a mild 383 that would turn >5500 RPM with 1-1/2" primaries left over from a 350. I had planned to replace them, but never did.

Sometimes larger 1-3/4 tubes can cause spark plug and header bolt access problems.

I used these Hedman USA-made stainless headers. Welds and fit are top drawer. But they use 1-5/8 tubes and are not full length, so probably wouldn't work for you.

Hedman #62010

Edit: My truck has a small AC Delco permanent magnet starter.

I have the mild steel version of what you have pictured and spark plug access is tight. I have to use the Accel "shorty plugs" which limits me to one heat range.
My goals are to maximize torque and horsepower along with better plug access.
The 1 5/8" run fine with a mild cam and I don't see any reason the mid length Hedmans won't work for 1972c10pu.
I have plenty of clearance around the starter and installed the headers without having to take it out.
I'm looking forward to ghackett1's response to plug access question and pic.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

I have the mild steel version of what you have pictured and spark plug access is tight. I have to use the Accel "shorty plugs" which limits me to one heat range.

Yes, cylinders #6 and #8 are a PITA, and #5 to a lesser extent. If the #2 tube was even 1/4" lower, there wouldn't be a problem with accessing #8.

I shortened a cheap Autozone spark 5/8" plug socket that I can turn with an open end wrench, but will have to loosen the header bolts a little if/when I change the plugs. I am using NGK plugs so have several heat ranges to choose from.

[MySons68C20]

ttt

[71 super]

The hedman 1.75 headers fit well, but will need to be installed from the bottom if the truck 's engine is in the stock v8 location (front holes). the headers will be tight but are created exactly like the 1 5/8 versions. you will have some issues with the number 3/5 plug wires so plan on a set of two of the boots from dei. the headers actually have very good clearance unless you are running bags especially for full length headers. If you are bagged or really low static, buy a set of mid lengths, I used a set on my 68 anniversary truck with 383 / brodix set up and had to do a minor trim of frame rail to clear tubes. Headers on it were for Camaro i think. Can post pics after work, but they alowed me to place exhaust inside the frame rail area to hide it.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by 71 super

The hedman 1.75 headers fit well, but will need to be installed from the bottom if the truck 's engine is in the stock v8 location (front holes). the headers will be tight but are created exactly like the 1 5/8 versions. you will have some issues with the number 3/5 plug wires so plan on a set of two of the boots from dei. the headers actually have very good clearance unless you are running bags especially for full length headers. If you are bagged or really low static, buy a set of mid lengths, I used a set on my 68 anniversary truck with 383 / brodix set up and had to do a minor trim of frame rail to clear tubes. Headers on it were for Camaro i think. Can post pics after work, but they allowed me to place exhaust inside the frame rail area to hide it.

Not making fun of your post, but "headers fit well" has become a relative statement, actually meaning "They only need extra clearance in a few places, and are close to only a few spark plugs!"

We all recognize and accept it, so the manufacturers just keep popping out headers that "sorta fit" depending on which worker did the cuts, bends, and welding. My Hedmans are very well made, but I'd bet a burger and a beer that if I bought two more pairs, they would fit slightly different than mine and each other.

[MySons68C20]

Thank you for the pics!

[ghackett1]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

Thank you for the pics!

Your very welcome.

[71 super]

Mike at the end of the day you are correct, however what is the end result that people are after with headers? If you are concerned with all original - I have several that are to the letter original then grades are not an option. On the other hand if you are looking for performance, then ram horns are not it, people running street engines very likely will do well with 15/8 headers but the op asked about 1/34 which are the largest sb truck headers on market with out custom build. My guess if he is looking for that, he feels that his engine needs or requires that- possibly after being told by the engine builder. The direction he seems to be going I’d bet is not too worried if he needs to run a couple of $30 protectors for the result he is after, nor is he worried about minimal trimming. I have been lucky enough to have built trucks across the spectrum and I my opinion which really does not matter if he wants 13/4 headers then he needs to be ready to trim and modify, if not then he would stick with manifolds or the more common smaller headers that require little to no work, no pain no gain in this case.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by 71 super

Mike at the end of the day you are correct, however what is the end result that people are after with headers?

You're right. If the OP is looking for full-length headers with 1-3/4" tubes, then we probably shouldn't suggest 3/4 length or 1-5/8" tubes. When I was building a 327 for a 55 Chevy car, I was often asked, "Why would you want a 327, when a 350 is cheaper to build and makes more power?" So, I've been there, heard that!

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Hedman 69010 are a great mid length header..they're great for really low or bagged trucks..
if your wanting long tubes Hooker 2550 are pretty good.. they don't hang below the frame keeps everything tucked between the frame rails. Only con is you may have to clearance them depending on what frame mounts your using.. but its very minor