Advice on headers please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**SOUTHERN917** · 03-14-2009, 03:44 PM

I'm tired of looking at my rusty ramhorns, and want to buy new headers. I will admit to knowing very little about exaust systems

, so here's where I need some input. I am running a 70 stock 350/th350 and want to know if there are any user friendly bolt on headers out there. I don't need "proformace" or "flashy", I just want something I can do myself without modifications. I've looked in summit & LMC, but I'm having trouble figuring out what I need. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

royo · 03-14-2009, 03:57 PM

look around here
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/

cdowns · 03-14-2009, 04:34 PM

you could just take the ramshorns off and spend a few hours making them look pretty //easy to do and less than $20

**SOUTHERN917** · 03-14-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

you could just take the ramshorns off and spend a few hours making them look pretty //easy to do and less than $20

I am wanting better access to plugs also.

spinning wheels · 03-14-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

you could just take the ramshorns off and spend a few hours making them look pretty //easy to do and less than $20

Check out Eastwood Company. They sell all kinds of automotive paints and coatings. I know they sell some manifold hi-temp paints.

As far as headers are concerned. Do Not go the cheap route, unless you like exhaust leaks and using a BFH to get them in your truck. Most cheap headers won't fit right and can cause more headaches than they are worth. Such as, fried starters and the fore mentioned exhaust leaks.

If you do go with headers, spend the extra on ceramic coated headers. They keep the underhood temps down.

Hope this info helps you make your decision.

Good luck

Hammer57 · 03-14-2009, 05:15 PM

Grey Ghost turned me on to a Hedman part # on some very nice shorties for my '69. #69640. Clear the motor mounts and have good plug clearance. Price is very reasonable through Summit.

texanidiot25 · 03-14-2009, 09:05 PM

Exhaust paints burn off pretty quick. Only way to get a durable finish is to ceramic or powder coat them.

fastom · 03-14-2009, 09:16 PM

Try Early Classic, www.earlyclassic.com. Very nice, I love mine!!

elkynova · 03-14-2009, 09:24 PM

I took the headers off of my 72 k10, got tired of exhaust leaks and burned plug wires. I went back to ramhorns and have never been happier. I spent some time bead blasting and bought VHT cast iron exhaust/manifold paint. You have to clean them, and then paint them. After the paint has dried, you have to bake them in an oven or bolt them on and run the engine. Once they have been cured, the paint is heat, oil, and solvent proof, and looks like fresh cast iron. Mine have been on for almost 4 years and still look like new. Most headers offer worse plug access than ramhorns do.. If you go with ramhorns you can run your plug wires behind the engine and then come up thru the motor mounts and have all the wires hidden, Looks great..

jholley · 03-15-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by royo

look around here
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/

Just a tip for ya. The headers that ECE sells for our trucks are Sandersons, and cheaper than you can get them from Sanderson.

Hammer57 · 03-15-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

Exhaust paints burn off pretty quick. Only way to get a durable finish is to ceramic or powder coat them.

Good point!
Took my Hedmans to Calico Coatings in Denver, NC. Got their ceramic coating on mine (second set they've done for me). Great look plus THEY DON'T STAIN.

**Green Machine** · 03-15-2009, 02:49 PM

Put the Hooker coated competition (not the super comps) on our 70. Fit great and no leaks so far.

**special-K** · 03-15-2009, 05:23 PM

I don`t know if you can run full length or need 3/4 length.But,there`s alot of good choices.Headman Elites.I can`t recall the price,but i`ve had some 5 or so years and haven`t touched them.You can make manifolds look good.I think only a ceramic will hold up over any length of time.I`d like to do some Vette ramshorns.but,I`ve always done headers.

scott's69 · 03-15-2009, 05:31 PM

Heddman are cheaper than Sandersons. Sandersons are better quality. Ive used both. I have a set of Sandersons just like Fastom that are new in box I need to sell.

**SOUTHERN917** · 03-15-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I don`t know if you can run full length or need 3/4 length.But,there`s alot of good choices.Headman Elites.I can`t recall the price,but i`ve had some 5 or so years and haven`t touched them.You can make manifolds look good.I think only a ceramic will hold up over any length of time.I`d like to do some Vette ramshorns.but,I`ve always done headers.

How do I figure out if I can use 3/4 or full length, or shortys?

03-14-2009, 03:44 PM	#1
SOUTHERN917 Wrench Wench Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: HERRIN, IL Posts: 93	Advice on headers please I'm tired of looking at my rusty ramhorns, and want to buy new headers. I will admit to knowing very little about exaust systems, so here's where I need some input. I am running a 70 stock 350/th350 and want to know if there are any user friendly bolt on headers out there. I don't need "proformace" or "flashy", I just want something I can do myself without modifications. I've looked in summit & LMC, but I'm having trouble figuring out what I need. Thanks in advance for suggestions. __________________ If everyone had good taste, who would buy all the FORDS? Women join us!! BUSTED KNUCKLE BABES "Face it girls, I'm older and have better insurance" -Fried green tomatoes

03-14-2009, 03:57 PM	#2
royo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: knoxville tn Posts: 1,013	Re: Advice on headers please look around here http://www.sandersonheaders.com/ __________________ nickle and dime

03-14-2009, 04:34 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Advice on headers please you could just take the ramshorns off and spend a few hours making them look pretty //easy to do and less than $20 __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-14-2009, 09:05 PM	#7
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: Advice on headers please Exhaust paints burn off pretty quick. Only way to get a durable finish is to ceramic or powder coat them.

03-14-2009, 09:16 PM	#8
fastom That's right, it's Copper!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Central California Posts: 558	Re: Advice on headers please Try Early Classic, www.earlyclassic.com. Very nice, I love mine!! Attached Images Last edited by fastom; 03-14-2009 at 09:19 PM.

03-14-2009, 05:15 PM	#6
Hammer57 Sending her "south" Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kannapolis, NC Posts: 90	Re: Advice on headers please Grey Ghost turned me on to a Hedman part # on some very nice shorties for my '69. #69640. Clear the motor mounts and have good plug clearance. Price is very reasonable through Summit. __________________ Terry Hall No such thing as a finished project It's either in progress or SOLD

03-14-2009, 09:24 PM	#9
elkynova Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richland, Wa. Posts: 15	Re: Advice on headers please I took the headers off of my 72 k10, got tired of exhaust leaks and burned plug wires. I went back to ramhorns and have never been happier. I spent some time bead blasting and bought VHT cast iron exhaust/manifold paint. You have to clean them, and then paint them. After the paint has dried, you have to bake them in an oven or bolt them on and run the engine. Once they have been cured, the paint is heat, oil, and solvent proof, and looks like fresh cast iron. Mine have been on for almost 4 years and still look like new. Most headers offer worse plug access than ramhorns do.. If you go with ramhorns you can run your plug wires behind the engine and then come up thru the motor mounts and have all the wires hidden, Looks great..

03-15-2009, 02:49 PM	#12
Green Machine Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Estherville, Iowa Posts: 3,371	Re: Advice on headers please Put the Hooker coated competition (not the super comps) on our 70. Fit great and no leaks so far. __________________ 1968 C10 307 3spd Long Fleet ------ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=201103 1970 C10 305 Super T10 Long Fleet --- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=202285 1971 C20 383 TH350 Dana Posi ----- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206894 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 C3 6.0

03-15-2009, 05:23 PM	#13
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Advice on headers please I don`t know if you can run full length or need 3/4 length.But,there`s alot of good choices.Headman Elites.I can`t recall the price,but i`ve had some 5 or so years and haven`t touched them.You can make manifolds look good.I think only a ceramic will hold up over any length of time.I`d like to do some Vette ramshorns.but,I`ve always done headers. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-15-2009, 05:31 PM	#14
scott's69 WORTHLESS CRUISERS Join Date: May 2002 Location: Lancaster, SC Posts: 237	Re: Advice on headers please Heddman are cheaper than Sandersons. Sandersons are better quality. Ive used both. I have a set of Sandersons just like Fastom that are new in box I need to sell. __________________ Scott Hammond Lancaster, SC 1969 Chevy2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 72 Chevy 1972 SWB 454 If you don't live for something, then you'll die for nothing. www.xclusive-images.com

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