Big Block Exhaust?

[11echo]

HI ...I'm the FNG here, I've got a 64 stepside I want to put in a 454. I'm finding parts, but exhaust headers seem to be and "issue". Anybody every have to deal with this problem? ...What did you use, OR suggests?

[sailed2japan]

I've never done this before myself, but I would think that a set for a 73-87 would fit. I know they would clear the cross member and they should clear the floor pan. I had a set of headers off of a 80-something 350 on my 350 in my panel and they fit fine. If nothing else I'm sure that shorty headers would work.

[Rannos]

If you use a tubular trans crossmember (like the CPP one) you can run 70-81 camaro headers also. Altho unless your looking for 2" primary or bigger headers the 73-87 truck headers are a better way to go. Its just hard to find big tube headers for trucks

[protrash64]

I am doing this right now. Putting a BBC in a 60-66 is easy; hooking everything up is a PITA I'm finding out.

What fits and what doesnt is related to what mounts one uses and where you decide to locate them. Using 73-87 1/2 ton mounts headers that will fit are:

Hedman 69110........these are longtube for 73+ trucks and hang below the front x-member, so if your low you will be dragging them.

Hedman 68610....shorty's for Chevelle/ Camaro. Require some slight clearance around drvrs side clamshell. Excellent clearance but slightly tite on the fitment.

Sanderson QP2000's......cant get a dipstick in the oil pan.

If you are not prepared to run into some mods, go smallblock. I'm reaching the frustration point with this swap right now, but think I have almost all the issues done. Again, this stuff works with only stock mounts from 73+ adapted to the 63-66 frame. If aftermarket or sb mounts are used I dont know what will fit.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by Rannos

If you use a tubular trans crossmember (like the CPP one) you can run 70-81 camaro headers also. Altho unless your looking for 2" primary or bigger headers the 73-87 truck headers are a better way to go. Its just hard to find big tube headers for trucks

I tried the BBC shorty's based on your post before and they do work...............Hedman 68610.

[Rannos]

I should mention I also use solid motor mounts and tubular perches. Once again either the CPP or fabricated ones. this gives extra clearance as well.

[11echo]

Well a SB probably would have been smarter, but I never claimed to run in that group. I always like the "look" of big engines ...Hemi's & BB's, plus I already have a 454 ready to go! So that's a mute point.
I have a old set of hooker headers out of a 70 El Camino maybe I'll try "massaging" those ...but it'd be nice just to buy something "nice" that fits and with no "issues"!??

[Rannos]

IMO you cant beat a BBC... dependable, easy to build power with and parts are decently easy to come by. I know there are headers for 67-72 trucks that had 396's in them... the frame in those trucks are the same as the 63-66 trucks. 73 was the year of the frame redesign. So you may try the 67-72 headers and motor mounts. Hope this is helpful.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by 11echo

Well a SB probably would have been smarter, but I never claimed to run in that group. I always like the "look" of big engines ...Hemi's & BB's, plus I already have a 454 ready to go! So that's a mute point.
I have a old set of hooker headers out of a 70 El Camino maybe I'll try "massaging" those ...but it'd be nice just to buy something "nice" that fits and with no "issues"!??

.....I'm with you 11echo!! Like I said before, the Hedman 68610's work. I just tried them today and the only issue is slight interference on the #1 tube against the motor mount (clamshell). It would probably tighten down and work, but I will grind the mount. I went with these based on an earlier thread that Rannos had post on. Thanks Rannos!!!

Check out my 'burb link to see how I put my 454 in if you want.

[11echo]

Sence everyone seems to have pic.s, I have afew to share too.

[Chevy Fleetside]

73-87 headers will work but they don't clear the left motor mount perch. Here is what I used.

[Rannos]

Originally Posted by protrash64

.....I'm with you 11echo!! Like I said before, the Hedman 68610's work. I just tried them today and the only issue is slight interference on the #1 tube against the motor mount (clamshell). It would probably tighten down and work, but I will grind the mount. I went with these based on an earlier thread that Rannos had post on. Thanks Rannos!!!

Check out my 'burb link to see how I put my 454 in if you want.

Glad any info I have can be usefull. A brother had a Sonny Leonard 477 in his 65 and once I get back to the land of the employed I will finish up my 496 for my 64. Stealing my son's LT1 we converted to carb and hei for the time being.

[pctahlequah]

Originally Posted by 11echo

What did you use, OR suggests?

In my experience it wasn't the headers causing the problem, but the engine mounts. I went with a set of BBC mounts from 67-71 to get the headers to fit.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by 11echo

HI ...I'm the FNG here, I've got a 64 stepside I want to put in a 454. I'm finding parts, but exhaust headers seem to be and "issue". Anybody every have to deal with this problem? ...What did you use, OR suggests?

As the others mentioned, the Hedman shorty headers are a good choice (if you don't mind giving up some upper RPM horsepower), because it gives you the option of routing the exhaust inside or outside of the frame rails. I ran mine to the outside since my tubing is 3" diameter and I have a trans cooler on the inside of my frame on the passenger side. I run a Pontiac, but the clearance issues at the primaries is similar to the BBC. Here are a couple of photos of how I routed my exhaust...
Hedman shorty headers:


...downpipe rounted to the outside of the frame...


...rest of exhaust: