anyone got a bigblock and shorty headers? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lofly'a · 12-08-2004, 11:16 PM

i have a set of bigblock shorty headers that i'm planning to install in my "454 project 71 GMC" and i'm wondering if anyone has this setup and what "if any" clearance problems you're having. it will be lowered as much as possible (bagged) and get a decent ride and handling. i have seen full length headers on these trucks and some hang too low, so i hope i can avoid that prob. with shorties. this will be my first bigblock chevy project, so i'm threading new waters here.

FuelCellGuy · 12-08-2004, 11:21 PM

When I had a big block in my bagged 68, I used a set of headers from a big block 70 Camaro. Plenty of ground clearance. I ordered a set of uncoated header to check the fit first, then, when they fit with no cutting, I set the uncoated ones back and ordered the coated ones. I was told that I might have to make one collector longer but did not. Hope this helps. later, Mark

race-n-jason · 12-08-2004, 11:27 PM

There are more that one type of header that might be classified as "shorty". I just installed some (Early Chevelle type), along with pipes and mufflers. Not sure if these are the same that you have, but here is a LINK to my current installation.

race-n-jason · 12-08-2004, 11:35 PM

I can tell you, however, that if you have the "Block Hugger Shorty" type headers, you will have a problem. These headers have collectors that exit straight down nearly centered on the engine block. These type directly interfere with the crossmember. Later JEG

stepside454 · 12-08-2004, 11:38 PM

Ive got Sanderson Shortys on my lowered big block 75, made specifically for the truck. Not cheap, but no header gaskets & no header leaks & nice fit.

lofly'a · 12-09-2004, 11:24 PM

the shorties i have are for 70-81 camaro, and i've seen 70-81 camaro full length headers on a 72 that tuck real nice, i even have a set of camaro full lengths on the 85 elcamino and they fit better than elcamino headers. i'd use full length headers on the gmc if i had to buy new cuz they scavenge exhaust gases more efficiently, but the shorties were given to me with the 454, so i'm gonna use them.

i checked out your pics "race-n-jason" and i'm glad i have shorties cuz the full lengths hang lower than the trailing arm crossmember, and i am gonna go thru it instead of under it.

kxmotox247 · 12-10-2004, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by race-n-jason

I can tell you, however, that if you have the "Block Hugger Shorty" type headers, you will have a problem. These headers have collectors that exit straight down nearly centered on the engine block. These type directly interfere with the crossmember. Later JEG

Block huggers on a small block won't work? They sure look like they will on my 67'. I've got an extra set lying around that I was thinking about putting on my truck. They sure look like they'll fit.
That's disappointing if they won't.

SCOTI · 12-10-2004, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kxmotox247

Block huggers on a small block won't work? They sure look like they will on my 67'. I've got an extra set lying around that I was thinking about putting on my truck. They sure look like they'll fit.
That's disappointing if they won't.

Big block vs. small block.

kxmotox247 · 12-10-2004, 12:38 PM

So block huggers on a big block won't work but they will on a small block?

Tx Firefighter · 12-10-2004, 01:22 PM

It's been my experience with block huggers on a small block, that the front tube of each header will hit the engine mount frame stand.

I don't know what brand of block hugger I had, but they looked just like every other brand out there.

kxmotox247 · 12-10-2004, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

It's been my experience with block huggers on a small block, that the front tube of each header will hit the engine mount frame stand.

I don't know what brand of block hugger I had, but they looked just like every other brand out there.

The set I have sure look like they'll work. They're nothing special. I bet you guys are right otherwise you'd hear more about people using them.

LT4XTREME · 12-10-2004, 03:06 PM

Has any one tried to install the repoduction rams horn 2 1/2" straight dump manifolds on a small block 2wd. From what I understand the 4wd had straight dump and the 2wd had the angled dump. I have been seeing those repo 2 1/2" and would like the stock look with the larger outlet on ebay, but can't find the angled ones with the 2 1/2". Most of the angled repo ones that I've found also have the A.I.R. fittings that I don't like.I would guess that the straight ones would hit the motor mounts and/or crossmember just like the blockhugger headers.

12-08-2004, 11:16 PM	#1
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	anyone got a bigblock and shorty headers? i have a set of bigblock shorty headers that i'm planning to install in my "454 project 71 GMC" and i'm wondering if anyone has this setup and what "if any" clearance problems you're having. it will be lowered as much as possible (bagged) and get a decent ride and handling. i have seen full length headers on these trucks and some hang too low, so i hope i can avoid that prob. with shorties. this will be my first bigblock chevy project, so i'm threading new waters here. __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project

12-08-2004, 11:27 PM	#3
race-n-jason -Praise the Lowered- Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Garland, Tx, USA Posts: 280	There are more that one type of header that might be classified as "shorty". I just installed some (Early Chevelle type), along with pipes and mufflers. Not sure if these are the same that you have, but here is a LINK to my current installation. __________________ Race-N-Jason ('71 Chevy C-10 LWB 454/TH350) ('07 Dodge Ram 2500, 5.9 Cummins/6-speed Manual) Last edited by race-n-jason; 12-08-2004 at 11:29 PM.

12-08-2004, 11:35 PM	#4
race-n-jason -Praise the Lowered- Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Garland, Tx, USA Posts: 280	I can tell you, however, that if you have the "Block Hugger Shorty" type headers, you will have a problem. These headers have collectors that exit straight down nearly centered on the engine block. These type directly interfere with the crossmember. Later JEG __________________ Race-N-Jason ('71 Chevy C-10 LWB 454/TH350) ('07 Dodge Ram 2500, 5.9 Cummins/6-speed Manual)

12-08-2004, 11:38 PM	#5
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	Ive got Sanderson Shortys on my lowered big block 75, made specifically for the truck. Not cheap, but no header gaskets & no header leaks & nice fit. __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered

12-09-2004, 11:24 PM	#6
lofly'a Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Alexandria, LA 71301 Posts: 1,451	the shorties i have are for 70-81 camaro, and i've seen 70-81 camaro full length headers on a 72 that tuck real nice, i even have a set of camaro full lengths on the 85 elcamino and they fit better than elcamino headers. i'd use full length headers on the gmc if i had to buy new cuz they scavenge exhaust gases more efficiently, but the shorties were given to me with the 454, so i'm gonna use them. i checked out your pics "race-n-jason" and i'm glad i have shorties cuz the full lengths hang lower than the trailing arm crossmember, and i am gonna go thru it instead of under it. __________________ -02 avalanche (daily driver) -66 gto ragtop 389/400 (garage queen, hand-me-down from dad) -72 Tribute Trans Am (6.0LS/T56 6-speed) in progress -2003 YUKON (Wife's) -71 gmc swb fleet (current project, gonna shave everything, bags, stuff w/ 20's, gen III powertrain) -48 3100 SWB - 12/31/23 LONG TERM Project Last edited by lofly'a; 12-09-2004 at 11:30 PM.

12-08-2004, 11:21 PM	#2
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	When I had a big block in my bagged 68, I used a set of headers from a big block 70 Camaro. Plenty of ground clearance. I ordered a set of uncoated header to check the fit first, then, when they fit with no cutting, I set the uncoated ones back and ordered the coated ones. I was told that I might have to make one collector longer but did not. Hope this helps. later, Mark

12-10-2004, 12:38 PM	#9
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,397	So block huggers on a big block won't work but they will on a small block? __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

12-10-2004, 01:22 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	It's been my experience with block huggers on a small block, that the front tube of each header will hit the engine mount frame stand. I don't know what brand of block hugger I had, but they looked just like every other brand out there. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-10-2004, 03:06 PM	#12
LT4XTREME Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: MINERAL WELLS WV Posts: 143	Has any one tried to install the repoduction rams horn 2 1/2" straight dump manifolds on a small block 2wd. From what I understand the 4wd had straight dump and the 2wd had the angled dump. I have been seeing those repo 2 1/2" and would like the stock look with the larger outlet on ebay, but can't find the angled ones with the 2 1/2". Most of the angled repo ones that I've found also have the A.I.R. fittings that I don't like.I would guess that the straight ones would hit the motor mounts and/or crossmember just like the blockhugger headers.



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