Can headers be shortened? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cruz Lo · 12-13-2004, 06:14 PM

I have a bagged 68 C10 and the headers drop down lower than the frame causing a major headache when I'm too low in the front. Can they be shortened at a muffler shop or something?

cableguy0 · 12-13-2004, 06:21 PM

it would be cheaper to just buy shorter headers. mid length seem to clear on most lowered trucks

**N2TRUX** · 12-13-2004, 06:24 PM

If it's metal, it can be cut and welded. Since it's pretty thin gauge, you better get someone that knows what they are doing though. Unless your just trying to save the money, I would buy a set of mid length headrs instead....

BTW- Welcome to the forum....

70short · 12-14-2004, 03:11 AM

Headers are inexpensive! Replace with new shorty's.

Cruz Lo · 12-14-2004, 06:06 PM

What do you guys think of the headers from Early Classic?

Cruz Lo · 12-20-2004, 01:33 PM

Well the gf told me she'll buy me some headers for Xmas. Are these headers from Early Classic a good choice for $379?

http://www.earlyclassic.com/ProductI...1-6572HDRS.jpg

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

"Early Classic is proud to offer the highest quality, American-made Small Block Headers available for 1967-'72 GM small block trucks. These new mid-length headers are swept rearward and dump below the firewall eliminating ground clearance problems for lowered trucks.

These 16 gauge, mandrel bent beauties come with the only patented leak-free flange on the market. As an added bonus, a ceramic thermal barrier coating has been applied inside and out for years of trouble-free performance. (Pair) "

70c10 · 12-20-2004, 01:55 PM

You can save alot of money thru Jegs or Summit.

Cruz Lo · 12-20-2004, 02:07 PM

I'll take a look there. Thanks for the tip.

Bowtiefreak · 12-20-2004, 03:23 PM

Early Classic sells Sanderson headers and IMO, they the best headers made. The quality is top notch.

Cruz Lo · 12-20-2004, 04:08 PM

Yeah I just broke down and bought some from Early Classic. Summit had some Flowtech 18 guage, 5/16" flange shorty headers for $439.95 and some Hedman 16 guage, 1/4" flange shorty headers for $325.55. I figured the 16 guage with the only patented leak-free flange on the market from Early Classic for $379 was my best bet.

Cruz Lo · 12-27-2004, 02:45 PM

The headers were delivered Christmas Eve. Now to get them installed. A local muffler shop quoted me $310

to install the headers, fabricate some headpipes, and connect them to the exhaust so I've decided that I'm going to try and do it myself. Do any companies make pre-bent headpipes that can clamp onto the headers and exhaust without having to weld? Is $310 a fair price? Seems way too high to me.

vk_chevy · 12-28-2004, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruz Lo

Is $310 a fair price? Seems way too high to me.

It could be a fair price but it depends on what kind quality work they do, type of pipe they use, etc... I've seen some $500 dual exhast set ups that look like crap and I wouldn't pay more than $100 for.

Call around and see what others are charging in your area.

Cruz Lo · 01-23-2005, 05:12 PM

I'm finally installing the headers today. The shop is charging me $90 to fab up some headpipes to connect them to the rest of the exhaust. Quick question though. What are these pieces called and should I buy new ones or can I use the existing ones that I have? They were between the headers and the motor. http://classictruckworld.tenmagazine...LOLO/82049.jpg

cableguy0 · 01-23-2005, 05:49 PM

yea you need new gaskets im kinda surprised they didnt come with the headers they are just header gaskets. do not use the paper ones they sell get a set of felpros that way you can leave the two end bolts in to keep the header alignment right and just drop the gaskets on. i have had zero problems with the fel pro header gaskets just check the bolts every now and again to make sure they are tight

Cruz Lo · 01-23-2005, 06:48 PM

A ha. Thanks for the suggestion. I just got back from Autozone with some of those cardboard gaskets you mentioned. Glad I didn't use them. Who sells the Felpros for the lowest price?

Project1970 · 01-23-2005, 06:52 PM

When I got my Sandersons from ECE, they came with instructions that explicitly said NOT to use gaskets - use RTV! Take a closer look in the box.

I loved mine and I'd still be running them if I hadn't gone for an LS1. The fit and finish is awesome on them, and obviously, clearance is not an issue.

cableguy0 · 01-23-2005, 06:54 PM

dont really know but auto zone or advanced auto should have em they should be around 15 bucks or so the part number is 1404 for a small block chevy also copper or aluminum gaskets are a good choice but a little more spendy

Cruz Lo · 01-23-2005, 08:38 PM

Nice catch Project1970. Thanks. The directions say to "place a 1/8" thick bead of Permatex #598B Ultra Black Silicone" but doesn't say where. Any ideas?
Here's my progress so far. The passenger side headers are removed and I'm stuck on the drivers side. I can't for the life of me figure this one out. http://classictruckworld.tenmagazine...LOLO/82053.jpg

cableguy0 · 01-23-2005, 08:42 PM

pull the dipstick tube out and drop the headers out of the bottom you also might have to pull off the oil filter. your not going to pull them out the top without one hell of a fight i bet u pull the dipstick tube and it will fall to the floor

wannabeburbowner · 01-24-2005, 04:54 PM

Hey, I am just curious if you want to sell your old headers. If so, how much??

Thanks,

Travis

Cruz Lo · 01-24-2005, 07:00 PM

Sorry man. Already sold them to a buddy of mine.

12-13-2004, 06:14 PM	#1
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	Can headers be shortened? I have a bagged 68 C10 and the headers drop down lower than the frame causing a major headache when I'm too low in the front. Can they be shortened at a muffler shop or something?

12-13-2004, 06:21 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	it would be cheaper to just buy shorter headers. mid length seem to clear on most lowered trucks __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-13-2004, 06:24 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	If it's metal, it can be cut and welded. Since it's pretty thin gauge, you better get someone that knows what they are doing though. Unless your just trying to save the money, I would buy a set of mid length headrs instead.... BTW- Welcome to the forum.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

12-14-2004, 03:11 AM	#4
70short Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boise ID Posts: 609	Headers are inexpensive! Replace with new shorty's. __________________ "72" Red CORVETTE 4-speed 350 "70" Chevy Short Bed early stages of resto. Edel 600 cfm carb Weiand Stealth Intake HEI shorty Headers 4/2 Drop 295 50R 15 TOYO on 10 inch wide corvette rally rims at all 4 corners. "CHEVY RULES"

12-20-2004, 01:33 PM	#6
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	Well the gf told me she'll buy me some headers for Xmas. Are these headers from Early Classic a good choice for $379? http://www.earlyclassic.com/ProductI...1-6572HDRS.jpg http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx "Early Classic is proud to offer the highest quality, American-made Small Block Headers available for 1967-'72 GM small block trucks. These new mid-length headers are swept rearward and dump below the firewall eliminating ground clearance problems for lowered trucks. These 16 gauge, mandrel bent beauties come with the only patented leak-free flange on the market. As an added bonus, a ceramic thermal barrier coating has been applied inside and out for years of trouble-free performance. (Pair) " Last edited by Cruz Lo; 12-20-2004 at 01:36 PM.

12-14-2004, 06:06 PM	#5
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	What do you guys think of the headers from Early Classic?

12-20-2004, 01:55 PM	#7
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	You can save alot of money thru Jegs or Summit. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

12-20-2004, 02:07 PM	#8
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	I'll take a look there. Thanks for the tip.

12-20-2004, 03:23 PM	#9
Bowtiefreak Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LeRoy, Mich. Posts: 854	Early Classic sells Sanderson headers and IMO, they the best headers made. The quality is top notch. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 Short Fleetside/Wood floor ECE 4-6 Drop / 406 Small Block 1971 Chevelle 427 Big Block

12-20-2004, 04:08 PM	#10
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	Yeah I just broke down and bought some from Early Classic. Summit had some Flowtech 18 guage, 5/16" flange shorty headers for $439.95 and some Hedman 16 guage, 1/4" flange shorty headers for $325.55. I figured the 16 guage with the only patented leak-free flange on the market from Early Classic for $379 was my best bet. Last edited by Cruz Lo; 12-20-2004 at 09:41 PM.

12-27-2004, 02:45 PM	#11
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	The headers were delivered Christmas Eve. Now to get them installed. A local muffler shop quoted me $310 to install the headers, fabricate some headpipes, and connect them to the exhaust so I've decided that I'm going to try and do it myself. Do any companies make pre-bent headpipes that can clamp onto the headers and exhaust without having to weld? Is $310 a fair price? Seems way too high to me. __________________ 1968 C10 SWB, Fleetside, 350/350, FBSS Airbag Suspension Last edited by Cruz Lo; 12-28-2004 at 11:48 AM.

01-23-2005, 05:12 PM	#13
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	I'm finally installing the headers today. The shop is charging me $90 to fab up some headpipes to connect them to the rest of the exhaust. Quick question though. What are these pieces called and should I buy new ones or can I use the existing ones that I have? They were between the headers and the motor. http://classictruckworld.tenmagazine...LOLO/82049.jpg __________________ 1968 C10 SWB, Fleetside, 350/350, FBSS Airbag Suspension

01-23-2005, 05:49 PM	#14
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	yea you need new gaskets im kinda surprised they didnt come with the headers they are just header gaskets. do not use the paper ones they sell get a set of felpros that way you can leave the two end bolts in to keep the header alignment right and just drop the gaskets on. i have had zero problems with the fel pro header gaskets just check the bolts every now and again to make sure they are tight __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-23-2005, 06:48 PM	#15
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	A ha. Thanks for the suggestion. I just got back from Autozone with some of those cardboard gaskets you mentioned. Glad I didn't use them. Who sells the Felpros for the lowest price? __________________ 1968 C10 SWB, Fleetside, 350/350, FBSS Airbag Suspension

01-23-2005, 06:52 PM	#16
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	When I got my Sandersons from ECE, they came with instructions that explicitly said NOT to use gaskets - use RTV! Take a closer look in the box. I loved mine and I'd still be running them if I hadn't gone for an LS1. The fit and finish is awesome on them, and obviously, clearance is not an issue. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!



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01-23-2005, 06:54 PM	#17
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	dont really know but auto zone or advanced auto should have em they should be around 15 bucks or so the part number is 1404 for a small block chevy also copper or aluminum gaskets are a good choice but a little more spendy __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-23-2005, 08:38 PM	#18
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	Nice catch Project1970. Thanks. The directions say to "place a 1/8" thick bead of Permatex #598B Ultra Black Silicone" but doesn't say where. Any ideas? Here's my progress so far. The passenger side headers are removed and I'm stuck on the drivers side. I can't for the life of me figure this one out. http://classictruckworld.tenmagazine...LOLO/82053.jpg __________________ 1968 C10 SWB, Fleetside, 350/350, FBSS Airbag Suspension

01-23-2005, 08:42 PM	#19
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	pull the dipstick tube out and drop the headers out of the bottom you also might have to pull off the oil filter. your not going to pull them out the top without one hell of a fight i bet u pull the dipstick tube and it will fall to the floor __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-24-2005, 04:54 PM	#20
wannabeburbowner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Philadelphia, Ohio Posts: 253	Hey, I am just curious if you want to sell your old headers. If so, how much?? Thanks, Travis __________________ 71 Chevy Long Bed (gettin' bagged) 84 GMC K1500 (Sold) 85 Monte Carlo SS white w/gray int. (being a dumba** and totaled it ) 85 Monte Carlo SS clone T-top (Sold) 72 Chevelle-tubbed 64 Buick Sportwagon

01-24-2005, 07:00 PM	#21
Cruz Lo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kyle, TX Posts: 26	Sorry man. Already sold them to a buddy of mine. __________________ 1968 C10 SWB, Fleetside, 350/350, FBSS Airbag Suspension

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