Sanderson Headers

[Boise69]

I'm in the market for new Headers, I'm thinking Headman Elites or how about Sanderson?

Who has the perfect fit for our (mine) 69 trucks with a 350? It seems they all need to be tweeked, pinged or frames ground, doesnt anyone make a ceramic header that performs well without having to be modified someway? for god sakes how long have our trucks been on the road?

[see ten]

I hear a lot of people talk about using the hedmans because of the ball flange collector. ECE sells some that are supposed to fit correctly but I don't have any facts on them. 71see10 has been researching headers, maybe the two of you can put your heads together and come up with something that fits correctly.

[rage'nrat638]

be ready to have to buy new plug wires and wire looms. as every headers got there own bends... maybe even shorty header plugs..

i have to run some straight and 90 degree boots on my hookers..
and spark plugs o my.. no straight shots there..

headers sound great and the performance gains are great but....

when it comes to living with them sometimes i wonder.

i keep a set of stock manifolds just in case..even running wires with them can be a treat...

i run hookers my self..i just wish i could afford ceramic coated hookers

[FleetsidePaul]

Sanderson has a great reputation for a quality product, and they make headers for lots of applications (like a 500 Caddy in a 67-72 Chevy Truck)
I especially like the cast iron headers. I have not owned any but have friends that swear by them.
Heres an article not really about our trucks but has some interesting points.
They are a bit pricey.
http://www.streetrodderweb.com/tech/...haust_headers/

[bskylerj]

I did a ton of research as well. I went with the Sanderson shorty headers because of how low I sit. I am also running a bib block. The only thing I do not like on them is that on the passenger side they come close to the block right where the dipstick tube is.

P.S.
I received my Hammer today. Thanks it will put to use this weekend.

[409biscayne]

I have Hedman on both my trucks , no fitment problems at all , i'm very disappointed with the so called ceramic coating though . On one set i had the local powder coater do 'em , they came out way better that the factory Hedman coating . Just my.02 .
Hey Brian does your bro work for PCC in Beaverton ? I bought one of my 68's there . From the Auto shop dudes .
Later ......................................... 409

[bskylerj]

I am not sure where it is down there.

[John Fabris]

I am running sanderson shorties, with no problems or mods. For plug wires, I used the cut to fit set, and ran them from the dist behind the block and under the headers...

[BarryB]

rage'nrat638 , I have used those shorty plugs from accel. save yourself some time and just get a set of ac delco's . Sure accel's "FIT" better but they foul very easily. and it always seems to be #6 that fouls. Now this is my experience with them. maybe somebody else has had good luck with Accel's. But I haven't. My $.02

[Rokcrln]

I have Sandersons as well but mine were made for my set up, 92 vett motor, moved back 2" bla bla bla! I had to trim the drivers side engine mount abit but the quality is top notch and the finish is out standing. Mine are the 3/4 length and stay just inside the frame.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[Rat72]

I'm totally dissapointed with the Sanderson Headers. The big issue I have is that they now weld a bead around the port. The idea is that it makes a seal by using RTV instead of a gasket. I have no idea if this works or not. The thing I hate is that the header opening has some random opening shape. Forget nice laser cut flanges, you just get a big buggered up mess. I've been looking at the Street and Performance headers but the flanges are 5/16 and I really prefer the 3/8 flanges. If anyone is sold on Sanderson's way of doing it, I have set of CC1HO (LT1 Headers) that I would sell for a good price.

Whit

[49studebaker]

I installed a set of ceramic Doug Thorley TRI-Y's last weekend on my 71, fit really well. They are full length headers. My truck is lowered 2 1/2" in front and they look like they will clear just fine.

[pkj]

i used a set of hooker comps 1 5/8 prim/2 1/2 collector. ceramic coated. i thought they were touching the d/s frame when i removed the sevely bent front of engine crossmember i had plenty of clearance. these are the long tubes. i have plenty of clearance around all my linkage and starter. truck sits about 6 inchs lower and planning another 2 1/2 inchs. i see no issues. after getting them in i felt fine about the price.

[68Stepbed]

I bought the Hedman Elite #69648 for mine. This doesn't help anyone yet, but I haven't fit the engine in with the headers yet so I can't tell you how they fit. I talked to a rep. from Hedman and he recommended these. He said they were made specifically for 67-72 2WD trucks.

[Boise69]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I bought the Hedman Elite #69648 for mine. This doesn't help anyone yet, but I haven't fit the engine in with the headers yet so I can't tell you how they fit. I talked to a rep. from Hedman and he recommended these. He said they were made specifically for 67-72 2WD trucks.

Beautiful motor!!!

[stepside454]

I have a set of Sanderson shortys on mine & I love em. no gaskets on either end, no leaks in the 4 years theyve been on the truck

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

I bought the Hedman Elite #69648 for mine. This doesn't help anyone yet, but I haven't fit the engine in with the headers yet so I can't tell you how they fit. I talked to a rep. from Hedman and he recommended these. He said they were made specifically for 67-72 2WD trucks.

I'm going to sound like a broken record here....but they will fit perfect and you will love them. No warping, no leaks and they look great. I have run a lot of different headers(hooker, blackjack, flowtech) and these are by far the best I used.

[bryanw1968]

Here's a pic.

[Boise69]

Originally Posted by bryanw1968

Here's a pic.

Just so i understand completely... You have and love Hedman Elite #69648 and they have no fitment problems what so ever?

[bryanw1968]

Originally Posted by Boise69

Just so i understand completely... You have and love Hedman Elite #69648 and they have no fitment problems what so ever?

Forgot to mention as far as fitting issues, the only place they come close is to my brake lines near the frame. They have maybe an 1" of clearance.

I'll try to take some pics and post.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by bryanw1968

Forgot to mention as far as fitting issues, the only place they come close is to my brake lines near the frame. They have maybe an 1" of clearance.

I'll try to take some pics and post.

Please do. I am about to pull the trigger on these myself. -Chris

[BP68]

I had long tube headmans with the silver coating. I the coating faded and discolored while the frame was stored (not in a moisture proof setting)
they didn't look good with my nice Endurashine intake and chrome goodies, plus I had to do some frame grinding and adjusting to get em to fit.

Changed to Sanderson mid length with the ceramic coating from ECE. Fit prefect and look amazing. Would highly recommend. I am still finishing the truck, so I haven't run em yet, but I am very pleased with the fit and finish.

[Already Gone]

I dont want to hijack this thread but there seems to be a lot of guys that have had lots of experience with headers on their trucks. What are the advantages of using headers? I'm thinking more power cause the exhaust is not as restricted and hopefully a little better fuel economy especially for a big block like my 396.

[Chevyholic]

Already Gone, ^^^
Yes, headers provide better exhaust flow, which provides more power and better economy. I think I got about 1 - 2 mpg improvement after cutting over. However, there are some after effects like increased heat under the hood. You will need to protect your starter via heat shield or remote solenoid, so your truck doesn't strand you somewhere.