BBC Header question

[zyggy72]

Has anyone fabricated their own headers for their BBC or had a shop custom fabricate a pair to fit correctly?

[Hooter]

what made think of going this route? I have a set of hooker headers on my 454 on my 69 and they barely hang half an inch from the bottom of the frame, and I can take my starter in and out with no problems

[zyggy72]

From what I've heard and seen, it is hit or miss with the BBC headers fitting and not having clearance problems with either the frame, starter or tranny/transfercase crossmember. I'm just trying to figure which route I will have to take.

[BigDaddyCMU]

Are those Hooker headers for a truck or are they 3/4 length headers? The ones that were on my 454 when I got it hung down a good 2-3 inches. When I lower it, it will cause problems.

[stepside454]

Bid Daddy, thats why I bought Sanderson shortys for my 454 truck, the Cyclones that were on it & Hookers both hung way to low. John

[Tx Firefighter]

I've used Hookers forever with great results (sounds dirty). Then, I got these for my big block 70 model. I returned them due to oil pan and starter clearance. The starter was less than 1/4 inch from the tube.

I bought GM manifolds and am very happy now.

Hooker header abortion on BBC........

[Bluegoose972]

I tried to find a set of headers for my big block that I just installed in my 4x4 Blazer, with no luck. I talked with all the major manufacturers and they all gave me the same story...The 4x4's were not designed for big blocks and using the small block mounting location prevents header installation. Some guys have been able to make it work, but I was not able to. I ended up just reusing my cast iron manifolds for not. Sanderson does offer a performance cast iron manifold that looks like they may fit our tight applications.

I currently see three options.

1) Fabricating a new crossmember to give clearance which would also require some trimming of the frame (I shifted the engine forward 2" to help clear the firewall and the frame necks in, making the front header tubes very tight.

2) Having a shop fabricate a custom set of headers. I've already been told that they start at $1000 and go up from there since they are very time consuming.

3) Stick with cast iron manifolds.

For right now and since money doesn't grow on trees, option #3 is my choice!

Hope this helps,
Rick

[72SWB4X4]

i have hedman BB headers on my truck and they work awesome i ordered 72 bb 2wheel drive and they work on the 4x4

[Bluegoose972]

72SWB,
How was your BB installed? Small block location? Shifted forward? I'm really curious on why I can't seem to fit headers yet I've heard others, including yourself who have not had problems. I ordered a set from Hedman and they ran right into the small block crossmember on the drivers side and into the frame and crossmember on the passenger side.

Any help would be appreciated.

Rick

[72SWB4X4]

my BB was installed in the stock SB location in front of the stock 350 turbo

it is on the SB frame mounts ... it all works good i had to grind down the bolts coming out of the firewall that hit the valve covers and pass side had to gring frame slightly about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for header

[DieselEater]

So is there anything new out there for 4X4 67-72's WITH MANUAL TRANNY LINKAGE??

A.......

[snj8198]

i bolted my mkIV block in the stock location with the small block crossmember and mounts and am useing a set of 1 3/4" primary 3" collector full length hooker comps. i ended up with plenty of room around the manual trans linkage, oil filter, gear reduction starter, and surprisingly im left with enough room to get 3" dual exhaust past a np205 and crossmember without a bunch of crazy bends. but i can't find my recept with the part number. figures?! -steve

[DieselEater]

How bout a pic....

A.....