headers in a '72

[72chevyk10]

i recently put a 454 in my 72 k10 and i was wondering if there are any headers that will clear the frame and still not be a pain to get to plugs with.

[Yukon Jack]

I'm using Dynomax Cermacoated headers, part number 86022, designed for the 67-87 BBC 2WD in my 69 K20. The headers for 73-87 BBC 4WD would not work.



The engine is sitting in the small block engine crossmember using the original small block style engine mounts.

I am using a small spacer between the crossmember and the motor mounts to gain some clearance on the frame and I had to cut the frame a bit on the passenger side to make room for the first and second tube.

To make these headers fit I did not have to make any modifications to the driver's side other than I did have to go with a shorter oil filter as this engine has an oil cooler setup which put the larger oil filter in contact with the headers.

In regards to plugs, generally accessibility problems with headers is a sbc problem. Headers usually don't cause those problems with the bbc's.

Does your truck have a manual or automatic tranny? These headers would have caused interferrence with the clutch linkage - I switched to a hydraulic clutch so not a problem for me.



Would really enjoy seeing some pics of your bbc fitment in the firewall area. What modifications, if any, did you have to make to fit it?

Also post some pics of your truck and welcome to the board.

[72chevyk10]

thnks for the reply! i have a auto tranny. (th350) but as far as getting it to fit i had to hammer out where the valve covers would be and the back of the distributer(in big hei's are a pain lol). other then that it to is siting on the sbc mounts and crossmember no real clearence issues. about how much do those headers cost? here r some not to great pics of it soon after assembly.

[Yukon Jack]

Jeg's shows them for $322.99.

[72chevyk10]

wow thats kind of steep right now

[Yukon Jack]

I hear you! They were alot lower when I bought them, $209. Really surprised they've gone up that much, I bought mine probably 4 years ago I would guess.

[72chevyk10]

do they have a cheaper version of th same shape?

[special-K]

The coating adds as much as a couple hundred to header costs.Check into non-ceramic coated to save alot.I pay $200 to have non-coated headers coated.It`s funny how the air cleaner on a BBC sits right about where one would on a SBC.

[72chevyk10]

wow cerimic is that pricey?(sp?). ill get the regular.

[special-K]

It varies,but definately puts them in another price range.Still the same quality header.I like the coating,but it`s not a perfect preserver either.I`ve seen rust bleeding through ceramic coat.

[Burt4x4]

If you buy the weaker/cheeper headers they will warp in time and you will never get them to not leak..well maybe if you use 2 or 3 gaskets all stuck togeather with lots of high temp RTV hahaha
So if you save up the money and get the ticker flange type header you will not have to deal with leaks a few years down the road.
.02c



Thease are Thorleys in my 72 w/454, the last pic above shoes the pass side riding real high along the frame rail. I had to remove one of my crossmember's mounts to get the pipe connected to the collector (leaves me with 7 instead of 8 mounts, I have a double crossmember)

You can see were both collectors end up with Thorley. I hate having the driver side so damn low! Butt I really wanted to run a Tri-Y type header as it increases torque, sucks for high RPM but great from idel - 4500rpm. Tri-Y headers fall flat on their face around 5Krpm so not a good choice for a high RPM aplication.

another look at the differences in collector location.
Thease are for a '73up 2x4 454 truck application..My buddy Greg put them on his and he needed to notch the frame on the passs side..I did not but wish I had ground a lttle bit as I now see a little tick mark from flexing offroad..ohwell "self clearing" right! hahaha
Good luck

[72chevyk10]

thank! looks like i have more options then i thought.