Header advice

[NewType72]

I'm going to be running a SBC 350/300hp at least with either a th350/700r4 auto behind it an I want to run some nice mid length performance headers. My frame is box stock on my 72 Chevy 2wd c-10 so what are the best fitting/performing headers on the market? I've heard chevelle is the best base to start with.

Any suggestions or opinions to help this young blood out?

Kinda looking at something like these symmetrical clean no non-sense

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/dte-380-c

[IMG][/IMG]
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[hyatt]

keep manifolds headers are constant trouble

[NewType72]

Why is that? I have long tubes on my current motor right now collector gaskets never blown and stock gaskets are fine at the head ports
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[Lattimer]

Some people just hate headers.

[Scott>72-GMC]

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=U15Ox...%3DU15OxrX_NBc
People have problems with bolts backing out then the gaskets blow out
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[NewType72]

Well those look cool but I've never seen anyone ever run them. I don't prefer the look of the manifolds over headers.
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[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by hyatt

keep manifolds headers are constant trouble

Not true. When headers are hooked up correctly with good quality gaskets, and fasteners not overtightend... they work flawlessly.

Originally Posted by Lattimer

Some people just hate headers.

Yup...

To the OP... if your truck is not lowered where you're layin' frame. Just get a set of long tube headers that actually were made to fit the truck you have. Headman Hedders makes some great street headers for these trucks, that come either painted black, or 2 different ceramic coatings. They fit and work great. I have them, on my truck. A 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom.

Gary

[NewType72]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Not true. When headers are hooked up correctly with good quality gaskets, and fasteners not overtightend... they work flawlessly.



Yup...

To the OP... if your truck is not lowered where you're layin' frame. Just get a set of long tube headers that actually were made to fit the truck you have. Headman Hedders makes some great street headers for these trucks, that come either painted black, or 2 different ceramic coatings. They fit and work great. I have them, on my truck. A 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom.

Gary

I've drug my exhaust before in the center since it hangs below my frame I want to eliminate that possibility an tuck the exhaust a bit nicer or else I'd just keep my current Long tubes
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[NewType72]

Anyone actually running the mid length headers? I heard they were the best for fitment but noone's really saying much from experience on them.

[Hotrob72]

Originally Posted by NewType72

Anyone actually running the mid length headers? I heard they were the best for fitment but noone's really saying much from experience on them.

I will let you know, just ordered Some mid length from hedman which are made for our trucks....not a car header that some say fits.

[NewType72]

Right on I don't have the new motor bought yet so I have awhile to wait just figured id get some research in before im waiting on parts

[Hotrob72]

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/69020/10002/-1

This is what I ordered.

[NewType72]

Yes those were of the five I was looking at im just picky with how they look lol. but hey if they work then that makes them that much better on my list

[buckskins4ever]

I can you all that after installing 4 different sets and styles of header gaskets, I have now have found the BEST style and brand on the market. Tried Coppers, Aluminums, paper/metal combo's............Dont wast your $20-$50 on these. You will love your headers once you use RimFlex gaskets. They cost about $45 for SBC's. Simple two time tightening of the bolts and they wont back out again.
Tighten header bolts after installing working from middle 2 bolts first. Once all are tightened.........run engine up to 180 degrees.....shut it off, and re-tighten IF loosened up...MINE DIDNT. Been on for 3 weeks and and rechecked before every time I get it out, and so far not once had the loosened up.

[NewType72]

Great tip on the gaskets I'll most definitely look into them I'm hoping with a crate motor my new headers will be less likely to back off with fresh header bolt holes to go into. but hey stuff happens.

[buckskins4ever]

Its not the age of the holes that is causing header bolts to back out. Its one to two reasons they back out. One is Headers are not perfectly flat. The other is the gasket. Depending on which gasket you go with you end up with wither a faulty paper thin one that blows out, or you go with one designed to heat up and seat and seal the gaps between header and head exhaust ports.
Aluminum and Copper are designed to be a crush style gasket and unfortunately both of those metals heat up and form as supposed to but as they do so the create loose bolts. And since they dont expand once cooled, they dont tighten bolts back up that are now loose...thus causing the effect that they are backing out. Problem is you dont catch it and they actually do start backing out now that they are loose anyways.

RimFlex on the other hand are a composite type material like CarbonFiber with Metal inlaid in to it. this gives the added structure and its not expanding or crush style material. CarbonFiber holds a very high heat threshold and is as strong as steel. No blowouts, no warping, no crushing, no leaks. It took me more than $200 wasted dollars and hours of re-tightening bolts.

[NewType72]

Again great insight on this now if I can just figure out the headers to run then I can worry about the blown or not blown gaskets. Not discrediting your info just didn't expect it so early with my question

[piecesparts]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Not true. When headers are hooked up correctly with good quality gaskets, and fasteners not overtightend... they work flawlessly.



Yup...

To the OP... if your truck is not lowered where you're layin' frame. Just get a set of long tube headers that actually were made to fit the truck you have. Headman Hedders makes some great street headers for these trucks, that come either painted black, or 2 different ceramic coatings. They fit and work great. I have them, on my truck. A 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom.

Gary

I agree with this one. A good set of long tube headers will give you more of that 300HP that you have in your engine to your drive train. The mid-length headers will make a fair change in the performance, but the long tube units will open the process up that much more. As for headers being a constant problem, I also agree if they are mounted properly then there will be years of usage without problems. Most people experience problems with the header bolts backing out and causing leakage at the heads, or the gaskets at the collectors leaking. I have found an answer to these issues in my years. First before installing the header bolts, wrap the bolts with teflon tape, just like you would a threaded fitting for piping. Then put the bolt into a clean bolt hole. Once the engine is started and warmed, snug the bolts one last time and they will stay where you leave them. Don't worry, the teflon will not burn and the bolts will come back out when you want them out. Just rewrap the bolts when you put them back in again. The collector bolts work great if you double nut them to keep them in place.

As for gaskets, many use the copper gaskets, but I like to use a Felpro header gasket, but I do coat them with Copper-Coat gasket sealer, so virtually I am also using a copper gasket. The headers in my trucks have been there for years and I have had no leakage on them.

[NewType72]

Again not much of an issue with the gaskets I have that pretty much solved, the teflon tape is another good idea and my collector gaskets that I run are darn near bulletproof.

I'm only looking for ideas for Mid-length headers I don't need every ounce of horsepower as I'm no speed freak because I daily drive this truck no need for any extra expenses in form of tickets. Mid length is what I want to try as I need more clearance and want a cleaner tucked look within the bay and under the truck.