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Old 12-31-2014, 11:13 PM   #1
newmexicosaint
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Big Block Headers?

I have a 86 c10 with a 454 and I have some questions about headers...I currently have Summit headers and want to upgrade. The truck is just a street performer but will see some track time for fun. If you have any experience with this PLEASE chime in.

I want a header that fits WELL and performs WELL.

I would prefer a header with a square port shape that will be friendly to aluminum heads (when I can afford a set ) and a ball collector or a v clamp collector if they are making such a thing.

I welded V clamp collectors on my camaro headers and exhaust but it was totally custom and I am not interested in that amount of work this time around.

Any direction would be appreciated.
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Old 12-31-2014, 11:57 PM   #2
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

The headers that I used were Headman headers part #HED68198. They are 3/8 flange, 14 gauge tubing, with ball type connectors. I am not real sure about the square port fitment. But I am real happy with the fit. The only modification that I had to make, was to grind the cup that mounts to the block on the passenger side for clearance. These were listed as fitting a 68-72 big block chevelle, however when they arrived, the box listed them as a 67-68 big block Camaro. Any way I am happy with what I have. Hope this helps.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:18 AM   #3
newmexicosaint
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Yes, that helps man. THANKS! You wouldn't have a picture of what you had to grind do you? I'm having trouble picturing what you had to grind.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:21 AM   #4
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Are the wire looms the GM performance looms that come on the 6gen BBC?
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:27 AM   #5
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

you know I didn't take a picture of the cups. If you can imagine, or look at the original motor mounts, there is a cup like piece that bolts to the engine block, then the bolt goes thru the cup, through the motor mount. If you have away to mock up the headers on the engine out of the truck it is real easy to see. I only had to grind the one on the passenger side. Other than that the headers fit fine. And yes the wire looms are from GM. I would have to look deeper but could try to find a part number, for the late model big block.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:37 AM   #6
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

GM performance parts, part number 12495502. Amazon has them listed for less than 20 bucks. I got mine from the local dealership.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:40 AM   #7
newmexicosaint
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Re: Big Block Headers?

OOOOooooohhhh! Yeah, we call em Bells or Clams. Engine side of motor mounts! Sounds like nothing a plasma cutter can't take care of. LOL. I know the looms, I used them on another BB. They were inexpensive and effective. I use a TAYLOR WIRES loom now #42503 I really like them. The best I have used.

Last edited by newmexicosaint; 01-01-2015 at 12:42 AM. Reason: wrong part number
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:43 AM   #8
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Re: Big Block Headers?

How is the coating holding up? They look GREAT on the pickup BTW
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:45 AM   #9
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

I found a picture on google. I just used a 4 inch grinder and started to make some clearance. One could possibly replace the mount on the motor with a aftermarket one.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:47 AM   #10
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

So far I've been running them since around the 4th of July. No problems, so far.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:49 AM   #11
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Yep, exactly as you described!! Thanks man. I hope some others will chime in.
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Old 01-01-2015, 12:53 AM   #12
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Seems to be the best picture I have of the completed engine compartment.
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:19 AM   #13
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Re: Big Block Headers?

radar1 was there any other issues besides the motor mount?
How was the pipe routing around the trans linkage and cross member?
I like how those fit tighter to the floor than my big block truck headers, I plan to drop the truck and those look like they will save the collectors and pipe from speed bumps etc.
__________________
86 Burb, 5/7 drop, 18" rims, big stereo, work in progress, as well as daily driver.
86 Short box just starting the build.
86 GMC 1500 2wd, ugly blue farm looking truck with a mild 454... More to come!
98 Cheyenne Ext cab short box 2wd. Driver and maybe future project.
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Old 01-01-2015, 01:31 AM   #14
newmexicosaint
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Re: Big Block Headers?

x2

Quote:
Originally Posted by C.W View Post
radar1 was there any other issues besides the motor mount?
How was the pipe routing around the trans linkage and cross member?
I like how those fit tighter to the floor than my big block truck headers, I plan to drop the truck and those look like they will save the collectors and pipe from speed bumps etc.
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Old 01-01-2015, 02:06 AM   #15
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

I am running a 700r4, using the original shifter on the column. the linkage to the transmission had to be bent so the offset at the transmission end would clear the header collector. It was real obvious where it needed bent, did most of it on a vice with a pair of channel lock pliers. I used the original transmission cross member, it is pretty tight in that area because of the long tube design, but because of the ball socket on the collector we just pulled it up tight and pointed it down, then bent a little crook in the exhaust pipe to get us back up in line with the system. Now I had already had a dual exhaust set up that I had on the truck with the previous motor. It is a dual set up from LMC. 2 1/4 inch, with turbo mufflers. Just saying it may be somewhat more difficult if you was trying to run say 3 inch pipe, but I still believe doable.
I could try to get some pictures tomorrow when the day light hits, of the shifter linkage. I don't know if I will be able to get any of the transition pipes though. The drop on my truck is in the 5/7 range. I haven't had any problems with the exhaust clearing anything in the road yet. However the front A-arms, Well that's another story.
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Old 01-01-2015, 02:16 AM   #16
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Re: Big Block Headers?

I am running a 700R4 too. I think the crossmember design on these trucks were the worst design ever and I hope they fired the "engineer" who came up with that! LOL I plan on making my own crossmember. The linkage I would sure like to see. Does the shifter give you any problems?
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Old 01-01-2015, 02:34 AM   #17
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

no problems with the shifter. really the cross member wasn't that bad. Just one side of the exhaust had to go under the cross member, the other side just went over the cross member easily. I just went through all the pictures I had, and I evidently don't have any. I will try tomorrow.
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Old 01-07-2015, 02:12 AM   #18
Stretchstad
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Gonna follow this thread I like where it's going..I have similar truck as yours radar1 just not dropped nearly as much (just a 2/4) and it's quite aways from the road yet.. getting all chassis and drivetrain wrapped up... my next hurtle was valve covers / headers and exhaust. . Valve covers are on way (gm performance slant topped ones to clear the big brake booster) but can't decide on headers.. want a nice finish to em and ball n socket flange and 3" mandrel exhaust front to back but this is being quite the challengeName:  20141229_220049.jpg
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:19 PM   #19
radar1
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Re: Big Block Headers?

Hey guys, I haven't forgotten about getting some pictures. I recently took a job that I am working 7-10's, a hour and a half from the house. Hopefully It will be over soon, we are thinking in the next two weeks, then I could get some pictures. please be patient.
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Old 01-12-2015, 02:26 AM   #20
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Thumbs up Re: Big Block Headers?

Doug Thorley Headers for the 454 are the way to go...I don't know about fit in regards to not stock installed options. Hard pressed to find anyone with a bad thing to say about a set of Thorley's
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