Headers on my 64 C-10

[Tony S.]

Hi all,

Looking to install some headers on my big block.

I don't think I have much room in there and want to install some noise makers.

I have a 1964 C-10 that I pulled the six and installed a 1978 454. Now I'm looking close to being ready to install.

Any suggestions?


Thanks for the information!

[Captainfab]

It depends on what engine mounts you are using and whether you have lowered the front of your truck. On my '66 Suburban I used '73-'87 headers. Regardless of which headers you use, you will still have to trim the top flange of the frame.

[Tony S.]

Thanks Captainfab! I can always count on you!

[Tony S.]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

It depends on what engine mounts you are using and whether you have lowered the front of your truck. On my '66 Suburban I used '73-'87 headers. Regardless of which headers you use, you will still have to trim the top flange of the frame.

I used 79 C-20 mounts and no I haven't lowered it, yet.

It's still stock 64 C10 suspension.

So your saying if I get some headers installed into it I might run into some problems later if I decide to lower it?

Any recommendations on what type of headers to use so if at some point I decide to lower it that it doesn't cause me issues?

Thanks Captainfab!

[PGSigns]

Some headers hang lower than others and that is the problem with going lower. I used chevelle headers when I did my 64 many years ago. They tucked up pretty good. There have been several threads in this and the engine section covering this. I would do a search in both sections.
Jimmy

[urmyboyblue]

I used one set off of a 70 Chevelle that worked well on mine and I used a second set later on that fit like crap. Both had to have some work done on the upper flange of the frame. Unfortunately I don't remember the brand name. Both were with stock motor mounts.

[Tony S.]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Some headers hang lower than others and that is the problem with going lower. I used chevelle headers when I did my 64 many years ago. They tucked up pretty good. There have been several threads in this and the engine section covering this. I would do a search in both sections.
Jimmy

Thank you sir! The ones I have are off of a 78 Camaro. Those probably wont work either?

[Tony S.]

Originally Posted by urmyboyblue

I used one set off of a 70 Chevelle that worked well on mine and I used a second set later on that fit like crap. Both had to have some work done on the upper flange of the frame. Unfortunately I don't remember the brand name. Both were with stock motor mounts.

So if you can tell me, how much is to much when it comes to cutting the top frame rail? I cut about 3/8'' off for the big block mounts for the 454. Is it going to be more than that do you think?

Thanks!

[Tony S.]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Some headers hang lower than others and that is the problem with going lower. I used chevelle headers when I did my 64 many years ago. They tucked up pretty good. There have been several threads in this and the engine section covering this. I would do a search in both sections.
Jimmy

Thanks bud! I appreciate it and I will check it out.

[Tony S.]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

It depends on what engine mounts you are using and whether you have lowered the front of your truck. On my '66 Suburban I used '73-'87 headers. Regardless of which headers you use, you will still have to trim the top flange of the frame.

Captainfab to the rescue again! Hell, you want to just come on over here and build this thing for me? HAHAHA!!

Thanks again guy. I appreciate all your advice!

[urmyboyblue]

I did not have to cut my engine mounts at all. With the first set, I cut around 3/8-1/2" off the top flange of the driver side frame rail only- just to clear the tube off of #1. The second set required more of the flange to be cut out.

If you are ambitious, you could build a set. I built mine to route outside the frame rails on each side. The muffler sits under the cab and the exhaust exits in front of the rear wheel. I like this routing better than any other I have had.

[Captainfab]

The Chevelle headers will work most of the time, with an auto trans. But there is a current thread in Engine and Drivetrain where a guy is having issues with his truck and Chevelle headers. Then again as PGSigns said, there are several threads about using Chevelle headers on a BBC in these trucks.