Headers?

[Mr3Speed]

Hey I got a 69 c10 that I’m building for my first car with some help and financial support from my dad. Wondering if y’all had any suggestions on reasonably priced just flat gray headers. Thank you!

[HO455]

Welcome aboard! Can you provide more information on your truck and how you plan on using it. More information will help the folks here give you a better answer.

[gmc684x4]

if you have a manual transmission Call Headman Tech line 562 921 0404
Most headers 67 to 87 will fit automatic trucks

I do like Headman and Hooker headers they last a long time
Most painted headers have a non heat rated paint and will need to be repainted to keep a painted look

[geezer#99]

What motor?

[72c20customcamper]

If you use it a lot no headers even with factory ceramic will last. I have headman in my chevelle the ceramic around the collectors is all rusty I have to spray them every spring.

Why you putting headers on it? Needs manifolds or just want them . I only have headers on the chevelle but it's a 496 with head mods and high compression . None of my other vehicles have them.

In my experience headers aren't worth the trouble. They have a tendency to dump heat in the engine bay and with new fuels that's a recipie for vapor lock.

[gmc684x4]

I would guess he is like most of us the 48 plus year old stock manifolds are in rough to toast shape

I went through quite a few stock manifolds on my 69 and 70 there repop now

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

I would guess he is like most of us the 48 plus year old stock manifolds are in rough to toast shape

I went through quite a few stock manifolds on my 69 and 70 there repop now

K all of mine have originals . Only manifolds I toasted were big block they usually crack

[d4hartley]

I have some full length flowtech headers on mine. No clearance issues and ceramic coated. Engine bay isn't any hotter than it was before either. I don't remember how much I paid for them.

[54blackhornet]

He’s just like a lot of us where one day. The allure of headers on a V8 is mesmerizing. That said in time most begin to realize that they are worth the bother. The stainless ones cheery red do look cool.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

He’s just like a lot of us where one day. The allure of headers on a V8 is mesmerizing. That said in time most begin to realize that they are worth the bother. The stainless ones cheery red do look cool.

I used to do that with stockers on my 87 burban doing 80mph pulling a camper . Had to stop at a KFC on my way down to myrtle beach. Smoke coming out from the back . Manifolds cherry red but it was from the trans puking from the overflow onto the exhaust. And when I got home a new set of manifolds and a a 700r4

[special-K]

This young feller wants grey headers and is asking where he can find them. Forget color, you can do any headers in grey. Take them to a performance coating shop for that. If that's the way you go, no need to pay for expensive coated headers, if the same quality header is available w/o coating. The ones on my K2500 are Headman Torque Steps and I got them w/o ceramic coating. I wanted them flat black and the coatings shop just did the primer that was black and it cost me 1/2 price. Probably wasn't a good idea because the tubes down low did surface rust some. Last time I had them off to replace heads I dressed them and shot with VHT flat black. I have had a set of ceramic coat Headman Elites I bought in '04 for another truck that I sold before installing. Those will go on the K2500 when I restore it some day

Since manifold vs header opinions are being offered, my experience has yielded great long lasting experiences with headers and two failed factory exhaust manifolds. Nothing lasts forever. The headers I had to install while in Flagstaff in '89 while on a family adventure, because no manifolds could be located nor could quality headers, lasted until I stopped using that truck in '04. The Headman headers I am presently running on my '72 K2500 I installed in '04. The manifold on my '71 Custom Camper blew out in the center, pure fatigued cast iron. The other one that failed cracked in two where it collected.

[drewbert41]

Headers are awesome, but there is a lot to consider.

My stock manifolds were cracked and had melted the plug boots. Excellent opportunity to get headers I thought. This is what I learned.

After getting headers I had to buy shorter spark plugs. I also had to buy a new alternator bracket as the old bracket was part of the exhaust manifold. Also, my full length headers hang way below the frame rail which will make lowering not a good option. I had to buy some spark plug wire sleeves to keep the wires from melting and some good cable management to keep things from touching.

One thing I have learned is that if you change one thing under the hood expect to have to make other changes to accommodate. Do I regret it? Yes and no. Love how it sounds. Eventually I will go back to manifolds or short headers to stay above the frame rail.

Also, I paid extra for coated ones. Still rust. I think I got them from JEGS or Summit.

Here is a pic of my new bracket and too long spark plugs

[special-K]

Yeah, the early trucks have the alternator mount cast with the manifold. I wonder if 4wd headers would fit a 2wd. Mine hug up high above the bottom of the frame

[tim_mc]

I wound up going with Summit stainless headers (SUM-G9006-9). So far so good.

[gmc684x4]

Depends on brand of headers some have fitment issues others do not
Both sets i have used have zero fitment issues in the trucks they are in
Some headers sit lower then others as well which may be a clearance issue with lowered trucks