headers for lowered trucks. what works? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**crossy** · 12-23-2003, 01:23 AM

Since the headers on this 81 are mangled on the bottom beyond repair I have decided to replace them. I thought someone here had said that Chevelle headers work and sit up higher ? has anyone really tried this ?
I need full length headers not shortys.
any recommendations thanx , DAVE

r0lf- · 12-23-2003, 01:25 AM

My thorleys are full length and have no clearance problems whatsoever, Ive never scraped them once.

4/6 too.

TIMSPEED · 12-23-2003, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by r0lf-
My thorleys are full length and have no clearance problems whatsoever, Ive never scraped them once.

4/6 too.

How much them thorley's run? Low84 has a set of Chevelle headers that work for a 5/7 drop...I think they're the 73-87 G-body headers...

78chevstepside · 12-23-2003, 02:20 AM

I have hedmen full length headers with a 4/6 drop. I dont have any problem with clearance or bottoming out.

ocbaud · 12-23-2003, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 78chevstepside
I have hedmen full length headers with a 4/6 drop. I dont have any problem with clearance or bottoming out.

i hit my header collectors all the time with my truck and a 4/6 drop. i have hedman full lenghts too.

r0lf- · 12-23-2003, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TIMSPEED

How much them thorley's run? Low84 has a set of Chevelle headers that work for a 5/7 drop...I think they're the 73-87 G-body headers...

Dang... its been a while. They arent cheap, thats for sure. I want to say 250 or so.

stepside454 · 12-23-2003, 03:24 AM

the Cyclone full lengths that were on my lowered truck when I bought were scrappin all the time. with a big block I couldnt find much to choose from. I bought Sanderson Shortys.

bigblock73 · 12-23-2003, 08:52 AM

Hooker Competition full length headers on a 4/4 dropped SBC equipped truck...never hit once in 4 years of driving.

SCOTI · 12-23-2003, 10:40 AM

Last time I check prices on Thorleys they were $400+. The chevelle 3/4 length from Headman or Hooker will work & be cheaper. The downside is Thorleys are a 2 into 1 configuration so you gain torque over the un-equal length of the 3/4 style.

TwinTurbo · 12-23-2003, 11:52 AM

Hookers here and they scrape like mad

**crossy** · 12-23-2003, 12:30 PM

with the 4-6 (or 5-7, not sure) drop thats on this truck it doesn't even have collectors anymore. they are hedmen full lengths.

Timspeed- when you say 'G' body you actually meant 78-88 body style right?? the 73-77 chevelle was still called an 'A' body I believe. I know all the major header manuf. list the 78-88 seperately.
More importantly can anyone verify that this 78-88 header works out??
I need to get these collectors up . there is a good 4" of clearance between them and the floor now so i know i have room to bring them up. Even without the collectors they give me trouble on my trailer ramps. thanx for all the input guys keep it coming. DAVE

78chevstepside · 12-23-2003, 03:26 PM

I have a 4/6 drop(maybe not) with hedmen full length. I have about 4" of clearance. I dont go over speed bumps very fast . Or go up sloped driveways very fast . One thing I did was rotate the flange so I have the most possible clearance. I also have headerhush power flanges or flange stifners to keep from tearing up the weak flanges.

low 84 · 12-23-2003, 03:45 PM

the headers i'm using that timspeed is talking about are for late 60's early 70's camaros and chevelles. they are NOT full length. if you try to use a full length car header on your truck the collectors are most likeley going to shoot straight into the tranny crossmember. this is what matt (82 blackbeast) did on his truck. he then had to build a custom tranny cross member to clear the headers as well as clearence the frame for the large diameter camaro full lengths he is using. if you really think you need full lengths and go the car header route you are just going to have to shoot in the dark and mabey you will get lucky. the short headers i'm using WILL fit with no modifications. the are very small primary tubes and 2-1/2 collectors, but will work fine for anything producing less than about 350 hp. they are really choking my 408, but i had planned to go the same route as matt if i wasn't going back to a stock motor. i've listed the part number for my headers before but i don't have it handy right now, just do a search if you want it.

ocbaud · 12-23-2003, 03:54 PM

thats about 3.5" of clearance

78chevstepside · 12-23-2003, 04:21 PM

I didnt find that a problem the crossmember being in the way. I just went right over the top. I made my own exhaust system. I guess if a guy doesnt own a welding machine this would be a big problem. I dont own a tubing bender neither. iIjust make minor cuts and weld it all together. this does hurt your flow having restriction in your pipe. I run 2.5" exhaust system its plenty big (sbc) to make up for any losses. I can weld alot better then them guys down at the muffler shop. A guy could just as easy make his own dual crossmember.

**crossy** · 12-23-2003, 05:12 PM

. if you try to use a full length car header on your truck the collectors are most likeley going to shoot straight into the tranny crossmember. this is what matt (82 blackbeast) did on his truck. he then had to build a custom tranny cross member to clear the headers as well as clearence the frame for the large diameter camaro full lengths he is using.
. they are really choking my 408, but i had planned to go the same route as matt if i wasn't going back to a stock motor. i've listed the part number for my headers before but i don't have it handy right now, just do a search if you want it. [/B][/QUOTE]

I'm not going to choke mine down. what I'm trying to find out is what full size car application did 82 blackbeast use . I most likely will not have the crossmember problems because mine is way back with the 400 trans. I can also build my own x-member if needed. thanx , DAVE

AirMale · 12-23-2003, 08:24 PM

I can't speak for trucks with small blocks anymore. The headers I have now are hooker #2455 and they tuck up between the framerails. I also use a double-hump crossmember and it works great. If I were you Dave I would order the Hooker #2451 from summit and if you had any trouble with fitment just send them back and eat the shipping...no biggy! They should fit between the framerails. Good luck!

**crossy** · 12-23-2003, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Riptide's 78p/u
i knew these pics might come in handy Power Flow headers (full length)

man my truck would not only take off the collectors but the whole headpipe on those. LOL.

Jay , sure rub in the big block thing now. I really wanted to get together with you and your other truck buds over the holidays ,but it looks as if it's going to be a while now because of the royal F@^#%ng this A-hole gave me on this truck. I WILL prevail, but there are SO MANY jury rigs(the headers just being one of MANY!) on this truck it will most likely be spring before i can come see ya. I know there are a lot of swap/cruises your way and I shall get there,but in the mean time if you are ever headed to the track be sure to let me know , DAVE

*1FaastC10* · 12-23-2003, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crossy
I'm not going to choke mine down. what I'm trying to find out is what full size car application did 82 blackbeast use . I most likely will not have the crossmember problems because mine is way back with the 400 trans. I can also build my own x-member if needed. thanx , DAVE

67-69 Heddman Hussler's 1 3/4" primary, 3" collector. he's running a pretty hot 383 though, so he needs the 1 3/4" headers. if you were going to put them on a mild small block, you would kill any chance of having anything that resembles low end torque.

low 84 · 12-24-2003, 02:49 AM

jeremy nailed it, those are the ones matt is using but they are too big for anything less than 400-450 hp. i think matts 406 is making over 500 so thats why he used them. with some 1-5/8 headers the frame rails might not need clearencing like he had to do on his.

ocbaud · 12-24-2003, 02:58 AM

ryan, would those shorties you have handle <400hp pretty well?

**crossy** · 12-24-2003, 03:02 AM

the ruined headers on it now are husslers( i found the tag). Yes 1-5/8 is the minimum I will take as it does have the 1-3/4 now and yes it is ,and always will be, in the 450-up range for HP. DAVE

*1972C10* · 01-02-2004, 03:36 AM

GEt some flowtechs for 88-98 the direct fit you will have to get pipes run to them with the flare type flange but they are a real good shorty style header with 3/8 thick flange.

12-23-2003, 01:23 AM	#1
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	headers for lowered trucks. what works? Since the headers on this 81 are mangled on the bottom beyond repair I have decided to replace them. I thought someone here had said that Chevelle headers work and sit up higher ? has anyone really tried this ? I need full length headers not shortys. any recommendations thanx , DAVE __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

12-23-2003, 03:24 AM	#7
stepside454 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: st. louis area Posts: 1,551	the Cyclone full lengths that were on my lowered truck when I bought were scrappin all the time. with a big block I couldnt find much to choose from. I bought Sanderson Shortys. __________________ 75 GMC C-15 short/step factory 454, lowered

12-23-2003, 08:52 AM	#8
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Hooker Competition full length headers on a 4/4 dropped SBC equipped truck...never hit once in 4 years of driving. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

12-23-2003, 10:40 AM	#9
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,942	Last time I check prices on Thorleys they were $400+. The chevelle 3/4 length from Headman or Hooker will work & be cheaper. The downside is Thorleys are a 2 into 1 configuration so you gain torque over the un-equal length of the 3/4 style. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-23-2003, 12:30 PM	#11
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	with the 4-6 (or 5-7, not sure) drop thats on this truck it doesn't even have collectors anymore. they are hedmen full lengths. Timspeed- when you say 'G' body you actually meant 78-88 body style right?? the 73-77 chevelle was still called an 'A' body I believe. I know all the major header manuf. list the 78-88 seperately. More importantly can anyone verify that this 78-88 header works out?? I need to get these collectors up . there is a good 4" of clearance between them and the floor now so i know i have room to bring them up. Even without the collectors they give me trouble on my trailer ramps. thanx for all the input guys keep it coming. DAVE __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

12-23-2003, 01:25 AM	#2
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	My thorleys are full length and have no clearance problems whatsoever, Ive never scraped them once. 4/6 too. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

12-23-2003, 02:20 AM	#4
78chevstepside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: lacenter, washington Posts: 718	I have hedmen full length headers with a 4/6 drop. I dont have any problem with clearance or bottoming out.

12-23-2003, 11:52 AM	#10
TwinTurbo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 994	Hookers here and they scrape like mad

12-23-2003, 03:26 PM	#12
78chevstepside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: lacenter, washington Posts: 718	I have a 4/6 drop(maybe not) with hedmen full length. I have about 4" of clearance. I dont go over speed bumps very fast . Or go up sloped driveways very fast . One thing I did was rotate the flange so I have the most possible clearance. I also have headerhush power flanges or flange stifners to keep from tearing up the weak flanges. Attached Images

12-23-2003, 03:45 PM	#13
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	the headers i'm using that timspeed is talking about are for late 60's early 70's camaros and chevelles. they are NOT full length. if you try to use a full length car header on your truck the collectors are most likeley going to shoot straight into the tranny crossmember. this is what matt (82 blackbeast) did on his truck. he then had to build a custom tranny cross member to clear the headers as well as clearence the frame for the large diameter camaro full lengths he is using. if you really think you need full lengths and go the car header route you are just going to have to shoot in the dark and mabey you will get lucky. the short headers i'm using WILL fit with no modifications. the are very small primary tubes and 2-1/2 collectors, but will work fine for anything producing less than about 350 hp. they are really choking my 408, but i had planned to go the same route as matt if i wasn't going back to a stock motor. i've listed the part number for my headers before but i don't have it handy right now, just do a search if you want it. __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

12-23-2003, 03:54 PM	#14
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	thats about 3.5" of clearance

12-23-2003, 04:21 PM	#15
78chevstepside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: lacenter, washington Posts: 718	I didnt find that a problem the crossmember being in the way. I just went right over the top. I made my own exhaust system. I guess if a guy doesnt own a welding machine this would be a big problem. I dont own a tubing bender neither. iIjust make minor cuts and weld it all together. this does hurt your flow having restriction in your pipe. I run 2.5" exhaust system its plenty big (sbc) to make up for any losses. I can weld alot better then them guys down at the muffler shop. A guy could just as easy make his own dual crossmember. Attached Images

12-23-2003, 05:12 PM	#16
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	. if you try to use a full length car header on your truck the collectors are most likeley going to shoot straight into the tranny crossmember. this is what matt (82 blackbeast) did on his truck. he then had to build a custom tranny cross member to clear the headers as well as clearence the frame for the large diameter camaro full lengths he is using. . they are really choking my 408, but i had planned to go the same route as matt if i wasn't going back to a stock motor. i've listed the part number for my headers before but i don't have it handy right now, just do a search if you want it. [/B][/QUOTE] I'm not going to choke mine down. what I'm trying to find out is what full size car application did 82 blackbeast use . I most likely will not have the crossmember problems because mine is way back with the 400 trans. I can also build my own x-member if needed. thanx , DAVE __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

12-23-2003, 08:24 PM	#17
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	I can't speak for trucks with small blocks anymore. The headers I have now are hooker #2455 and they tuck up between the framerails. I also use a double-hump crossmember and it works great. If I were you Dave I would order the Hooker #2451 from summit and if you had any trouble with fitment just send them back and eat the shipping...no biggy! They should fit between the framerails. Good luck! __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

12-24-2003, 02:49 AM	#20
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	jeremy nailed it, those are the ones matt is using but they are too big for anything less than 400-450 hp. i think matts 406 is making over 500 so thats why he used them. with some 1-5/8 headers the frame rails might not need clearencing like he had to do on his. __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's



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12-24-2003, 02:58 AM	#21
ocbaud Garage Queen Material Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 4,129	ryan, would those shorties you have handle <400hp pretty well?

12-24-2003, 03:02 AM	#22
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	the ruined headers on it now are husslers( i found the tag). Yes 1-5/8 is the minimum I will take as it does have the 1-3/4 now and yes it is ,and always will be, in the 450-up range for HP. DAVE __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

01-02-2004, 03:36 AM	#23
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	GEt some flowtechs for 88-98 the direct fit you will have to get pipes run to them with the flare type flange but they are a real good shorty style header with 3/8 thick flange.

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