Need help on headers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1972c10pu · 06-10-2025, 11:14 PM

1972 gmc 2wd. I put in a 383 stroker with some Flow Tech Headers #31500 long tube. I needed to heat and pound the Rh side header to get by my starter. The starter i am running is a Proform 66258 high torque starter. Any suggestions on what i can do so i don't need to destroy my header to make this work?

HO455 · 06-11-2025, 10:29 AM

Are these new headers?

There is no reason that you should be having this issue in this day and age. I would be calling Flow Tech! Every SBC header has to clear a starter.

There is no excuse for having to modify the header. I mean they have had 50 years to figure it out.

68isgreat · 06-11-2025, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

Are these new headers?

There is no reason that you should be having this issue in this day and age. I would be calling Flow Tech! Every SBC header has to clear a starter.

There is no excuse for having to modify the header. I mean they have had 50 years to figure it out.

I agree. That said, I've thought about putting headers on my k10 with a 350 tbi motor and I still am not sure which ones to use. It's as clear as mud. Long tube ones make you give up ground clearance so they clear the driveshaft and xfer case, and short tube ones create issues clearing the same. That's why I went with ram horns until I figure it out. My sympathies to the OP.

**PbFut** · 06-11-2025, 06:11 PM

Aftermarket parts generally are tested to fit stock oem setups. Your starter is not the original design. You can't expect a manufacturer to test fit for every aftermarket part available.

Shifty One · 06-12-2025, 03:48 PM

You could probably sneak a Lester #6449s in there, they are fairly small.

**HalfBrit** · 06-13-2025, 05:49 PM

Just a thought. Have you tried indexing (rotating) the starter to a different position? I have Doug's 371Y low profile full length headers and they don't interfere with my mini starter

**MikeB** · 06-15-2025, 02:41 PM

From a description of your starter: Offset design results in more clearance between the oil pan and the starter, and can be rotated for additional chassis clearance.

It's unusual for a header tube to hit a mini-starter.

Willshook · 06-15-2025, 07:26 PM

Flowtech is generally garbage.

Hookers fit fine, but the #5 plug is a tough wire fit. Some folks use shorty plugs, I just made one wire with a straight boot.

GSP7 · 06-16-2025, 11:08 AM

Doug Thorley for the win

06-10-2025, 11:14 PM	#1
1972c10pu Registered User Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Alberta Posts: 10	Need help on headers 1972 gmc 2wd. I put in a 383 stroker with some Flow Tech Headers #31500 long tube. I needed to heat and pound the Rh side header to get by my starter. The starter i am running is a Proform 66258 high torque starter. Any suggestions on what i can do so i don't need to destroy my header to make this work?

06-11-2025, 10:29 AM	#2
HO455 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 12,412	Re: Need help on headers Are these new headers? There is no reason that you should be having this issue in this day and age. I would be calling Flow Tech! Every SBC header has to clear a starter. There is no excuse for having to modify the header. I mean they have had 50 years to figure it out. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

06-11-2025, 06:11 PM	#4
PbFut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Ca Posts: 1,026	Re: Need help on headers Aftermarket parts generally are tested to fit stock oem setups. Your starter is not the original design. You can't expect a manufacturer to test fit for every aftermarket part available.

06-15-2025, 02:41 PM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,038	Re: Need help on headers From a description of your starter: Offset design results in more clearance between the oil pan and the starter, and can be rotated for additional chassis clearance. It's unusual for a header tube to hit a mini-starter. __________________ Mike 1969 Custom/10 LWB -- owned for 37 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. Hedman stainless headers. Old Air installation in progress. 1982 Custom Deluxe 10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350 w/ Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) which I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 26 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

06-15-2025, 07:26 PM	#8
Willshook Registered User Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Chehalis, WA Posts: 223	Re: Need help on headers Flowtech is generally garbage. Hookers fit fine, but the #5 plug is a tough wire fit. Some folks use shorty plugs, I just made one wire with a straight boot.

06-12-2025, 03:48 PM	#5
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 972	Re: Need help on headers You could probably sneak a Lester #6449s in there, they are fairly small. __________________ 1987 V20 farm-hand rescue 1998 C2500 lot-rot rescue

06-13-2025, 05:49 PM	#6
HalfBrit Registered User Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 150	Re: Need help on headers Just a thought. Have you tried indexing (rotating) the starter to a different position? I have Doug's 371Y low profile full length headers and they don't interfere with my mini starter

06-16-2025, 11:08 AM	#9
GSP7 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,226	Re: Need help on headers Doug Thorley for the win __________________ '81 K20 Silverado , '99 Dodge Cummins 4x4, '05 Dodge Cummins 4x4, No Snivelers "No Lowballers, I know what I got"



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