Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
Joined: 3/9/2008 Posts: 164
Has anyone installed these headers in a stock 350, whats invoved, how does it sound and the main question is it worth it. My motor is all stock, do i lose the stock spark plug shields and is there any other modification.
Vette(s): 1969 coupe, 350, m22 trans, ac, black on black,
Joined: 1/19/2006 Posts: 353
I put them on my 69,,had to drop the clutch rod,, and the starter shield,, one went in from the top, and 1 from the bottom,,was aggrevating put doable,, pull the plugs out first,drivers side from bottom,,passenger from top,,good luck
Install is a little work. Do what Rick said but you will need to lift the front up a little to slide the headers in from the under side. You will loose the plug heat shield. Here is what I did to protect the plugs.
Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
Joined: 3/9/2008 Posts: 164
What about the hooker block hugger type header, I am running a stock 350 and these are supposed to be a easy install with no modifications. Does anyone have these!
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Joined: 9/24/2003 Posts: 5188
You'll need to cut the exhaust pipes and either clamp or weld on collectors to attach to the header flanges. Also buy high quality header gaskets.
I don't run Hookers so I can't say too much about their particular install. I did put my headers in using the same method Rick explained minus the plug removal.
I had to remove my wire looms though because the are aftermarket and are mounted to the valve covers. They stuck out too far and hindered my attemps to drop the drivers header in and to allow enough working room for my hands to start the header bolts.
As far as the sound.... if you don't have them now you are gonna like it. This vette was the 1st car I ever owned that I ran exhaust past the header mufflers out the back. I didn't think I would like it but I was wrong.
It gave it a great sound behind the car and a comfortable talking level inside the car. Plus no more exhaust fumes inside the car. (Growing up sometimes ain't so bad....)
Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
Joined: 3/9/2008 Posts: 164
Thanks Larry, do you have stock type headers or do you have the hugger type. From what I read about the hugger type is that the exaust needs to be cut and everything else should clear. The only thing that keeps coming up is the motor or engine mounts about clearance. The only reason Im interested in these type of hugger headers that it will still keep the engine looking stock without any modifications. Thats what I want to know if anyone has installed these type of headers before I purchase them.
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Joined: 9/24/2003 Posts: 5188
Mine are long tube. If you are attempting to gain performance then you should reconsider the choice. After all if you are installing headers it wont be stock so get everything you can from your choice.
Another point I think is a must is to choose ceramic coated headers. They look a ton better, are more maintenace free (no occasional painting required) and they outlast traditional headers.
If your torn between staying original and headers then stay original at the motor and shoose a turbo style muffler that will provide you with a more distinct throaty sound and can easily be changed back to OEM within a small amount of time.
Here is a LINK where we previously discussed headers. You may want to PM Gunslinger.... he has block huggers and really likes them. Bruce will be able to give you the pros and cons.