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Topic: Header Selection

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


Header Selection

Posted: 5/6/06 2:14pm Message 1 of 12
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ORLANDO, FL - USA
Joined: 12/11/2002
Posts: 459
Vette(s): 1980 L82 Dark Metallic Green Coupe, Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, GM ZZ383....nice....
What do I need to know to select a good header? I haven't selected my final heads yet but leaning towards the Eldebrock RPM heads. Some posts I have read say the Headman's jet coated fit and perform good?


 
1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383......... 
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Header Selection

Posted: 5/6/06 2:24pm Message 2 of 12
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Newark, DE - USA
Joined: 7/26/2004
Posts: 468
Vette(s): 1968 Conv, 454HO,500HP-600TQ, TKO-600,3:70 HD rear,hotrod air, custom paint & suspension,1973 Ruby Red,T-top, 383 Stroker, TK)-500,frame off restro, 1967 Dodge Coronet, 340 stroker to 406, Dana 60

Headman's jet coated are what I put on my 67 dodge & they're great. Have the factory headers on the vet, but I sure the hedman's are just as good for a vet. You don't have to worry about the rusting which they will do if they're not coated especially on a car that's not driven daily.

Alan




                                               

Header Selection

Posted: 5/7/06 9:11am Message 3 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I bought Hedmans (plain black finish) for 170$ at Summit.
 
Let's just say you get what you pay for.  It only took 5 minutes (after reaching normal operating temperature) to turn them gray.  The paint actually burned; smoke coming out for 5 minutes until the paint is all burned.
 
Personnaly, I had to replace the one I had (they were the same ones) and I didn't want to spend much.  I don't care much about the look, so "shiny" was not something I was looking for.
 
However, if I have to do it again, I will pick one that has a coating to reduce the head.  I keep on burning my wires right now and that, with good boot protectors and good boots themself.
 
I spent about 200$ in wires since I replaced the headers.  Maybe I should have just put the money into better insulated headers instead.  My .02
 
 



Header Selection

Posted: 5/7/06 7:15pm Message 4 of 12
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA
Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379
Vette(s): 1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

So far I've had good luck with my ceramic coated Flowtech's by Holley. Going on 3 seasons now with no prob's. Got 'em cheap on ebay.

BTW, I was just in Orlando last week for a few days. Nice area you live in Bernie.

Sarge





GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


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Header Selection

Posted: 5/10/06 6:16pm Message 5 of 12
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Former Member
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ORLANDO, FL - USA
Joined: 12/11/2002
Posts: 459
Vette(s): 1980 L82 Dark Metallic Green Coupe, Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, GM ZZ383....nice....

So it sounds like I just need to be sure they are ceramic coated. Good votes for Headman and Flowtech.

Sarge, you should have given me a call to get together while you were down here.




 
1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383......... 

Header Selection

Posted: 5/10/06 9:18pm Message 6 of 12
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

I am extremely happy with my flowtechs!!

 

Paul




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Header Selection

Posted: 6/1/06 7:49pm Message 7 of 12
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Former Member
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ORLANDO, FL - USA
Joined: 12/11/2002
Posts: 459
Vette(s): 1980 L82 Dark Metallic Green Coupe, Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, GM ZZ383....nice....

Interesting, I called Holley/Flotech/Hooker, and Headman and all said that their headers were made for stock heads and all bets were off for fitment on aftermarket heads. They said the main issue is where the exhaust port is located on the head relative to the stock location. If it is a little higher than the header will rub the bottom of the car and also concern on spark plug angle. I thought this was strange since most hot rods have aftermarket heads and headers. I guess they just want to wash their hands of any liability. When I checked with Summit they felt the headman or flowtechs would fit with these heads but no guarantee. If anyone has a specific part number that fits with these heads please list the part number.

They also indicated that if I break in my new cam with the coated header attached the warranty is voided. I was going to have them put on while the engine was out of the car but now I am leaning towards putting the ram horns back on, break in the cam, then dry fit headers sometime over the winter when it is cooler. What a pain.....




 
1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383......... 

Header Selection

Posted: 6/1/06 10:38pm Message 8 of 12
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Virginia City, NV - USA
Joined: 1/19/2005
Posts: 314
Vette(s): 1979 Coupe, white in color

I put DynoMax on my '79. Not the least bit of problem with the fit. They slid in from the top. According to my Edelbrock catalog, the RPM heads have the D port configuration and are in the stock position. But a phone call will settle it one way or another.

Dave




Header Selection

Posted: 6/1/06 11:03pm Message 9 of 12
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I have Edelbrock performer heads and my Flowtechs do not touch the frame anywhere Closest clearance is near the steering box - about 1 inch...


LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America

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Header Selection

Posted: 6/2/06 6:39am Message 10 of 12
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Canada
Joined: 8/6/2004
Posts: 533
Vette(s): Coupe 74 - 454 Drive it like you stole it!
I am not sure if it's because of the big block and/or the headers (I have hedman's), but I have to use short spark plugs.  The long plugs will fit it, but the tip will be 1/4" from the header; so not only not enough space to put the wires, but it would be sitting on the headers.
 
 



in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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