Do you run headers ?
 

Hello,
I am really thinking about installing some headers on my stock 70 LS5 Chevelle. The exhaust manifolds that are on the car are not the right ones and will have to come off at some point anyway. This is a #'s matching style car that is driven just about every weekend. I am not too worried about changing gaskets if needed. Call me crazy, but I love stock appearing musclecars wih a nice sounding aftermarket exhaust along with headers. But I also like the simple and correct look of the factory exhaust manifolds. (I would have to find the correct ones of course..)
So my question is this... Who all runs headers on their mostly stock/restored cars?

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

my car is all Stock with only the headers being the non stock item on the car.
i bought my car this way and plan to enjoy the sound of the headers for now.
but in a few years i do plan on putting the original manifolds with the smog set up back on,which i got with the car.
i still prefer the look of the stock set up over the headers but i will miss the sound of my headers when the time comes for the change.i will have the stock manifolds hooked up to a chambered exhaust system so i can still enjoy that rumble when i do change over.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I really like the sound of a BBC when you can hear the headers tubes ringing at idle. Exhaust sound, especially muffler choice is very subjective. But if you like a nice aggressive exhaust, headers are right.

I'm a big fan of the day II look. A good aluminum intake, Holley carb, old set of white colored headers is a pretty timeless look. It's your car so do what turns you on, but you've got my vote for a set of headers https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

My car is mostly stock with a few Day II items (headers, wheels, distributor). My machine is on the loud side which is how I like it. However, I will likely be going back to the stock manifolds and exhaust at some point in the future. Can't say right now when that might be though.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Run the headers. They are a bolt on item. I like the Day-2 look for my 69 Z. Everything I did to the car can be changed back in one weekend if need be. Headers, wheels,Accel cap and wire kit, flex fan, traction bars etc. I own a survivor 1969 SS nova with the smog and the dog dish caps. That is boring enough for me! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

You go Sam! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

[ QUOTE ]
So just curious. If you like the sound of headers then why put the exhaust manifolds and smog back on? For judging? Or maybe value?

[/ QUOTE ]

for me its just preference in being stock 100% when the headers come off.
my car is all ready original with stock tires/interior/motor components etc...
so i really want to go that extra mile to have the car back in its original state.
as far as judging goes,yes it does help if your into that and it also increases value to have all your stock manifolds with smog system,especially if its a high horse motor like mine.
IMO i just think i give more respect to the guys that restore there cars back to original rather than having day 2 stuff on the car,so i plan on going back to the original set up myself. just my 2 cents

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Hey Sam
I'd be more then happy to trade you my headers for your boring ol smog system. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

My plans are to find the original manifolds, but probably just put them on the shelf. I really enjoy the sound of the headers on the big block. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Nothing wrong with having the original stuff on the shelf. Remember not many of these cars stayed with the all original parts on them for more than a week or two. Don't know of ANY musclecar in my day that did not have at least a set of mags put on. Too many cars get restored today and lose their real identity. Do what makes you happy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif Worry more about fun than value for now.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

-----Sam,,,The headers do bolt on, but you also have to cut the front pipe and do a bit of welding. That might be something to keep in the back of ones mind. For instance, if I had just spent the bucks install a Gardener setup I sure wouldnt be hacking on it. On the other hand if the front pipe is already compromised the decision would be a bit easier.
-----I had headers on my 64 421HO GP for the first several years and never liked them because the pipes hung down low enough that I had to be careful going over certain bumps or risk flattening a tube or three https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif.........Bill S

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

My personal taste is going back to manifolds. I appreciate the stock look (especially with smog). Less leaking. Also, when you see a car that appears ALL stock yet runs like a scolded monkey, https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif that's an attention getter.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Headers?! We don't need no stinkin' headers... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Hey Sam, Don't worry be happy.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I agree with Sam run the headers and leave the originals on the self.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Another option is to run headers and leave on the air pump system. This is a picture of Joe's original 1969 SS350 Nova (novajoe). You have to see it in person but it has the right look and this car runs hard.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Bill, I would never hack a Gardner system for headers. There are many cheaper exhaust sysyems out there for a header installation. Good headers do not leak and do help performance with a few more small adjustments. Gets kinda boring when I go to these shows and see a couple COPO's, maybe a couple Yenko's and few Z/28's and maybe an LS6 car along with some L78's etc. all lined up with perfect factory restos it gets cookie cutter and a little stepford for me at times. No imagination from the owners, most just seem to be worried about how much their car is worth or not worth with the changes. If the car is a complete frame off resto it is not really original anymore anyway. But this is JMO!

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Very well said Sam. I feel the same way.
I get kind of a kick at guys that say my car has 40k original miles. BUT it has been completely restored. The miles do not mean diddly if the car has been redone.

Having all of the correct stuff is awesome. But these cars ran around back in the day loud and proud. I like musclecars that scare old ladies when you go roaring by. LOL! My survivor Z has a set of headers that were installed in 1974. That and the Dixco gauges were done on the same day. I just love it! Would not even think of putting the smog stuff back on. Just my opinion....

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

There you go! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Sam you are the man https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Running Hooker super comp on what was a mostly stock 350. With the upcoming engine change my only decision is leave 'em black, or paint them white? I think if I paint them white, then I will need the yellow spark plug wires also https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

While I like the look of a restored car, we drive ours and I too am a Day 2 guy who likes to have a musclecar that looks the part. As a matter of fact, Dale and I were out for about a 30 mile run in the old 396 car today. The first run since last October. Our 427 car ran Hedman headers from Day 2. We had a '72 with a '68 L78 and headers. Our '69 396 car has the headers that came on it in '97. Our '69 el Camino also got headers when I was freshening it up. The 455 in our '72 Lemans Sport got them too. My only experience with Hooker was that the collectors were way low. The Flow Tech headers started showing rust after one season. If you want to buy a nice fitting header, go with Hedman or others that fit, then take them to a company that does ceramic coating. The results seem to be a lot better. Flushed with money, go with stainless steel headers. They should last a life time, or certainly longer than us old guys are going to be around. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Had hedman Huslers on my 1969 nova back in 1972. You are the man Keith! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

-----Keith,,,Headers that fit??? Whats that like, buying a set of headers that fit??? I have never bought a set of headers that FIT!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif......Bill S

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I used "FIT" very loosely. All header fit is bad. Some are impossible. Some of the manufacturers forget that you mightwant to change sparkplugs, or even use plug wires. Then there are those that hit on everything and need to be massaged with a ball peen hammer. I just found the Hedmans the least bad....if that makes sense. I can see why people stay with manifolds. Thankfully unleaded gas cuts down on the plug changes. On our L78 I've only changed plugs once in the 34K miles that we have had the car. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Bill, honestly I have Hooker SC's on my 1969 Z/28 non power steering car and they really fit quite well. They are even the bigger tube style. In the old days it was tougher I think but lately if you buy a good header they fit pretty well. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

-----I dont know if Tom is still running them or not but back when I put the raised-port A/R head engine in Red Alert I really wanted a set of step-headers as well. A guy that used to work for Lemons Headers in Ca. and had gone out on his own got refered to me. We talked, and he said he could do the job without the car. He said "I have all the dimensions"..... Ill never forget those words!!! I got the headers and after a couple of weeks of tweeking got them on. Thank God Red wasnt a plug-eater though as the plugs were about a 4 to 5 hour job with all the expected cursing and skinned knuckles. Add into the mix the 14 to 1 pistons that required very good plug indexing. That amount of time never went down either. I would have way rather pulled the engine. He//,,,That was easy.......Bill S

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Bill, yes still have the step-headers, and yes, they still suck.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Hedman 4-2-1's...

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I heard the Hedmans were the best fit headers for a 70 BB Chevelle.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

You just can't go wrong with a regular set of Hooker Competition #2455 for a Big Block Chevelle. They are reasonably priced at only $165 un-coated and are a one-piece design with no separate tubes. They install very easy and have great spark plug access even with their 2-inch Primaries. Hooker Competition Headers also have thicker pipe thickness for better durability than the Super Comps. I have owned and installed many sets of Hooker Headers and have NEVER had to take a hammer to them for "adjustments". This speaks volumes.

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I have Hooker competion headers on my big block and can get to every plug with a ratchet and socket. I do not even use a extension. There is also enough room for the wires without burning them up
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...8/IMAG0051.jpg

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

I run headers on both my cars. The Z has a few day 2 things on it, but the block is stock. The Caprice is all stock. What can I say, I love the sound. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/headbang.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Just mounted PN# 2457-3HKR - 2" Hooker Competition Darkside Ceramic Coated Headers on the Black Camaro.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Make/...hooker+darkside


The clearance around the steering box was very good. On the driver side I removed the oil filter, clutch rod between the Z bar and clutch fork. With the front end up a couple feet they went right in from the bottom.
I relocated the clutch return spring much like a SB Camaro would be, fabbed a extension out of 3/32" piano wire. It now runs right between two of the four tubes and is terminated near the SS brake line that runs across the back of the subframe crossmember.

Passenger side has good clearence around the starter. The outboard lower area came very close to the original fuel line that runs along the inside of the sub frame on a 69 Camaro.
Some of you guy's ain't going to like this. I rerouted the fuel line along the top of the subrame much like a 68 BB Camaro is. I made a new line from SS and spliced it in at the outside frame rail under the Pax seat. The joint looks like what is found on a 69 Nova, 3/8" hose W/two green clamps. Also had to trim 3/8" off the rear bolt on the upper control arm.
Here is the pic's. Check out my dumps.. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif..need to have two new pipes made up this week to reconnect the exhaust.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8/DSCF9074.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8/DSCF9067.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8/DSCF9073.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8/DSCF9070.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...8/DSCF9072.jpg

So how'd I do Sammy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif No not you, gas tank boy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif The other Sammy

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Mike they look great! I am extremely proud of you for putting headers on that nizzzze car! Goes to show you bolt-ons don't really hurt value IMO. Just like the old days. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif More and more guys like the Day-2 thing. Maybe we can get a section just for that on the Site. Now, if Marlin ever would come around to this https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif than maybe we can get this thing off the ground! A Day-2 section in Chicago? Love the cut-outs too Mike! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif Go Phillies!

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

How about a picture of the clutch return spring mounting? I have the same headers on my 68 L78 and I used the SB rod that would go to a hole on the motor mount with a spring. I was thinking of changing the location just wondering what you did? This worked very well with these headers but I couldn't find a spring that gave me the correct pedal feel. I have a spring that is way over doing it.

Jason

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

The BB Novas had the clutch spring connected to one of the exhaust manifold studs....I would assume BB Camaros would be the same...?? Our 70 black L78 had headers on it when we got it...the prior owner welded a small loop onto one of the header tubes in approx. the same position as the original manifold stud. Of course this is probably not an option for coated headers...but, it seemed to work fine for us. Maybe you could put some kind of band or clamp around the header tube with a spot to secure the spring https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/hmmm.gif

Nice job Big Mike....you are getting very high marks from Sammy https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Mike, you did the right thing with the fuel line, we moved the line from the side to the top. If you drive the car a lot in summer heat, you run the risk of boiling the fuel and vapor locking with headers that close to the fuel line. The other issue with BB Camaros/Novas with Headers is PS. If you have factory PS, you will need to "dimple" that 2 or 3 tube to not hit the steering box. Get it cherry red with a torch and roll a large impact socket on it, usually does the trick and looks nice when done. Lastly, I removed the riveted "Hooker" emblem PRIOR to having them coated, I heared that the coating my start to flake or chip off around it if you leave it on, weather that is a valid issue or not who knows

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

Mike, did Grady talk you into those dumps?? I thought you didn't want them...

Looks good....

Rich

Re: Do you run headers ?
 

"Gas Tank Boy" is gonna give his input anyway https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif!! Looks good Mikey https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif. Love the safety wires - you ever work in aviation maintenance https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

Let us know how she sounds and performs thru the dumps! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif