ZZ 454 exhaust valve height

[df396]

I have a ZZ454 that we are about to drop in a 69 SS Chevelle. i was checking the exhaust valve placement in comparison to the steel heads that are on the old motor and the measure 1/2" higher than the old heads. i had a pair of Hooker super comps for the car but after calling Holley and asking if the would work they said no. Has anyone out there put a ZZ454in a 69 Chevelle and what headers did you use? Would manifolds work with the tall deck? I would really prefer to use headers with this motor. Also, if someone has done this did you put the headers in from the bottom, or set the motor in with theheaders tied back on the wheelwells in the engine compartment? This is a power steering car, and the head bolts have been machined to accomodate headers

Thanks,David