I'm looking for a set of 2 " headers for my 65 that is going BB , What brand has the best fit ? I think it's bull to have to modify an expensive product that is supposed to fit . thanx, Jay

The only headers that I know of that fit a 65 without modifying are the Hedman 68196. I think they are 1 7/8 however. Oh, well at least the smaller header will give you a little better low end.
Mark

I'm using Hooker #2455 on my '65 (2" primaries, just fine for my 496). Because my Brodix heads have the exhaust port raised .600" I did have to dimple the #5 primary tube ~ 1/2" right at the steering shaft for clearance. That was absolutely the only installation issue I had. Possibly, if standard port heads had been used there would have been no clearancing needed.

I'm going to try to put together some installation instructions with pics for everyones benefit.

Despite many people's claims to the contrary, I found these headers to be an easy installation. I've used this same #2455 before, and I've always been puzzled why so many people complained about how hard they were to install.

As I was doing the installation it dawned on me what I might be doing that others did not:
1) Remove the steering shaft, and slide it back in after the headers are in place. Its only a few extra bolts, but does it ever open up the working room. Also, to remove the steering shaft I first unbolt the steering box and swing it out of the way. *Tip*, after removing the steering box to frame bolts and the coupler bolts you can spin the input shaft on the steering box to help move it out of the way, as you will be removing a long shaft out of a '65 out the bottom. Of course, you need to remove the steering wheel to finish removing the steering shaft out the bottom of the car. You may need to have the car jacked up before you can slide the steering shaft out the bottom.

2) Jack the car up in the front ~ 30" to the bottom of the front bumper. Place jackstands under the frame behind the front wheels, where the frame bends toward the outside. Do NOT place jacks under the suspension or ramps under the front wheels - you'll need the under car floor space to be clear for #3 below.

3) Hook up an engine hoist. Unbolt the two long motor mount bolts, also unbolt the two trans mount bolts. Hoist the engine/trans up until it the trans contacts the underside of the trans tunnel.

Other than the usual things, like oil filter removal, that is all I do and viola! headers slide in from the bottom with almost no drama.

For all the guys who did not remove the steering shaft or hoist the engine/trans up an inch or two - now you know why you were cussing so much.

On a '68 to '72 big block the steering shaft is ~ 1" further away from the engine. While it is possible on a '68 up to install the headers with the steering shaft in place, you may still find it easier with the shaft removed.

Hope this helps.

Thomas

Thanks, for the help. Bomber, thanks for the details, pictures are always cool to see. I'll be removing my front clip , replacing the small block with the 454 and doing some clean up and paint work at the same time . Great idea on removing the steering shaft. Thanks, Jay