Hey Everyone,

I recently looked up a crate motor as a possible powerplant for my 72 chevelle. Scott Shafiroff racing makes a 540 big block using a Dart Big M block. The deck height is .200" higher than stock, therefore raising the exhaust ports about 1/4". Does anyone know of some shorty headers out there that would fit this application? Or some full length headers that have good ground clearance?

Thanks,

-J

look at the Shafirof article in this month's Super Chevy - it may answer all your questions, or just call Shariof. It seemed that the blocks are standard BBC dimensions in virtually all respects.

You can give Lemon's headers a call. They can probably make a set that fits within the frame rails as long as it isn't bigger than 2-1/8" primaries.

http://www.lemonsheaders.com/

Lemon's headers are too pricey for me... 1200 for pipes is too much

Could someone take a "Min-clearance" measurement with their Hooker headers between the floorboard/firewall. I am concerned about clearance problems with a raised port design head or raised deck block. My motor is out of the car and disassembled for now.

If anyone could help I appreciate it!

It clearly says on their website the 540 is the same dim as a 396/454. Should not be an issue. Well the 582 is, which is the same block, Dart Big M

http://www.ultrastreet.net/shortblocks/582_short.asp

OK... I spoke with Vinnie (co-owner) twice now and he told me that the exhaust ports are .200" higher than stock both times. I didn't clarify with him if it was the deck height or the heads' exhaust ports but that doesn't matter. I would most definitely break the bank to purchase this motor... and if I have to get custom headers, it would not be possible. If I have more than 1/4" inch clearance, it shouldn't be a problem. But my motor and pipes are all on the stand now and I don't know how much breathing room I have.

I have a 72 so if anyone can come up with some clearance numbers it would be great.

Thanks

If that crate is going to break the bank, you should pass and build something that you can back up with a whole performance package including headers. Spending your whole budget on one item that will not be at its peak capacity by having the required extras is wasting money. BTW stainless works builds a nice header that has fit a 70-72 chassis with slightly raised (.200) IIRC Contact Mickey at http://www.haleperformance.com/ and he has pics of a chassis with the Stainless works headers. They were under $1k.
Another option for advice would be to drop into the performance forum here and get advice from the big inch guys who hang out there. There are some smart folks in there well versed in what fits, and how to put a "package" together. Good luck.

Thanks for the tip. I did some investigatin' and found that it is the Dart Pro 1 heads they use that causes the raised ports. The specs say .300" but the guy from Shafiroff said .200". Probably doesn't matter that much. The deck height they use is a 9.8" which is stock for big block. I'll check out the other forums.