I need A set of headers for a dropped BB, I have A set of hooker super comp 2" primeries 3 1/2 collectors. Although some people think sparks
are cool, I find the noise and sparks to be concerning concidering the
tank of hightest fuel and the possiblity of leeks.
I would however like A set of headers that give good ground clearnce
and dont cost $1200 like lemonheaders nice but wow!!

Hey Jason,
I have a set of Heddman Elites on my BB with a 2" drop and there is plenty of clearance. The fitment is about spot on, other than having to grind some metal off of the upper control arm. One of the better investments I made.

I went with Sanderson 3/4 length on my BBC 66. The fitment is fine except some alignment problems with the bolt holes in the head. Sure BBC iron heads have been the same forever, but their jig is a little off... Other than that, I'm really pleased.
Tom

I ended up putting a set of Patriot ceramic coated shorty style headers on both my big block '70 convertible and my '68 wagon. Both cars are lowered significantly. I originally had the same Hookers as you on the convertible and they were a joke, if you consider sparks as you go down the freeway funny. I'm running 3" exhaust on both cars, tucked up as close as reasonable to the floorboards, and have never had any problems. I can even go over speed bumps without smacking the exhaust, what a concept. I know I lost some HP going with the shorties compared to full length headers, but if you're running a big block you're likely well over 500 HP. I figured losing 15-20 HP was worth the peace of mind. Summit carries the Patriot headers, and they'll special order for you if you want the larger primaries, etc.

Rick,
I was considering the "mid-length" headers (part # H8012-1)from Summit for my 502 crate. I too have ground clearance issues as my car is lowered 3". Using the shortys, did you find a difference in performance/sound etc....??? And I can adjust the primary size if I wish?...thats good. FYI...I was at the Sanderson Web site and learned this...The second biggest controversy in header design is the "equal length" vs. "shorty" styles -- which is best? Like most performance products, there are advantages and disadvantages to both......Fact is, most street motors with shorty headers will produce the same power as they would with equal length headers. Your thoughts.....

Ray,
I don't have any objective data on either the horsepower or sound level differences. The sound is a tiny bit quieter with the shorties compared to the full length headers, but not much. Without putting the car on a chassis dyno I couldn't tell you if there is a HP difference or not. I honestly don't feel any "seat of the pants" difference though. With both set-ups my limiting factor is traction, not HP. At least for me, there was too much benefit from knowing that I won't tear up headers on speed bumps, etc. to offset the minimal loss of HP.