Hello,

I'm looking at a set of Hedman 68198 headers to put a 454 into my '69 Malibu with TH-350 column shift. The Summit website shows that these headers will work with a column shift auto, but the Hedman site shows the opposite.

Is anyone using these headers in a '69 HT with a column shift TH-350?

Thanks,
Andrew

To be honest i dont know of anybody with a column shift big block, but im sure there are some. Headers, that's another story. I hope somebody chimes in on this. I do remember a 69 on e bay a good while back with a bbc and had all the column rod from the tranny hooked up. I remember the under side shot of the car.

Are there issues with mixing a big block with a column shifted auto I should be aware of?

Also, to anyone with these headers behind a big block, how are the overall fit and ground clearance compared to other headers?

Also, to anyone with these headers behind a big block, how are the overall fit and ground clearance compared to other headers?

I just put a set of these on my 68 with no fitment issues at all (i've got a floor shifted TH400). The ground clearance is a little less compared to my last set of headers, but I don't know what kind I had before (they were rusty and not in good shape). Also, my car is lowered quite a bit compared to stock ride height.

I was looking at getting some for mine, but decided to just stay original. Do a search on "68198." All kinds of good info. From what I've remember reading, they are an excellent fit. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice so far.

I did search, but didn't find anything regarding using these headers with a column shift automatic. Hopefully someone will chime in having installed these headers with a column shift automatic and let me know they worked out just fine. I had first looked on Summit's website, which said they fit. But I noticed that the Hedman site said no for the column shift automatic.

Why not call or email Hedman and ask them. They should know the answer.
techsupport@hedman.com
TEL: (562) 921-0404

Why not call or email Hedman and ask them. They should know the answer.
techsupport@hedman.com
TEL: (562) 921-0404

Bingo.

I run the 68198's but with a floor shifter. Tubes are rather close together on the driver's side. Info I had they would not work so I just installed a floor shifter (bench seat car) and eliminated the entire issue.

Don't know if this will help but just installed a pair of Hooker 2455's on my 66 454 BB with an Ididit column shift 700R4. No fitment issues except the Ididit steering shaft rubbed on #3 tube so I dimpled it and that fixed that problem. I checked Summit's web site and the Hookers are cheaper and in stock. The Hedman's won't ship till July 10. Hope this helps.

I've got a set of 68190's (painted version) on my 72 El Camino 402, Column shift auto with no fitment issues.

I've got a set of 68190's (painted version) on my 72 El Camino 402, Column shift auto with no fitment issues.

I took a peak at those headers on Hedman's site, and they too say no to fitting with a column shift auto...and Summit says yes to the column shift auto.

Thanks for the data-point.

I put a set of 68198's on my 496 BB about a year ago. I currently have a column shift TH-350 and had no fitment problems at all.

Old Chevelle Guy

Another question on these headers...how is the oil filter clearance? Can the regular oil filter be used? Is it straight up and on with the filter, or will it be a pain to get into position?


Thanks,
AP

Oil filter access is great. I even fit the 2 qt WIX truck filter in there with room to spare.

To be honest i dont know of anybody with a column shift big block...

See my sig...numbers matching drivetrain, column shift, bench seat, with factory A/C. ;)

And, it presently has headers on it. Not sure of their make but will be removing them VERY soon. Picked up replacement downpipes at CB'09 last weekend from Hinshaw's.