I am about to install a set of Hedman Elite headers on my '72 BB SS. The car is an automatic with AC. It has been many years since I have installed a set of headers, the last set was from BlackJack.

Will the Elites install from the top? I will have plenty of ground clearance, but it would be easier if I can slip them in from above.

Any tricks or comments are appreciated.

forget about putting them in from the top..you'll need to remove the oil filter,unbolt the driver side motor mount,and raise the motor up.
Paasenger side should go right in.

That sounds familiar. I was hoping that the newer designs might fit a bit easier. This won't be the first time I have spent on my back underneath this beast.

Originally posted by HouSSton:
That sounds familiar. I was hoping that the newer designs might fit a bit easier. This won't be the first time I have spent on my back underneath this beast. Be careful under there. Don't want this to be your last post. ;)

Not to worry. All four wheels will be on ramp stands. Additional height will come from floor jack with jack stand support at all four corners.

I just did that exact install on a friends 72SS. Drivers side from below as 4speed said. Pass side can be done from above, but you have to remove the starter, put the header in and then bolt the starter up again.
Jim

Shouldnt have to remove starter if you install pass. side from underneath,should slide right in,my Dynomax headers did.

Originally posted by mr 4 speed:
forget about putting them in from the top..you'll need to remove the oil filter,unbolt the driver side motor mount,and raise the motor up.
Paasenger side should go right in. Just did Dynomax, both from the bottom. Didn't have to remove starter and didn't have to lift driver's side of engine. Driver's side was tight, wrapped them in a blanket so they didn't scratch up the frame. Not bad at all, 2 people makes it a lot easier.

Some header flanges will interfere with the head bolts and the pipes run into the combination valve. We had this with Hooker headers on a '74 454 in a '69 Chevelle. From what I've seen, you would wonder if Hooker didn't realize that headers were actually to be bolted to and engine in a car.

Originally posted by HouSSton:
That sounds familiar. I was hoping that the newer designs might fit a bit easier. Unfortunately, if anything they're getting worse. Most header mfgs. are trying to fit too many year's coverage in too few part numbers. :(

Finally,nice to know about not having to lift the motor up.I always have in the past,as it seems much easier,but next time I will try it that way.

It seems that I always ended up at least pulling one motor mount bolt. It also sounds as if nothing about this process has changed, except that I am 20+ years older than I was the last time I attempted this endeavor. :cool:

Nito helped me out on my header installation. I put the elite on my 72 bb. I bought a 454 crate and had to grind down the flange at a couple of locations where the flange was riding on the head bolts.

Just put in 2" Hookers. Had to do Driver's side from underneath. Pass. side from below no problems. I did have to lift the engine some for that driver's side one though.

I hope to get started sometime between Christmas and New Years. Still waiting on my Pypes kit :(
The mufflers that I selected were on back order. Supposed to ship next week.

I haven't bought my flange gaskets yet. I plan on using copper or aluminum. Any ones in particular to avoid?

My recommendation is to find yourself a good nine pound hammer and make sure there's no kids around when your start srceamin expletives!

As someone here once pointed out, header bashing is an installation technique - not criticism of the manufacturers.

Good Luck!

Originally posted by HouSSton:
I haven't bought my flange gaskets yet. I plan on using copper or aluminum. Any ones in particular to avoid? I'm still using the gaskets that came with my $79 headers that I installed 2 years ago.
The key is to keep checking the bolts after you first install them.Keep tweeking them everytime your done driving the car.
If I had to replace them,I'd just buy standard Mr. Gasket replacements.

Mr 4-speed you hit the nail on the head. That is what I do with mine. I don't have headers now but that is what I used to do. Never had to replace gaskets unless I removed the engine.

All I can add - Hookers are awful, you would think after all these years they would make them to clear the lower A arm mounts, the intermedidiate steering shaft and clear the head bolts. I just don't get it, the Chevelle hasn't changed but still the same issues back from the late 70's with Hookers. Definately my last pair. I recall Balckjacks always being a good fit with no mods.

Rich

richr,
Have to agree with you. With Hookers, Every time I'm under the car I see paper thin spacing plus touching of the brake P. valve and shake my head and wonder why they didn't space a 1/2 inch more here and there. Plus they hang down lower than most, But, from the side view of the car, people tell me that it has an aggressive look that way. If I change headers some day, it will be a different brand.

Thats pretty much why I opted for the Hedman's. My experiences with Hooker were not that good. Poor fit and a high price.

Originally posted by HouSSton:
I hope to get started sometime between Christmas and New Years. Still waiting on my Pypes kit :(
The mufflers that I selected were on back order. Supposed to ship next week.
? Mufflers are back in stock. We are shipping all backorders this week.

Originally posted by LS_5:
My recommendation is to find yourself a good nine pound hammer and make sure there's no kids around when your start srceamin expletives!

As someone here once pointed out, header bashing is an installation technique - not criticism of the manufacturers.

Good Luck! I went with dynaomax, based on Mr 4 Speeds recommendation. Couldn't be happier. Best price, great fit. No hammers, no cussing, no nothing. They clear my starter better than the old ones. They clear my spark plugs, angle plugs, better than the old ones. I removed the clutch linkage and oil filter to install, thats it. Installed both from the bottom, passenger side by myself. My son helped with the drivers side. I wouldn't say header bashing has to be a standard installation technique. If you have to bash them, send them back. If everyone keeps bashing them there is no reason for them to improve the design.

Well, major progress was made today! graemlins/beers.gif

I started the exhaust renovation by removing the existing manifolds and pipes. I pulled the starter and spliced in a new quick connect harness, degreased the block and hung the headers. The passenger side took all of 10 minutes to install and lock in place with header bolts in the end positions. The driver side was a bit more difficult which resulted in removing the oil filter and sending unit and then pulling the driver side motor mount bolt for additional clearance. End bolts are started,but the #7 end bolt seems awful tight. May have to ream that hole. :( That is a job for tomorrow. All in all, I had both sides in place within an hour. The fun begins when I install the gaskets and cinch everything down. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Still waiting on the Pypes kit. Not in any hurry, but it would be nice to get them this week.

Not bad for an old man of 50 working alone! graemlins/hurray.gif

Originally posted by HouSSton:
Well, major progress was made today! graemlins/beers.gif

I started the exhaust renovation by removing the existing manifolds and pipes. I pulled the starter and spliced in a new quick connect harness, degreased the block and hung the headers. The passenger side took all of 10 minutes to install and lock in place with header bolts in the end positions. The driver side was a bit more difficult which resulted in removing the oil filter and sending unit and then pulling the driver side motor mount bolt for additional clearance. End bolts are started,but the #7 end bolt seems awful tight. May have to ream that hole. :( That is a job for tomorrow. All in all, I had both sides in place within an hour. The fun begins when I install the gaskets and cinch everything down. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Still waiting on the Pypes kit. Not in any hurry, but it would be nice to get them this week.

Not bad for an old man of 50 working alone! graemlins/hurray.gif It'll be great when you get to fire it up won't it. Had to fire mine up before hooking up the exhaust pipes, my son insisted.

Surprising what us old guys can do when motivated!

Sounds like its going along pretty well graemlins/thumbsup.gif
..I've discovered over the years that when you come across a tight bolt,either try another bolt,or take the tight one out completely,wiggle the header a bit,then try it again,with either another bolt,or the same one.I have never had to ream any headers yet.It just takes a little more time and patience.

Sounds like its going along pretty well
..I've discovered over the years that when you come across a tight bolt,either try another bolt,or take the tight one out completely,wiggle the header a bit,then try it again,with either another bolt,or the same one.I have never had to ream any headers yet.It just takes a little more time and patience. I wasn't going to start the install as it had been a long day, but I couldn't stand it. I plan to do just what you said later today.

I still have to get gaskets in order to complete the install. The Hedman gaskets were in pieces when I received them. :(

Headers are in!! graemlins/hurray.gif

Tight fit at the break line junction, but it should be okay. Starter removal will be fun. :eek:

Now, I just need the rest of my exhaust! :confused:

housston , where did you get your quick connect for the starter i want to install one on mine. thuoght of making a homemade but coundt finf any with that heavey red wire.
thanks bill

posted 12-28-2004 05:24 PM
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housston , where did you get your quick connect for the starter i want to install one on mine. thuoght of making a homemade but coundt finf any with that heavey red wire.
thanks bill I ordered it from Summitt. Moroso makes it. It really simplifies starter removal.

Originally posted by HouSSton:

Not bad for an old man of 50 working alone! graemlins/hurray.gif HouSSton, your still a young Buck. Wait till you get into the late 50's, its still Fun, but takes a little longer and MUCH more Cussing.
graemlins/beers.gif

Originally posted by Hi-po SS 454:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by HouSSton:

Not bad for an old man of 50 working alone! graemlins/hurray.gif HouSSton, your still a young Buck. Wait till you get into the late 50's, its still Fun, but takes a little longer and MUCH more Cussing.
graemlins/beers.gif </font>[/QUOTE]Seems to require more beer to accomplish the same task as well, not that there's anything wrong with that.

I'll drink to that! graemlins/beers.gif