[72SSWagon]

Has anyone encountered ground clearance issues with headers? My 72
Concours is lowered 2" in the front. Looking at the forum I see most
have used Chevelle headers that are mid length, but I don't know if this
is on a standard ride height. I'd appreciate insight from those running
a bit lower to the ground.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[chevygod]

HI Bob

On my 71 Monte w/SBC, I have Thorley Tri-Y's and I don't feel I have any abnormal clearance issues. Only time it hits any thing is when going over speedbumps at "the right speed", and the headers will bump when the suspension compresses as the tires come down the trailing edge if the bump. Reading that, I hope it makes sense.

My car is lowered enough that I have to lift it up about 1" to get the floor jack under the skid plate.

Best regards,
Tom

 

[72SSWagon]

Thanks Tom. Very helpful. Greatly appreciate the input. I'll check out the Thorley site. I think you're riding a bit lower than my wagon! Love it.

 

[rick piras]

Bob,
I originally ran full length headers on my big block convertible, but switched specifically because of ground clearance. I ran shorty's (Patriot) on the convertible and do the same on my 406 small block wagon, both are/were lowered about 2-3". I'm sure there will be counter arguements, but in my mind unless you're running a very serious motor, the benefits of full length headers just aren't justified for a street car especially if it's lowered. Sending sparks out the back as your header flanges hit just isn't cool.
Good luck with your project.

 

[72SSWagon]

LOL. Agree! Thanks very much for the insight and opinion.

BG

 

[JAYARTER]

Greetings from Arizona
I run Hooker Shorty's on my Elcamino and 69 Camaro. I doubt if your Concours is as low as Camaro...3 inches at cross-member. I go slow on speed bumps and dips in road. Jay

 

[72SSWagon]

Thanks Jay! Would love to see your wheel next time I'm in Tucson. Really like your cars. Your daughters GTO look nice.

BG

 

[chevygod]

OK more pics, I hope these show the dim. The tape measure is 3-1/4" plus what is shown on the visible portion of the tape.

I have slightly taller tires on the front right now, so this is the height of my skid plate from the ground. Looks to be about 5". Also, everything looks like is not much lower than the skid plate:

Left header. Looks like about 5" at the tubing and 4-1/2" at the collector/flange:

Right header. Looks like a little under 5" at the tubing and under 4-1/2" at the collector/flange:

The tires are a smallish 255-60/15 on a 7" rally. Inormally have 235-60/15's on 8" rallys.So my car is usually a little lower in the front. I usually don't have any clearance issues. These are older Thorley tri-y's.

Hope this helps.
Tom

 

[71 454]

Headman Elites suppose to be better on clearance issues.