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HEADER QUESTIONS & SUGGESTIONS NEEDED FOR A MILD 396

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3.1K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  dream66  
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#1 ·
I have a 1969 chevelle ss with a mild 396 (360-375hp/5500 max rpm motor),4spd that's driven to car shows/cruises,and only gets flogged once in a while. I have owned this car for 26 yrs which is a survivour of sorts being basically stock to look at and just last yr i had it repainted the original dusk bl (51) and also rebuilt the motor with stock componenets with the exception of a mild hy flat tappet cam and forged pistons.

It's been many moons since i thought about buying/installing headers so i thought it would be best if i consulted the pro's/been there done that guy's that know the real deal with todays products on the market. (yeh,you got me i'm pushing 48,not daisies YET)

My header questions are as follows:

1) Would it be safe to say that in general the small tube Ceramic Coated Hooker Comps (or maybe super Comps) for BBC are the best all around headers for ease of installation,fit,quality,and perfromance?

(Please keep in mind i want ceramic coated headers with the EASIEST installation and BEST FIT without hammering headers or anything else if possible. I am not hung up on if one header brand puts out a couple more H/P then the next.)

2) If you dont think the Hooker Comps/Super Comps are the best bet for me then what headers do any of you suggest that would be better than the Hookers when it comes to the items i mentioned above as being important to me?

3) Are there any installation tips,suggested steps for installation,no no's,things to do or to watch out for in my 69/BBC header installation? (Do i need to remove the starter for installation of the headers?)

4) What the are among the best long lasting/least likely to leak gaskets on the market today that go between the heads & headers,and the collectors.?

5) Are there any special brackets needed for my power steering etc? If yes where could i get them?

6) What's among the best fastner hardware (nuts/bolts/etc) for headers to heads and the collectors that dont come loose?

7) Who if anybody makes head pipes that would go from the collectors to my stock sized flowmasters with 2.5 inch offset inlets/outlets in the stock mounting postitions for my 69/396/velle?

A) On another related subject do you know of any other header company that makes the shorty type headers you see for the new Camaro's & trucks that attach to the factoryhead pipes and would fit my 69/396/velle?

B) If there are shorty headers for my BBC will they give close to the same perf increase as the full length headers?

C) I am also considering having an extra set of non #'s matching stock exhaust manifolds extrude honed for some extra flow/perf. This would allow me to keep my stock appearance and still run quieter & cooler than headers for shows/cruises but give me some added umph,what do you think?

Do any of you have any experince with the extrude honing of exahust manifolds for better flow/perf and if yes what do you think and what perf gains did you recive?

Thanks a lot in advance for your opinions/suggestions which i greatly appreciate.

Scott
 
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D
#2 ·
Currently I run the Dynomax Ceramic headers,for 3-4 yr's.Still look good ,even after setting valvels with motor running a few times
Image


They went right in,just had to jack motor up like 1 inch for install and back 2 spark pugs removed each side.My old headman headers fit beter though,tucked up under car beter,beter ground clearance.Gaskets -Mr. Gasket.

What ever kind you get you "may" want to get them jet hot coated,for longevety and maybe they clean up beter.
 
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#3 ·
Scott, I have installed the Hedman Elite HTC headers on my Chevelle connected to 2-1/2" pipes from PY Performance (Pypes). I ahve used this same Hedman on another car I just sold this summer, fir was very good on that car also. This particular header is made from a 14 ga. tubing and comes with a ball/socket connection instead of a flange - doesn't leak. Just my .02.
 
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#4 ·
Scott,I put Hooker Comps on my 70 396 and did'nt like the The hung probably 2" below my trans cross member. Also they have 2" primary's wich is a loss of low end torque.When I first put them on I put a post is this normal for Hookers and got replys saying yes most did not like them and a couple did.I have Headman elites{factory coated}and the seem pretty nice for the money 325.00.And the fit my 70 nice .The Hookers hit that brake valve on the drivers side on the frame.And were angled towards the ground not paralell with the car.Hooker will say that the header is for multiple cars no just Chevelle There is Doug Thorleys for 625.00 wich is big money and theres 1000.00 out there.I would say Headmans or Dyno Max.Had replys refering Dyno Max and the salesman at Jegs said he had them on his car and said they were'nt very sturdy and the vibrated really bad. He scared me away from them don't really know how good the are. You can do a google search for headers and find your options.My car is a 70 and the Hookers may fit a 69 real well. Steve
 
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#5 ·
Guy's,thanks for the input thus far,it's very helpfull.

Anybody else have some more info/experiences to add to whats already here?

Thanks....Scott
 
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#8 ·
I used to have Hooker Comps,,,hung down too low,,,switched to 1.75 Dynomax ceramacoated headers and love them. No vibration,good fit,had to ding to clear brake dist. block...I'm currently trying those Flowtech Aluminum collector gaskets,,,we'll see how they last. I need to change the flange to head gaskets also,they've been in there 2 years,they came with the headers. I'll get that done when I get the heads done. Got rained out today, one sunday left to try out the new converter, I'd like to get some kind of baseline with the ATI before I pull the heads to get them done. :(
 
K
#10 ·
Back in the old days, I had Hedman headers on the 427 car and they fit well and didn't hang down. This past fall I took the headers off the 396 car and went back to manifolds and smog pump system. The Ministry Of Transport people up here have been checking the old cars the past two years for missing smog equipment. Going back to the manifolds, I couldn't really feel any difference performance wise. Perhaps on the track you would see an improvement. Muscle cars need headers to round out the image but who needs tickets every time you turn around. Given a choice, I'd still put a set of Hedmans on the car.
 
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#14 ·
And....one could get ripped by the moderator for starting a new post on the same subject. :secret:
 
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