[Half66Chevelle]

I found a good price on these Hooker Headers "Hooker 2455-1HKR Competition Ceramic Header." Has anyone used these for their 66 w/ a 454?

DK

 

[jonathanch]

Just finished my 66 454 swap with those headers. Here are some tips. I had to jack the car up high enough to get two cinder blocks under each front wheel. Passengers side was easy. Just remove the starter. Drivers side was slightly more difficult. Had to unbolt the drivers side motor mount and jack up the engine about two inches. Just put a length of 2 X 4 on my floor jack with the other end on the left front corner of the block. You will have to disconnect the clutch and/or shift linkage depending on your application. Right side fit perfectly with no hitting the frame or suspension. Left side #5 cylinder rubbed the steering shaft. I had to dimple that pipe slightly. I was able to do it through the inner fender with a long 1/2" extension. Already had everything bolted up when I discovered the rub. I have an Ididit column. If you have a stock column it might not rub. What size exhaust do you have? I had 2" left over from the original small block and just yesterday install a 2 1/2" Magnaflow 15893 kit. What a difference. Till yesterday the new motor always felt like it was holding back. Like I was driving with the emergency brake half on. Now it relay fly's. I can't believe the difference the larger exhaust system made. Just a tip if you still have a 2" exhaust.I recommend the headers. You won't be sorry.

 

[jonathanch]

Another Question. What oil pan are you using?

 

[Half66Chevelle]

Guys, thanks for the replies...

Motor is currently out and I have not decided on the rest of the exhaust. I have seen some kits on a few sites & did plan on 2.5. So, thanks I will check out the one you referenced.

I will be putting a new oil pan in as well and have not decided on that yet..however, I am not seeing why that would matter. What I am missing there...is there a clearance issue?

 

[jonathanch]

There is a crossmember clearance issue with 66/67s. I had to use a Moroso # 20413 (This is a Gen V/VI pan) but they have other versions for the various 454 blocks. Milidon also makes special pans. Here is the link to CHP Mag where I read about this.http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/t...ssion/0901chp_1966_chevy_el_camino_big_block_and_turbo_400_trial_fit/index.html
Not mentioned in the article is that the steering linkage will hit the Moroso pan. I had to remove the zerk fittings from the inner tie rod ends because they almost punched a hole in the pan. Also had to grind the intermediate shaft to clear the pan and add stops to the lower control arms to limit the full turn travel of the steering. Just a heads up. Check the steering before you put all the front end stuff back on (if you have it off) or before you take it out on the road.

 

[jonathanch]

Here is the link to where I got the Magnaflow kit.
http://www.performancepeddler.com/ Way cheaper than any other place on the net and free shipping! Sorry about the multiple posts.

 

[Rick Bandy]

Just finished my 66 454 swap with those headers. Here are some tips. I had to jack the car up high enough to get two cinder blocks under each front wheel. Passengers side was easy. Just remove the starter. Drivers side was slightly more difficult. Had to unbolt the drivers side motor mount and jack up the engine about two inches. Just put a length of 2 X 4 on my floor jack with the other end on the left front corner of the block. You will have to disconnect the clutch and/or shift linkage depending on your application. Right side fit perfectly with no hitting the frame or suspension. Left side #5 cylinder rubbed the steering shaft. I had to dimple that pipe slightly. I was able to do it through the inner fender with a long 1/2" extension. Already had everything bolted up when I discovered the rub. I have an Ididit column. If you have a stock column it might not rub. What size exhaust do you have? I had 2" left over from the original small block and just yesterday install a 2 1/2" Magnaflow 15893 kit. What a difference. Till yesterday the new motor always felt like it was holding back. Like I was driving with the emergency brake half on. Now it relay fly's. I can't believe the difference the larger exhaust system made. Just a tip if you still have a 2" exhaust.I recommend the headers. You won't be sorry.

Sounds like the exact thing I went through, but if you think 2 1/2's are good 3 inch really wake up the car.

 

[forcd ind]

as i remember i used a Moroso 20411 pan, the book said the 13 would fit for stroker, but the 11 clears and avoids the steering problem-Moroso swapped the pan, they know its a problem
(going from memory on the #'s)
if the steering hits, you can adjust at the firewall a little where on the inside plate bolts to the firewall-or you can put a small shim on the steering box where it bolts to the frame, very minor and it move the shaft away from the header

 

[Half66Chevelle]

Hey Rick, did you get a 3" system? If so, from where? I just measured my old collecters and they were 3.5, so a 3" set up is what I am thinking...

 

[Rick Bandy]

I used the flowmaster kit with the 40 series mufflers with the price of the kit and having them installed it ran me about six bills, which I thought was very pricey but after driving the car I was very impressed. When I first got the car running it wanted to nose over at just over 5000 rpm so I pulled the heads (781 ovals) and had large valve installed and a professional port and polish and I went to a solid lift cam and I went from a 750Dp Holley to an 830Dp. and installed the 3 inch exhaust. Car now easily winds to 6200 rpm ,it would go more but that is the max I will take it. It is now scary quick.