454 headers Inside one ton frame rails?

[Chevy454CUCV]

Hi all, this is my first post and just joining the website. Apologies if this has been covered somewhere but in my search I didn’t see it specifically.

I’m having clearance challenges and limited options with locating the best headers for my truck.

I recently bought this truck in it came with mad dog headers that go over the frame rail. I am looking to find headers that will tuck inside the frame rail’s to route to my exhaust. Outside runs into the gas tank and also forces me to remove fenders which I want to reinstall.

A little about the truck -
1985 D30 M1028 (Army I believe) with 55k miles and very little rust but the dents are plentiful!

454 .30
Flat top pistons
Forged GM crank 7416
Howard’s Cam
Scorpion Rollie rocker arms
GM 215 Heads (Square Port Exhaust exit)
Quick Fuel 850 carb

I believe these GM 215 heads have a 2 inch square exhaust port but please feel free to correct me.

I plan on wrapping whatever headers I get and will wrap the starter also to help with heat. I tried exhaust manifold first but the header bolts that are on this are too big and prevent a good seal. I even trimmed it some and it still not in getting a good seal so going back to headers.

You guys have some recommendations? Greatly appreciate any help in advance!

 

[Bent77]

Sanderson make a great header, shorter length to keep away from the spring hanger

 

[Fastereddie]

Yeah. I have Sandersons. They are really nice. I did have to cut off a tab on the inspection cover on the pass side and notch the motor mount bracket on the driver side. But do fit really well between the frame rails.

 

[nvrenuf]

I also have Sanderson shorties, they fit great for me wit no mods (hydraulic clutch 4 spd, Blazer).

Sounds like a neat motor. Any idea of the cam specs?

 

[nvrenuf]

Also, with respect to the frame I think they’re all basically the same around the engine (except for the pinion snubber bracket on some but it can be removed).

 

[nvrenuf]

Ok, it's killing me.... what are you going to do with the Mad Dog headers?

 

[Bent77]

Ok, it's killing me.... what are you going to do with the Mad Dog headers?

Quit trying to skank his parts and go fix yours!

 

[nvrenuf]

Whaaat???

Quit trying to skank his parts and go fix yours!

Are you kin to my wife?

 

[Bent77]

Whaaat???






Are you kin to my wife?

No, I’m fugly as sin

 

[Chevy454CUCV]

This is all I know about the Engine. The guy I bought it from didn’t build but had this info from previous owner who built the engine.

The intention was for it to be a Tractor Pull truck but he never mad any passes with it. Trans has the manual valve body conversion which I’m not really a fan of but would be good for that application.

I do plan on selling the headers but not sure what I could get for them. I’m taking some wheels to get sand blasted and thought I’d hit these too then give em some paint to keep from rusting before selling but I’m open to sell as they are. Actually have complete 3” exhaust with Super 10 mufflers for a 454 Chevy 85 truck. Can upload video of how they sound and post later.

What you guys think all that would be worth?



View attachment 271448

 

[mrk5]

Yeah. I have Sandersons. They are really nice. I did have to cut off a tab on the inspection cover on the pass side and notch the motor mount bracket on the driver side. But do fit really well between the frame rails.

Same here with the trans. I basically cut the top bolt off the dust cover on the passenger side. No motor mount issues.

 

[Chevy454CUCV]

Same here with the trans. I basically cut the top bolt off the dust cover on the passenger side. No motor mount issues.

Does having a different generation block cause the need to do any of the trimming? I’m not sure which generation mine is but when I spoke to Sandersons today and they said the BB8 headers now fit all generations. I didn’t think to ask if this was related to trimming issues. Thought it was more fitment at the port.

Also they told me to use the black extreme temp they sell and not the RTV RED even though it has a higher temperature. Said that the red will wipe off and leak easily. Said to first made the header to the block and check for clearance issues. Said they have some alternative versions they can swap if that is the case. Also said to apply RTV to header directly and let dry for 24 hours before installing. That was interesting, I would’ve thought to install and then wait 24 hours before turning on. Said after install that it’s OK to fire the engine up right away.

 

[mrk5]

I used black RTV and seem to be working fine. I did not apply to headers first and dry. I installed the headers right away and then let it sit over 24hrs. Actually think it may have been a week. I built the exhaust before starting the truck since I needed an O2 sensor for the EFI.

For what it's worth my block is out of an 85 K30. Had to trim the 700r4 and 4l80e the same for clearance. I also had to shave some off the frame but my truck was originally 2wd.

 

[Fastereddie]

These are the pucs I have from when I installed mine. They are BB8. Shows where I had to trim m.m. and trans tab. Also, I would say that the Accel ceramic boot plug wires are mandatory. Oh, and it’s a ‘93 gen V 454 and 700r4 trans.

 

[skunked]

Mmm big block

 

[Fastereddie]

Mmm big block

Mmm overheater... lol

 

[skunked]

Mmm overheater... lol

Power creates heat

 

[Fastereddie]

Power creates heat

Not in this case. It’s only 230 hp.

 

[mrk5]

Yeah but nearly 400ft-lbs of torque.

 

[Fastereddie]

Yeah but nearly 400ft-lbs of torque.

Agreed. I think 385 or something. It was very good at idling up a mountain.