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Headers short or long

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2many

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Ive searched and found lots of info on shorty 88-98 truck Hedman elite series but the best I can tell is that is for the tbi motors. I've got an 86 350 carb. Are these still the header of choice for my application.

Also is it best to go shorty because of the shakle or is there a good long tube application?
What say the brotherhood?
 
if i had to do again id do the shorty headers that end right around the same spot that stock manifolds did.i long tubes end right at the shackle and i had to trim one side of the collector so it wouldnt hit when the suspension flexes.
 
The best long tube Hedman offered is listed here: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213472&highlight=dyeager535+hedman

I think every possible trans/application combo with headers is talked about in that thread.

Yes, you want long tubes unless you just can't fit them, which is unlikely in these trucks.

Also available in stainless if you plan on keeping the truck. From my experience thus far, I don't believe in coatings if I can go with something like stainless.
 
dyeager535 said:
The best long tube Hedman offered is listed here: http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213472&highlight=dyeager535+hedman

I think every possible trans/application combo with headers is talked about in that thread.

Yes, you want long tubes unless you just can't fit them, which is unlikely in these trucks.

Also available in stainless if you plan on keeping the truck. From my experience thus far, I don't believe in coatings if I can go with something like stainless.
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Yep go with the long tubes on the list that stay above the frame rail.
 
I'm running th350 doubler but I'm going th400 soon. I'm running 56 frt/rear so it's got pretty good flex
 
There's no doubt that between the two, the performance edge goes to long tube headers.

That said, I LOVE my shortys! I've had my share of shaming and scoffing for not going long tubes. There's always the arguements that for the cost shortys are no benefit or that shortys are no better than manifolds BUT *for me* being able to route the exhaust up & away without interference from the starter, shackles or t-case crossmember was really nice. I've run big blocks for 25 yrs and always had to deal with these problems, I wont go back.

Also, don't go cheap and do your research. Cheap headers are thin and will rot apart in no time but just because they're expensive doesn't mean they're good. I've seen a few folks pay for expensive headers only to have to trim the frame rail or bend the collectors to clear the shackle, etc.. *IMO*, if they don't fit WITHOUT vehicle mods they're not right.

Coatings are another issue. I agree with dyeager535 that stainless is the way to go. I had my headers HPC coated thinking that was the best coating on the market but I just had to have them refinished (under warranty) for surface rust only 1.5 yrs later with LESS than 30 miles on the truck. Needless to say that was disappointing.
 
I've got hooker long tube heders on my 80 when I bought it they go below the frame rails with the collectors about a half an inch away from the shackel they fit
no problem
 
2many said:
The pics look great as far as fitment except there on a centerbolt motor so I'm not sure if the will fit my motor. They don't even come near the shakle. Can anyone confirm that they will fit a regular carb motor
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The valve covers have absolutely NOTHING to do with the headers. They are the same external heads as far as header fitment is concerned.

Martin
 
2many said:
I also want the ball and socket type flange. Will that come on the headers or is that something I need to order separate and weld to the header.
Click to expand...

Hedman elites and I *think* their stainless versions of the same header have ball and sockets included.
 
Hate to be that guy, but you'll want to double check for yourself before buying. Research that thread. From it, the 62230 is the stainless ones that fit with every transmission. 69830 is the non-stainless version of that header. Not that I don't trust people, I'd just want to verify via Hedman's catalog that those two are the same piece, especially if I am going to shell out that much money for them.

From my dealings with Hedman thus far, you could care less what THEY say the headers fit. You care far more what people here say fits and clears, especially when they've actually put them on their trucks. Don't read me wrong, Hedman makes a great header, they just don't listen to the customer, and seem to have little interest in getting headers that are SUPPOSED to fit, fit.
 
2many said:
Sounds like Hedman elite stainless it is. So I need to order for 88-98 truck right?
Click to expand...

Order them for your truck year if you are going with the ones in the thread above. I personally have them on my truck and ordered them for a 91 Blazer.
 
swettysblazer said:
Order them for your truck year if you are going with the ones in the thread above. I personally have them on my truck and ordered them for a 91 Blazer.
Click to expand...


I agree I already contacted Hedman and they were very unhelpful. It makes me Leary of the customer service. That's the reason I turned here. I figured I wasn't reinvinting the wheel. And with the centerbolt motor I know that it has a different head so I wasn't sure about fitment.

Such as your 91. I assume your still running tbi motor. So you are running the long tube elite series in stainless correct?
 
2many said:
And with the centerbolt motor I know that it has a different head so I wasn't sure about fitment.
Click to expand...

The only external difference between a center bolt head and an older style head is the valve cover mounting lip, and the angle of the two center intake manifold bolts. They have absolutely NOTHING to do with the headers.

Martin
 
I paid $100 bucks for my long tubes brand new from jegs and plan on replacing them if they rot out with 3/4 length headers, I want an x-pipe and quieter mufflers

I don't think the benefits of long tubes are worth the room compromise
 
2many said:
I agree I already contacted Hedman and they were very unhelpful. It makes me Leary of the customer service. That's the reason I turned here. I figured I wasn't reinvinting the wheel. And with the centerbolt motor I know that it has a different head so I wasn't sure about fitment.

Such as your 91. I assume your still running tbi motor. So you are running the long tube elite series in stainless correct?
Click to expand...

Yep, still running TBI. Mine are those, except not in stainless. I painted them with high-heat paint. Get the stainless. They do fit very well though, and the ball and socket flange is a very nice touch over regular 3 bolt flanges.
 
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