CK5
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Looking for the right EXHAUST HEADER

Flowtech and Heddman Elite

Well, I got the the Flowtech turbo chamber headers for $90, but they hit the Transmission shift linkage on my '90 Suburban w/ 350/700R4. This was a problem I was unwilling to work around. Called Summit and the tech guys best advise was Heddman Elite, which were $309 w/ ceramic coating, 3/8" flanges, 14 ga. tube, and ball collectors. They hit the suspension shackles. I heated the collectors up with my torch and then clearanced them, along with grinding the shackle bolt head a little thinner. The drivers side also needed a notch cut out of the collector flange to clear the shackle bolt. PITA, but good power / mileage increases with a 2.5" dual system with hi-flow cats, and Hooker Aerochamber mufflers. It dumps in front of the rear wheels as I did it myself with mandrel bends. I'd try something else next time... probably Thorleys or Edelbrock TES...

I have Hooker Comps on my '74 K20 w/ Big Block. Great fit, no problems whatsoever... Ceramic coating is starting to rust thru after a few years, though...
 
What part number did you get? My 69890's fit about the same as yours in regards to shackle bolts hitting/rubbing, but my collector flange is not close enough to hit the shackle bolt. Perhaps thats due to the construction of the headers for auto trans linkage vs. my manual?

1569hedman_elite_69890_1.JPG
 
Just looking at that picture, if that's what you get, doesn't look to be a very fun time trying to make them fit...don't center dump exhaust manifolds ("rams horns") cause some fitment issues? Thought for sure I heard some issues on that.

I mean if you absolutely must have clearance, some shorties are probably your only bet, but I'd go with some that have swept exhaust outlets, only going to make exhaust routing easier.

Those things list chev pickup 1960+, I have a feeling the vehicle designs changed a bit from 1960 to 1973.

My opinion anyway. Never seen Sandersons installed.
 
I think with the angle on them they will work great. My problem is right now my exhaust and clutch slave cylinder (Novak Conversion) are hitting. :( I prefer not to have a collector hanging down in harms way also, so the shorties are desirable. Making it all fit is proving to be a pain for sure.
 
Sandersons...

Copied from another thread, just wanted to be sure you saw it...

"I bought Sanderson center dump shortys once for a 350 Vortec Conversion I did to my Toyota fj55 many years ago. Not enough sparkplug clearance, I had to take both headers off and dent them up to fit (on Sanderson's recommendation), and they STILL burnt thru many a plug boot despite the ceramic coating (Vortecs do have a very strong spark). Then they cracked a couple of months later, I called Sanderson because they had a lifetime warranty, and they refused to help me because VORTEC ENGINES BURN TOO LEAN! I ordered them for the Vortec motor right from Sanderson! They didn't tell me they wouldn't clear the sparkplugs and your warranty is void if they go on a Vortec motor! I'd avoid them... bad product, bad customer service.

I'm not bashing Sanderson, I'm just stating what happened..."

Oh, also, I looked, but I can't find the reciept for those Heddman Elites I just put on my '90 Burban, so I'm not sure on the part number. The clearancing I did on the collectors seems to have worked out, but certainly does not make for the ideal header install.
 
Thanks for the info on Sanderson. I am not too impressed with them already, their customer service sucks. Apparently they aren't interested in selling me some headers because they won't return email, answer the phone, or call back. Funny cause I told em I had the money and would come pick them up same day in email and my message. :confused:

For lack of a better word.... F%&K EM.

I will figure something else out. Glad I didn't buy them. I really like their solution of beating on them with a hammer... :screwy:
 

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