What headers work well for a 69 Big Block and are NOT impossible to install?

While swapping steering boxes to a 3rd gen. unit I decided this would be a good time to replace the bent up, leaky, road scraping, rusty old headers.

What brand and model do you guys like? What is easy to install (I am working without a lift or hoist under jack stands in my small garage and I can only assume the butcher who converted my car from a 350 to the 396 used the correct motor mounts!)? What should I buy and from where should I buy it?

I'm running 2" Super Comps on mine and they were not bad to install.

Hedman 68198
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D68198&view=32&N=700+

The RH header drops in from the top, and the LH goes in from the bottom. It's easier with the steering box off.

Lots of clearance as seen on this 69 BB car.

http://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs/images/pictures%20643.jpg

Hooker Competition Headers 2457 is what I went with after searching here. When I called Hooker they also recommended the 2205.

If you're not sure if the car has the right frame stands/mounts I'd change them or at least make sure they are correct while you have the headers out before you attempt to install any brand of headers. If they are still the original small block stuff you're probably going to have fittment problems with most big block headers. I had a supplier send me the wrong stands when I did my big block swap and went crazy trying to get headers to fit until I figured out they sent me small block stands. I dug out the originals and they were the same as the ones the I had just bought. Once I put in the correct stands the headers when right in. No clearance or fittment issues. My car sits pretty low so I have Sanderson shorty headers in mine.

Don,

The Hedmans look nice and seem to be cheaper than Hooker.
My current set runs one tube between the fire wall and behind the clutch linkage. It looks like yours is in front of the linkage. Did you have to pull the cluch linkage apart. Are the 1 3/4 in tubes big enough? Did the finish hold up well? Do the collectors hang down and scape the street or fit up tight to the floor?

Bruce, yeah, the Z-bar needs to be removed for installation, but they fit great in front of it.

They hold their finish real well.

That car has a moderate 396, and it runs great with 1 3/4 tubes.

They tuck up real nice under the car too. Nice ground clearance.

Word's can't describe how much I hate my Hooker Super Comps! (2 1/8") Well, yes they can.
http://epitomesrebuild.com/images/229.JPG

This is from my web site;
Well, this picture makes the work look better than it was. The new headers are causing several unseen problems.
1. The locking steering column lock lever hits the #5 tube. I had to reverse the actuating rod and also bend the column lever.
2. The number six tube was touching the upper idler arm mounting bolt.
3. The #2 tube was interfering with the tie rod end. It needed to be dented-in a quarter inch.
4. And look at that spark plug access for #'s 5 and 7! Number 5 plug can only be installed with an open-end wrench on the socket and #7 can only be accessed from below by JACKING UP THE CAR. Even the plug wire has to be routed to the rear of the head and come up from below!
5. Don't forget the pound of iron I had to grind off of the block to recess the starter motor. And it's a mini starter!
6. After starting the engine a new vibration was apparent. The #5 tube was hitting the power steering steel line. I bent it clear. Of course that is not the fault of Hooker. These headers are sold for non-power steering cars. I sure wish I had my Mickey Thompson Super Scavengers back.
UPDATE; Add another outragious design feature. (02/29/2008) I just removed the passenger header to have a bung welded to it for the O2 sensor of the new Retrotek fuel injection. I HAD TO PULL THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT and jack up the engine so all the twists and turns of the pipes would clear the frame. That makes 7 crappy faults and counting! Grrrr

Now back to live action.
The best headers I've had were my Mickey Thompson's. If you know someone who builds headers, they aren't hard to duplicate. I can describe the construction if you want. And I tried to talk Mickey Thompson company into making them again. No luck. They're only doing tires now.

Fred,

I heard your your opinion of the Hookers loud and clear in other threads that I looked at prior to posting. I checked your web site just now. Nice! My car looks like yours without the stripes and vinyl top. Oh yea and not as clean and original. Nice car!

Don/All,
So how high of jack stands will I need to slide that drivers side header in from underneath?

Since I am pulling 2" primary headers out now can I assume the motor mounts are correct? Or will I pull these out and not be able to get the new ones in?

Bruce, Thank You!

One more thing most of the headers including the Hedman 68198 say " Not recommended for use with aluminum heads" Whats up with that? My car has the aluminum heads. What kind of additional problems will that cause? :(

Bruce, here are the Hedmans on a 502 with aluminum heads.

http://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs/images/shop%20zz%20010.jpg

They mean that the head bolts can interfere with the bottom header flange.

Test fit, and then just some minor grinding on the flanges will be fine.

One more thing about my Hookers: One of the guys here (who shall remain nameless) said my passenger header would drop-in better than lifting from the bottom. FORGETABOUTIT! I got it in yesterday the way I took it out i.e.; extremely difficultly! I had the engine jacked to one side as far as it would go and it still took an hour to find the sweet spot. For the driver’s side, if it ever needed removal? Yep shop crane. Out comes the engine. These things really suck!
Don, I can't tell you how much I envy your Hedmans!

I have a set of Flotechs and they went in without any problems and they are much less $$$ than the others mentioned and they are coated and look awesome. My $.02

hey i have a question if i may piggy back i just sold my 3rd gen as a bbc roller and i still have the bullet. i drag race and just ran across a 78 4 speed car. what long tube headers can i use. i need the tubes to be atleast 1 and 7 8ths or bigger

What headers work well for a 69 Big Block and are NOT impossible to install?

While swapping steering boxes to a 3rd gen. unit I decided this would be a good time to replace the bent up, leaky, road scraping, rusty old headers.

What brand and model do you guys like? What is easy to install (I am working without a lift or hoist under jack stands in my small garage and I can only assume the butcher who converted my car from a 350 to the 396 used the correct motor mounts!)? What should I buy and from where should I buy it?

I am running the Patriot Shorty headers (1-3/4")on my 396 - 5 speed. Passenger side dropped in from top and driver side from underneath.

I am converting from Manual to an AGR PS box right now. I'll post a picture after the install this weekend. This photo is with the stock manual box - plenty of clearance

Tom

What headers work well for a 69 Big Block and are NOT impossible to install?...
... What should I buy and from where should I buy it?

Hands down, the nicest and best fitting headers I used lately are from Lemons.
Their BPT-600 - http://www.lemonsheaders.com/products/bbpt-600.htm - are great for the stock steering set-up.
A little pricey to some, but by the time I get a set from someone else prepped and coated they start looking like a bargain to me - ready to go out of the box :thumbsup:

Hands down, the nicest and best fitting headers I used lately are from Lemons.
Their BPT-600 - http://www.lemonsheaders.com/products/bbpt-600.htm (http://www.lemonsheaders.com/products/bbpt-600.htm) - are great for the stock steering set-up.
A little pricey to some, but by the time I get a set from someone else prepped and coated they start looking like a bargain to me - ready to go out of the box :thumbsup:

:yes:x2.............Here's the BBPT-600's on my big block '69........................

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/648HP468.jpg


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-007F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-019F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-018F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-011F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-010F.jpg

David F.

Hands down, the nicest and best fitting headers I used lately are from Lemons.
Their BPT-600 - http://www.lemonsheaders.com/products/bbpt-600.htm - are great for the stock steering set-up.
A little pricey to some, but by the time I get a set from someone else prepped and coated they start looking like a bargain to me - ready to go out of the box :thumbsup:

Lemons appear to be a great fit. Is there any way to get a coated set of headers that fit AFR heads for less than $1200? Stahl has a set as well but they don't fit power steering.

Again, I'm running 2" Hooker SC's on my little 468 with AFR 305's.

The wheelie got a little out of control on this pass and not a scratch on the headers. :D

YouTube - Camaro Wheelie

:yes:x2.............Here's the BBPT-600's on my big block '69........................

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/648HP468.jpg


http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-007F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-019F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-018F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-011F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-010F.jpg

David F.

Ground clearance.......car is slightly lowered.........

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/IMG_0037.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/IMG_0036.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/IMG_0035.jpg

Lemons BBPT-600

David F.

David i like alot.... After i bang these hooker super comps up i will have to get me some of those.

David i like alot.... After i bang these hooker super comps up i will have to get me some of those.

Thanks Skip :beers:. I finally got to take the hotrod for a drive today :D.

David F.

Hedman 68198
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HED%2D68198&view=32&N=700+

The RH header drops in from the top, and the LH goes in from the bottom. It's easier with the steering box off.

Lots of clearance as seen on this 69 BB car.

http://hometown.aol.com/zz430droptop67rs/images/pictures%20643.jpg
Don can you re-upload those photos of the Hedman 68198 BB headers?
Those shots are not popping up.

Thanks
Tom

I have those Hedman headers on sale this moth for 369.99 shipped.
The warehouse is currently out of stock, but should have some more in within the next 2 weeks.

http://cs3automotive.com/index.php?a=PROD:1601

I have to admit those lemons headers are the hot setup.but dollar for dollar the best value is the hooker competition 2457 header. perfect fit on my bb 4spd 69 . no clearance or plug access problems. my 525 goes 10.20s@137mph shifting at 7200 through 3" pipes to 4" bullet muffs ,so i dont think the 2" primary tubes are hurting .anyone tested different headers back to back?

I have to admit those lemons headers are the hot setup.but dollar for dollar the best value is the hooker competition 2457 header. perfect fit on my bb 4spd 69 . no clearance or plug access problems. my 525 goes 10.20s@137mph shifting at 7200 through 3" pipes to 4" bullet muffs ,so i dont think the 2" primary tubes are hurting .anyone tested different headers back to back?
Eric, I researched alot of previous posts and it looks like most have had good luck with the 2457 Hookers. Do you have Power Steering and how is the ground clearance?

I agree the Lemons are hot; altho pricey.

Im sorry i do not have power steering. Ground clearance has never been an issue . from the side you see about 1" of thelower tubes and collector.I've broken off a few front spoilers but never scraped the headers.

.........I agree the Lemons are hot; altho pricey.

.........and they are designed to work with power steering,which I have on my Camaro:D.Pricey:yes:High quality and craftsmanship:yes::thumbsup::thumbsup:.

David F.

Thanks Skip :beers:. I finally got to take the hotrod for a drive today :D.

David F. Wait a minute i just caught this, you went for a spin without me :mad:.....

How did she run like a champ :D.

Wait a minute i just caught this, you went for a spin without me :mad:.....

How did she run like a champ :D.

I had to be very careful, I didn't want you to know I was out cruisin' 'cuz my "little" 468 wouldn't stand a chance against that monster 498.:pout:.
I cruised my local Sonic and Burger King then paid Mickey D's a visit. Got major :thumbsup:......except from the people at all of the drive through's, for some reason the attendants couldn't hear 'em placing orders.........hmm....I wonder why??????????

David F.

I had to be very careful, I didn't want you to know I was out cruisin' 'cuz my "little" 468 wouldn't stand a chance against that monster 498.:pout:.
I cruised my local Sonic and Burger King then paid Mickey D's a visit. Got major :thumbsup:......except from the people at all of the drive through's, for some reason the attendants couldn't hear 'em placing orders.........hmm....I wonder why??????????

David F. Now that is awesome, can i take your order... Do i hear Lemon Headers out there :yes:.... So are you saying that you got a little Mickey and pavement contact :D. My 498 is allot milder then i thought it would be compared to that sick radical 468 with massive HP :thumbsup:. It must have felt nice coming out of Burger King and grabbing a little:hurray:.

Now that is awesome, can i take your order... Do i hear Lemon Headers out there :yes:.... So are you saying that you got a little Mickey and pavement contact :D. My 498 is allot milder then i thought it would be compared to that sick radical 468 with massive HP :thumbsup:. It must have felt nice coming out of Burger King and grabbing a little:hurray:.

Oh no,I wouldn't do anything like that Skip:noway::yes:.

David F.

David..can i ride in the rear seat..imagine the wheelies with my lard a$$ back their.:D.Skip..you get to ride shotgun..you asked first.:yes:
Imagine 3 big block fools under one roof..would make for some serious banter.:beers:

Oh no,I wouldn't do anything like that Skip:noway::yes:.

David F. I hear you, i bet some heads were turning wondering what the hell is that:D. I realy want to see and hear a video of your car, its gotta sound mental compared to mine:yes:.

David..can i ride in the rear seat..imagine the wheelies with my lard a$$ back their.:D.Skip..you get to ride shotgun..you asked first.:yes:
Imagine 3 big block fools under one roof..would make for some serious banter.:beers: That would be a sick sight to see and hear :cool:.. George yes we want you in the back just encase the Micky's brake loose:D.

David..can i ride in the rear seat..imagine the wheelies with my lard a$$ back their.:D.Skip..you get to ride shotgun..you asked first.:yes:
Imagine 3 big block fools under one roof..would make for some serious banter.:beers:
Man that would be fun. What I would like to do is go for a ride in a blown car like yours George:yes:. I bet that's a fun ride:hurray:.

David F.

I hear you, i bet some heads were turning wondering what the hell is that:D. I realy want to see and hear a video of your car, its gotta sound mental compared to mine:yes:.

Skip,
I have just bought a new digital camera with video capability but I don't think the memory card that came with the camera has enough memory to shoot a video. I will buy another card with more memory and give it a try:yes::thumbsup::thumbsup:.

David F.

Man that would be fun. What I would like to do is go for a ride in a blown car like yours George:yes:. I bet that's a fun ride:hurray:.

David F.

David..anytime you happen to be in the Big D for a visit..pm me and i will flip you the keys to the blown big block.She,s in street trim at 750hp/750tq.I can easily turn up the wick with a pulley swap if i know you are coming.:D

David..anytime you happen to be in the Big D for a visit..pm me and i will flip you the keys to the blown big block.She,s in street trim at 750hp/750tq.I can easily turn up the wick with a pulley swap if i know you are coming.:D Can i ride shot gun too....

David..anytime you happen to be in the Big D for a visit..pm me and i will flip you the keys to the blown big block.She,s in street trim at 750hp/750tq.I can easily turn up the wick with a pulley swap if i know you are coming.:D

:beers::cool:.
You mentioned some time ago about gettin' together with a couple of your buddies to get a group picture of your cars.....have you been able to do that??? If not,when you do, email me the pics and I'll post them for you:yes:.

David F.

Hay just because i have a pinner rear tire, doesn't mean you guys can single me out of the mix...

:beers::cool:.
You mentioned some time ago about gettin' together with a couple of your buddies to get a group picture of your cars.....have you been able to do that??? If not,when you do, email me the pics and I'll post them for you:yes:.

David F.

You know David..we have been thru a tough winter and still have snow on the ground.The cars are in the shop awaiting a break in the weather and April rain to wash the salt of the roads,.but I will get that group shot off to you.A couple of camaros..a chevelle and a bel air all big block powered.:cool:

Can i ride shot gun too....

You bet Skip.I'll just sit home and listen to the police scanner,no gps reqd if you and david are romping on her.:D:beers:

You bet Skip.I'll just sit home and listen to the police scanner,no gps reqd if you and david are romping on her.:D:beers:hahahahahaha thats awesome, just uncap the exhaust so you wont need the police scanner you can just hear us:yes:...