What are some good midlength headers for my '69 Camaro with the original 327 and 3-spd manual. Its a manual steer now, but I'm going to convert it to power steering soon. What headers will clear the stock Clutch linkage and the steering and 327 motor mounts? Thanks Keith

Well, Thorley 376-Y1 aren't really shorty/midlength, but they ARE 1+5/8" Tri-Y's that clear PS and the clutch Z-bar just fine. They also "tuck up" tight to the floor so they don't hang below the subframe. The Reverse lockout/backdrive linkage that goes between the trans and the steering column will NOT fit though....

If you can live with that, the 1+5/8" primaries and Tri-Y design should play quite well on a 327 (I like them on my 283 stroker motor)

Ok just a quick question on headers?

short headers - top end performance
mid headers/ tri Y's - mid range performance
full length headers - bottom end performance

Does that old rule of thumb still hold true?

Well, Thorley 376-Y1 aren't really shorty/midlength, but they ARE 1+5/8" Tri-Y's that clear PS and the clutch Z-bar just fine. They also "tuck up" tight to the floor so they don't hang below the subframe. The Reverse lockout/backdrive linkage that goes between the trans and the steering column will NOT fit though....

If you can live with that, the 1+5/8" primaries and Tri-Y design should play quite well on a 327 (I like them on my 283 stroker motor)

I had these TriY headers on my car, they make a small motor come alive by bringing the motor at a lower torque range. They clear manual and ps as well as Z bar but with any headers , the Z bar has to be moved out of the way to get them up into engine bay. None of these headers allow the reverse lock out rod. Did you say 3 speed manual on the floor?

Not sure about fit and some might flame the heck out me but I have had set of Flow_tech shortys for years with out issue. Replaced the gaskets one time, when to the percys copper on the bottom and never had a leak issue. i used them witha columb shifted auto power glide 67 327. Had to rotate the shift linkage on the frame but it was not big deal.

Like I said not sure about the manual fit though. They were at the time only about $100.00 from Summit. Flame away guys but as I said they have been great headers. I planned to buy others as these were replacing a cracked cast iron manifold and I needed a cheap quick et of headers to get me back on the road.

Now if I were going to spend some money on a nicer set I think I would be getting Dougs shortys and have them do the flow master ball/socket conversion (like a manifold attaches to the exhaust) on the header to exhaust flange.

Joe

Ok just a quick question on headers?

short headers - top end performance
mid headers/ tri Y's - mid range performance
full length headers - bottom end performance

Does that old rule of thumb still hold true?

There are so many variables to consider, primary diameter, tube length, collector design, that it's hard to apply any rule of thumb.

Here's a good read on the subject. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/tech/engines_drivetrain/exhaust/0808chp_chevy_header_and_exhaust_tech/index.html

Thanks for the help. And yes it is a 3-spd in the floor. Eventually I'm hoping for a 5-spd. A friend of mine has a Saginaw 4-spd I might get for the time being. I've got a 6-spd with a LTi for another project and have available another 6-spd for cheap, but it costs alot to get everything you need to install them. Keith