This has probably been dealt with in the past, but excuse the question. Will Hedman headers clear the power steering box on a '69? Also, will all of the brackets for the pump still be able to be used with headers?

Can't speak for the Hedman's but I have Hooker Super Comps which are probably similar. Pump clearance is good, edge of the pitman arm may be very close (mine is). Simple spacer is used on the very forward header bolt on mine and pump mounts fine.

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Shawn Peterson
1969 Z28, 406SB

I also have super comps....no problems...

Shawn and mccorry - what size Super Comps are you running? I'm considering 1 3/4" but worry about the fit. I have Hedman 1 5/8" now and they're really close to the pump. Did you have to make any clearance dents (like on #1 spark plug)? How about getting the headers bolts in?

Do you have the ceramic coating? If so - do you recommend it? Do you know if the coating will withstand a little "whack job" if you have to put in a clearance dent or does it crack and fall off?

Thanks for any and all advice!

I run 1 3/4" ceramic coated....

Steve

Mine has a tiny clearance dent in near the PS pump. (Don't know which cylinder it is off hand. ) But in all honesty I think I could get away without it. I recently rebuilt my front end and it was necessary to un-bolt the header to get the pitman arm off. The dent made it possible to do without completely removing the header, I just had to loosen all the bolts. If I didn't have that little dent, I suspect I would have been taking the left header all the way off. But once it's on, it looks like the dent might not be necessary, you would have to see how much the engine is twisting under load. When I rev the motor right at the carb and watch it I think it would probably be o.k. without the dent. Long answer, but that's what I see on mine.

P.S. I have a 406 SB,TH400 and 1 3/4 Supercomps. Mine aren't coated, but are still in very good condition. I'm going to take them off this winter and coat them with POR Black Velvet.

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Shawn Peterson
1969 Z28, 406SB

New update in the Great Header Debate... I just did a front end rebuild. Read: New Pitman and Idler arms. My new Idler arm is slightly wider at the base than my original, and guess what.... Rub o'ramma on the headers. Not too bad, but annoying. I think I'll need to pull it off and put a small clearance dent in it.... eek. By the way, it's the idler arm that comes in a PST kit.

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Shawn Peterson
1969 Z28, 406SB

Shawn,

I had the same problem. Hooker's response was that since it was not a factory item all bets are off. The problem is, when was the last time Hooker ever tried to purchase a GM idler arm for an early F-body? Get out your 5 lb persuader.