68 Camaro with A/C = NO headers?

Pete68 · May 5, 2009

I have a 68 camaro

327 (Does NOT have smog air pump)
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
TH350 AT with console shift
The car is lowered 2" in the front and 3" lower in the rear (This is the only thing different from stock)

1) With the low ride height I'm concerned that full length headers will scape on every bump and dip
2) Nobody seems to make a mid length header that will work with air conditioning
3) Im getting mixed review on whether the block hugger header will work, I tried the Hedman 68390 and it didnt fit on either side, hit A/C case and steering box.

I can find NO headers that will work. Can anyone help? Thanks.

Everett#2390 · May 5, 2009

Doug Thorley Tri-Y?

68Softtop · May 6, 2009

Pete- Don't know if it helps, but I've got a '68 vert with the aftermarket Classic Air and it's running Hooker Super Comps. Fit is tight, but works. My problem is I keep losing steering gears and starters due to heat (I think). Headers are ceramic coated. I'm looking at Doug's D368's that I am told will also work but give me a bit more clearance.

Steiner · May 6, 2009

Pete68 · May 6, 2009

A few of the ones listed do not fit, Summit shows them as fitting but if you go to the hedman website they specifically say will not fit 67-69 camaro with A/C. Ill look into the JBA's. Thanks.

Does anyone know if LT1 manifolds will fit?

MarkP. · May 6, 2009

Pete,

FWIW, I have a 69 Camaro with 327 & A/C. I was able to use Summit's Ceramic coated full lenght headers. They fit pretty good. But, my car hasn't been lowered. Just thought I would throw this out there.

mferris72 · May 8, 2009

I gave up on headers in my 68 AC car. I ported the manifolds to the gaskets and heads to the gaskets. For street use the flow difference is not that big a deal.

chucky 67 · May 8, 2009

I checked up on a set of Hooker headers for my 67 383 with AC. and a TKO 600 5 speed. and this is the responce I got.

I have a set that shows to work with A/C with the addition of another bracket that we offer however we have never test fit a set with that trans so we don't know if it will work or not. The part number is 2130hkr black paint or 2130-1hkr ceramic coat.

Rob.Canada · May 12, 2009

I also gave up on the idea of headers for my 68 with AC, I did as Ferris did I pulled the manifolds off and cleaned out the ports, I couldn't believe the crap that's in there.
Did I gain HP? Probably, Do I have to worry about burning plug wires, Steering gears, exhaust leaks? NOPE !

68IslTeal · May 12, 2009

Well the issue with the headers and AC is the mounting correct? Look into March pulley's, they sale alt, ac, ps, mounting brackets seperately or all in one kit. These brackets put the bolt ons in front of the engine and out of the way.

69SS 350 5 Speed · May 12, 2009

I use Dynomax coated headers in the 69. I installed a Moroso starter shield and do not have an overheating problem. I installed Vintage Air and purchased a bracket and pulley set from Zoops. With the long water pump, everything fits in front of and to the side of the engine. If you are running a short pump, there may be some more issues. Sinceit does not appear that you are going for originality, switch to the long water pump. You have more mounting options. Click the link in my sig to see a picture of the setup.

6089WALLY · May 13, 2009

I have the same set up except mine is not lowered. I have coated Hedmans that are tucked up very close but I have no clearance issues underneath. You cant even see the collectors from the side of the car. I dont have the part number but I know I got these from Jegs. I bought these prob 10 yrs ago .

Dans67 · Aug 4, 2009

Pete,

Not sure if you ever found headers for your car, but I am running almost an identical setup as you (67 vs 68, 700R4 vs TH350), and using the Dynomax ceramic coated full length headers without any problems. They are tight, and changing plugs and/or header gaskets is quite the undertaking, but they fit without the massaging of a hammer, and they look great.

Photo doesn't show the headers, you can't see much on the passenger side anyway, but will give you a point of reference for location of engine components, and if it is similar to your setup.

Thanks,

Dan

68DaveV · Aug 4, 2009

I am running summit brand headers on my 68 with vintage air. Really no fitment issues at all. Car has not been lowered.

mstehle · Aug 5, 2009

Have you checked into Lemons Headers? http://www.lemonsheaders.com/products.htm. He made a nice set for my Chevelle which has factory AC and is lowered. Fit great and perfect access to the plugs. He may have something for your Camaro too. A little pricey but worth it in the long run in my opinion. I should have gone to him first rather than go with the Super Comps I put on the first time.

Good luck.

Pete68 · Aug 5, 2009

Thanks for the reply guys, I ended up putting stock manifolds back on and decided to worry bout headers when I do an LS1 swap. I had to get something on in time as my car was being shot for Muscle Car Power magazine for an exhaust instal, keep an eye out for it. Thanks again! : )

Daral · Aug 7, 2009

68IslTeal said:
Well the issue with the headers and AC is the mounting correct? Look into March pulley's, they sale alt, ac, ps, mounting brackets seperately or all in one kit. These brackets put the bolt ons in front of the engine and out of the way.

That is just part of the issue. The biggest problem is clearance around the AC Box.

rjp73 · Aug 23, 2009

Dan,

Do you know the part number of those Dynamax headers? At Summit, all the Dynamax say 'no A/C' under the application.

68 Camaro with A/C = NO headers?

Pete68

Everett#2390

68Softtop

Steiner

Pete68

MarkP.

mferris72

chucky 67

Rob.Canada

68IslTeal

Attachments

69SS 350 5 Speed

6089WALLY

Dans67

68DaveV

mstehle

Pete68

Daral

rjp73

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