The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Proper Headers for a 350 SBC on a 51 Chevrolet / 78 Camaro Clip

I am installing a 78 Camaro front clip on my 51 Chevrolet 3100 and I am wondering if anyone has experience with the best headers to fit that setup? I understand that the front clip might not make any difference, but I'm still learning and I also understand that there could be some modifying and bending involved no matter which way I go, but I figured that I would ask.

What headers best fit a 350 small block Chevy on a 51 Chevrolet 3100 with a 78 Camaro front clip (second series)?

Thank you guys!

Header design and fit questions open up a whole can of worms. Unless you're running some sort of custom exhaust system with equal-length header tubes from each cylinder tuned for a specific power gain at an RPM range most street engines never see, headers of any kind just make a fashion statement when the hood is open. They also increase the under-hood temperature and noise level, and roast spark plug wires. Pick whatever looks good to you, and put up with the problems they create. I believe I could outrun anyone who wanted to GIVE me a set of headers for street use. Cast iron exhaust manifolds with the outlet near the firewall on both sides make the most sense for pre-1955 trucks that originally came equipped with a stovebolt six, and until very high RPM ranges are encountered, there won't be a measurable difference in power on a dyno run.
Jerry

Usually, the problem happens because of steering. I put in an '86 TPI out of a Corvette, which had the Corvette huggers already on them. I welded up the air injection bungs, and had to pie cut one collector to clear the front crossmember. I believe companies like Sanderson Headers make a hugger specifically for a Camaro clip. I just saved a few bucks by modifying an OEM manifold. My goal isn't to try to beat Jerry in a race, but to cruise to the place where I can watch the race. Actually, my goal is to get the carbon monoxide behind me and not seeping in to the cab!

Click on my link below to see some of this stuff of where I've been and where you're going.

I would just use a header that works with the Camaro clip. If you are using the motor mounts original to the clip you should have any clearance issues.

The “ shorty “ style gives you a lot more flexibility than the long tube type.
Suggest getting powder coated rather than chromed - no rusting or discoloration problems

I just put up some shorty headers in the for sale section

My experience with this is that I have owned a 2nd gen Camaro, and used Hedman 68600 shorty style headers, they worked great, plenty of clearance.