The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Block Hugger Headers... your recommendations?

Hey Guys...

Last time we were under the hood of my '37 we noticed that the old exhaust manifolds on my motor had developed some fine cracks in areas which means they probably wouldn't pass inspection...

When the motor is running, exhaust is visibly escaping so it's obvious I need to replace what I have with something better...

I asked Achipmunk what he's using on his truck since space is very limited under the hood and he said he uses "Block Hugger" headers... I figured that would be easy enough, but did a net search and it seems like everyone and their dog makes a version of block huggers!

Any ideas/suggestions what the best quality 'block huggers' are for the money on a small block 327/350 or what supplier has the best prices?

Thanks in advance for your help...

~Trev

I picked up a set of used Hedman ceramic coated block huggers last yoer off ebay. I think they ran around $100. You can pickup some new uncoated ones fairly cheap.

I went with sanderson headers on my 57.nice header but had to send back for shortening to make fit .when I ordered them they assumed I was running auto trans but I have manual.When they came in they hit crossmember.returning, shortening,recoating & reshipping = 6 weeks. Still had to notch crossmember to get clearance.

I put on a set of used ones on my 59 don't know the brand name but they fit real good. I'm running auto tranny in it and didn't have any clearance issues anywhere. Maybe I just got lucky.

I'd probably never get that lucky highwayman... I'd probably end up having to send mine back like starterman to get the right ones...

Oh well looks like I have to pull off the existing exhaust manifolds anyway to see what size and shape of ports are on this motor and knowing what some of you guys have been through will take some careful measurements while I'm at it too...

Thanks for the ideas... I'll keep checking back in case there are any more... too much knowledge is never a bad thing!

~Trev

Hi Trev,

I bought a set from southern rods. They are all stainless, polished and cost $190.00 although I think know they may be closer to 250.00. It came with flanges, gaskets and bolts.

I've seen others for around 350.00 or so. Anyway you cut it, for me it was money well spent as they will last forever and have the look.

If you can come across a set of exhaust manifolds from an earlier corvette say around mid 60's the high performance engines used an exhaust manifold with a center exit of 2-1/2". These manifolds have excellent clearance abilities and I perfer them over any block hugger header on the market. The block hugger's are a copy of this technology.


Dave

Trev,

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3823,47_SandB-Chevy-Cast-Iron-Tru-Ram-Exhaust-Manifolds.html?itemNo=ram's%20horn

Check out these. In my opinion they offer the performance of headers, have great looks, are priced right and are cast iron.

If you do find a set of original rams horn's off a corvette with the 2-1/2 dump they will cost you at least this much...unless you get very lucky as a lot of rodders used these and most know their value. The much less popular 2" can be found all day long and are priced as such.

Hope this helps,
Dave

Thanks for your help guys... I'll make a decision just as soon as I decide if I'm gonna buy a done up S-10 mentioned in one of my other posts and if I will still need 'em...!

~Trev