The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Header selection for a 350 SBC in a 1938 truck

Hey guys just installed a Total Cost Involved IFS, 350 SBC and a T-5 5 speed. I am trying to choose a set of headers that will clear the motor mounts, steering rod and clutch slave cyclinder. I can always use block huggers but the pair a friend gave me hit the motor mount on the motor side. Was looking at the Hedman shorty 69648, anyone try those? do they fit inside the frame and clear the steering rod without any modifications? No luck with hedman tech support, any help.

I have never liked headers, they produce so much more heat inside the vehicle but some think they are worth it... oh, they look cool but not for me..

I drive the car ever where not just a week-end warrior...lol

my 52 sedan does just fine without them, dual exhaust with early 60's manifold...

Engine & Drivetrain:
350ci engine from a 74 Chevy pickup (4-bolt mains)
Bored 0.030 mild porting
Warehouse Edelbrock Performer EPS aluminum intake
Holley 600 4-barrel HEI ignition
Muncie 4-speed
Numbers say it's an M20, but shift linkage would suggest an M21 Hydraulic clutch
Custom driveshaft from Drivetrain of Mesquite
70 Nova 10-bolt rear axle with 2.73 gears
Custom exhaust from Muffler King Smithy's glasspacks


pix of engine

good luck with your choice,
you might consider also putting your question in the hi pro section

That's what heat shield and AC is for.

I think you would be pleasantly surprised with a good set of headers and larger exhaust. I remember when the headers rusted out on dad's '69 GMC and he put stock manifolds on. It still had plenty of power, but somewhat restricted.

I am saying that I have owned two with them and no air but even with air I would not have them..

The 52 truck had them, it was insulated well and in the hot tx summer it would burn your butt up inside the cab in stop and go traffic, true, it did not have air... my sedan has air and there is no way I would put headers on it...........plus they are usually in the way of something...

I had a 66 mustang convert with them, it was almost impossible to change the starter... .. just my opinion.....

I would like to see a pix of his 38

mike38 was asking for help, and not advice whether he should or shouldn't, so I did not help much there..

I am sure they add a little more ump but not enough for me to want them.. mine runs just fine without them..

just adding my two cents

maybe someone will chime in that has a 38 truck to help him select the correct one..

I'm running the block huggers on my 37 but that is because I had them and they work for me.
I'm doing a 52 panel and I'm using a set of 283 headers that I like better than block huggers.... why? Well, they do not cut in close to the engine which would put more heat on the engine, they also point "straight" down and give me more room actually than the blcok huggers. Depending on you application you may want to consider the 283 "ram horn" style. I like the ones I have because they also have the "built in" places for the alternator/generator on both of the manifolds.
Let us know what you choose and how it works. I'm curious.

I have block huggers on my '40, with 327 SB. Frame clearance is good. Steering has ( 2 ) universal joints to Mustang 2 power rack. I used a mini-starter for additional clearance to exhaust. Biggest problem I had was with " cooking " the plug wires. Finally went with shorty plugs and thermal socks on outside wires to solve problem.

that is a very nice 40.....what will it do in 1/4 of a mile?

Hey guys thanks for all the comments, especially the one about stock exhaust manifolds and trying the hipo section. Also Achipmunk do you have a picture of the ram horn headers or a brand name and or model number? just anything to send me in that direction to check out your suggestion?

Thanks Joker - haven't had the guts to run her down the track yet. Rear Universal joint is a little suspect so I don't want to abuse her too much. I'm guessing 320 / 330 HP - I would think high 13's / 95 MPH ?

Don't know for sure but the s-10 headers for a V8 might be tight enough to fit in your truck. I saw some irregulars (factory mistakes) somewhere on the internet within the last month selling for under a C-note. I can't seem to find it now though. might have been Speedway or Jeggs

Mike, I can take a picture. I just bead blasted them in my cabinet last night.
I just posted the numbers in the General Truck Talk Forum asking someone to identify the year of make. That info may help when I put the alt. and the power steering pump on.
Take a look over there and let me know if you want a picture. I plan to take one anyway to put in my album.