The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Header selection for a 350 sbc in a 38 truck

A member told me to post in Hipo, 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.

Just a 'heads-up' on close fitting headers. I pick up a nice set for my 350 install from a buddy for a really good price only to find the spark plug boots touched the headers on several plugs. Returned the headers to my friend and paid big bucks for another manufacturer (Sanderson). On the way out the door the salsperson told me to be sure and install short sparkplugs or the boots will touch. Huh?! Are not all car engine spark plugs about the same length? I had already purchased and installed a set of AC Delco plugs as it's a new GM 350. Bought a set of correct heat range NGKs...problem solved. That brain poot cost me a $175.00.

Not sure if you are talking about block huggers headers or regular headers but in looking at my block huggers (a used pair a friend gave me for fit check) they have the same issue I guess that is one more reason not to use them. Anyone have a suggestion of a header with good clearance all around for my 38?

I was speaking of the hugger type. I cut the frame about 12" in front of the firewall to install a '84 Corvette front end. It ended up being a three month chore including new frame rails, new 350 crate motor, new steering column with all new stuff to p/s box, new floor shifter, new inner fenders, new complete brake system from pedal to m/c with dual booster. As I build it I could work around all the interference problem that guys who just replace one item or system face. I would post pics but while I got them on 'photobucket' I don't know how to get them here.

Wow that sounds like quite a job, just post the website address for your picutres on photobucket, I would like to see the pictures.
Thanks, Mike

Another set of headers that save a lot of space are the S-10 conversion headers.They are made especially for installing a 350 into an S-10 pickup,I believe Headman makes them. I used a set on a 1937 Chevy streetrod and they worked out just fine.They exit to the rear,unlike the blockhuggers that exit in the middle. Just a thought.

Dale, I was considering the hedman s-10 conversion do you have a picture of the headers or the headers and block in the 37? Hedman does make a s-10 conversion header just want to make sure we are talking about the same one, any help would be great.

I have to use "shorty" style header plugs on my '78 Z28. Accel offers them and they are about 1/2" to 3/4" shorter than the standard plugs. Keeps the boots from burning on the headers and makes the plugs easier to install & remove.

Mike38 Sorry,but I no longer have the 37,and I have no pix. However the S-10 conversion headers work in a lot of tight spaces.On my 37 they worked out just fine.

Mike I see by your profile that you live in CA.which means you should be close to a hotrod shop. I am fortunate to live fairly close to Summit Racing and another good hotrod shop,where I can look things over before I buy them.Something you might want to ck.out.

on my 39 when i was fitting it for a 305 "since went with a inline 250" but i could best of all of them were the stock ram horn exhaust headers they exit in the center clearing any of your steering and brake prob and they stay close to the block

I may have to trailer the truck which is under construction to a shop and see if they would allow me to make a fit check. Not sure a shop will allow me to do that but it may be worth a try.