The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Looking for a set of headers for my 55

Hello you all

I'm looking for a set of headers, need a little advice. I have a 55 , 3200 that I am in the process of rebuilding/restoring. Frame off now it's going back together.
I have a 350 first generation SBC that I just rebuilt and thats going into the truck.
Does any one out there have a suggestion on what type of headers would fit, make/ model ect, not looking for the hugger type, going to hot rod it a little, lots of chrome on the engine, tri power carbs ect. Clean engine compartment, you know what I'm talking about.
Muncie four speed, going on the floor.
Looking for the short headers or full length something that would fit without any or a lot of modification if that's possible. Ceramic coating is what I think is best, just looking for the right fit.
Truck is still in the building stage, going to put the engine in maybe next week, then looking to start working on the exhaust system.
Any suggestions much appreciated..

would help to know 1st or 2nd series, but probably either way, block huggers are likely the only style that won't require lots of modifications, especially moving the steering - might try checking with the various makers to see if anyone lists the specific application

Bill

thanks for your reply, it's a 2 nd series, was hoping someone out there might just happen to have 55 with a SBC with headers and I could just copy what they already had.
I'm sure theres a bunch out there..
.

most folks use the original rams horns style manifolds for V8s in the TF years, fit and work well

Bill

I agree with Bill. Rams horns are tried and true. Headers are more trouble than they are worth. Most have cheap coatings that don't hold up, they generally leak everywhere after a short time, cause starters to overheat, and don't add that much for performance on a stock engine. Just my opinion.
Fred

I used a set of Hookers that were supposed to fit but hit the steering box. I believe it is due to the heads having a slightly different angle than the 283 heads had (I am using a 350 now). Anyway, Hooker sent me some extra tubes at no charge and I moved the outside header tubes forward to miss the box.

It wasn't a hard mod and has worked well. As far as leaks, I respectfully disagree. Install and retighten a time or two after they've been run and they stay pretty well.

Just an update Incase someone might be looking for a set of headers for their truck. I just purchased a set of headman headers, part number 69266. there suppose to fit.
I was impress with there support line and info.
Will let you know how they look and fit.

Someone told me that the headers made for the S-10 V-8 conversion, fit well on AD's with small blocks.

OK just an update, don't buy the Hedman headers, they don't fit.. Or at least this set didn't.
Upon receiving them they looked good, but I had problems with the clearance on the drivers side.
After many hours of trials I determined that the drivers side header flange was a difference angle then the passengers side. That made the difference, about a 1/2 inch difference. It was quite obvious when I layed them side to side on the floor the two flange's where at different angles. It appeared to me that there was a manufactured error, if the angle was the same as the passenger side they would of fit.

I contacted hedman and they agreed that might cause the problem, they should be the same, but they did not have a set to replace the one I bought. I called summit who I bought them from they were no help so I sent them back, for a refund.
OK so now I have hedman and CPP on my don't buy list..

I have truck ram horns on my 1st '55 (they turn back) w/glass packs, 2.25" pipe & echo cans straight out the back on a 350/700R combo( Mild cam). Sounds great out side, every thing clears nicely, quiet inside & under the hood. No burnt fingers or hot starters. Only way to go IMHO.